Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas conducted a  Nationwide Marine Science Expedition in the Federated States of Micronesia. As part of this exercise, A filing crew from the expedition visited the COM Land Grant Nett Point Aquaculture Hatchery and the Awak Community sea cucumber farm in Awak, U Municipality in Pohnpei on October 26, 2023. 

The team interviewed the Micronesian staff under Dr. Manoj R Nair, Director and Chief Scientist of Aquaculture technology development. Rex Edmund, Belenko Halverson, and Clayton Maluwelgiye on their personal and professional experiences as project staff and how they work towards improving ordinary Micronesians’ livelihoods.

Later, the team visited the Awak community farm in Awak, U Municipality, Pohnpei, interviewed community members, and observed first-hand farmed sea cucumber samples and how the project staff collected project data.

 

Blue Prosperity & National Geographic Pristine Seas team interviewing Rex Edmund at Nett Point Hatchery. 

Blue Prosperity & National Geographic Pristine Seas team filming data collection at the Awak sea cucumber farm site. Project staff Belenko Halverson and Rex Edmund are collecting data on farmed sea cucumbers. The Awak Sea cucumber farm can be seen in the background.