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LAND GRANT PROGRAM
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COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij attends North Pacific Aqua Trading Company staff’s Sustainable Sea Cucumber Aquaculture presentation with Pohnpei State Governor, Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph and Pohnpei State Government Fisheries and R& D staff.

According to a press release from the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei State on March 19, 2024,

North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation, represented by General Manager Westcott Panuelo, delivered a compelling business presentation at the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA) conference room to Governor Joseph and key stakeholders.

The presentation outlined the corporation’s proactive approach to address concerns regarding foreign exploitation of local natural resources, particularly sea cucumbers, with minimal benefits to local communities and environmental sustainability.

Mr. Panuelo highlighted the increasing demand for sea cucumbers in China and emphasized the historical significance of these marine creatures as a traded commodity in our region, known as beche-de-mer.

The proposed business strategy entails a two-phase approach. The first phase focuses on infrastructure setup, collaboration with COM Land Grant for hatchery support, and community training. The second phase involves expansion and enhancement, with projections of creating over 200 job opportunities.

Acknowledging the importance of government support, Mr. Panuelo stressed the need for regulatory amendments to ensure adherence to best practices and practicality. The corporation plans to establish 50 sea cucumber farms, with 30 located within local communities, offering them a chance to participate in and profit from aquaculture activities.

Furthermore, Mr. Panuelo outlined plans to eventually allow community members to purchase shares in the corporation, fostering local ownership and involvement in the enterprise.

Governor Joseph praised the vision presented by North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation, aligning with his administration’s goals of addressing food security, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and promoting sustainable practices within local communities.

Expressing his excitement for the partnership, Governor Joseph assured Mr. Panuelo and his team, including Mr. Aspen Apis and Enlet Enlet Jr., of the full support and cooperation of the Pohnpei State Government in realizing this ambitious and beneficial initiative.

Also present during the presentation were: Mr. Stanely Lorrenij Executive Director of COM Land Grant, Mr. Clayton Hedson, Acting Administrator of OFA, Mr. Eugene Eperiam, Acting Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Jorg Anson – Nominee for the position of OFA Administrator and Mr. Mark Kostka – Nominee for the position of Director of the Department of Resources and Development.

News feature source: Press release Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State

Pictured from left to Right from far-left corner: Mr. Westcott Panuelo Mr. Stanley Lorennij , Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor, Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Mark Kostaka, Mr. Aspen Apis and Enlet Enlet Jr at Pohnpei State Office of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference Hall in Pohnpei, March 19, 2024(Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

A view during the presentation on Sustainable Sea cucumber Aquaculture done by Mr. Westcott Panuelo, North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation to the group at the Pohnpie State Office of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in Pohnpei on March 19, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

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College of Micronesia-FSM Marine Science & Aquaculture Class visits COM Nett Point Aquaculture Hatchery

On March 19, 2024, Students from the College of Micronesia-FSM’s Marine Science & Aquaculture class, guided by science instructor Peltin Olter Pelep, embarked on a site visit to the COM Nett Point aquaculture hatchery. The students were introduced to the sea cucumber hatchery operations methods, from broodstock collection, spawning, and larval rearing, Nursery -1 in the incubator, and lectures on Nursery-2 and grow-out farming methods.

Led by the hatchery project staff members Rex, Clayton, and Balenko, the students were given an overview of the incubator’s operations and species samples via microscope for observation.

Instructor Peltin demonstrated his interest in and support for the hatchery’s efforts, especially its role in promoting sustainable practices of Micronesian marine resources. He emphasized the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard the sea cucumber species from overharvesting in the wild. Peltin encouraged his students to consider internships at the hatchery, recognizing the greater opportunity for them to gain professional skills and knowledge in sustainable aquaculture practices.

Instructor Peltin hopes to take his students to the nursery farms at Nihco Marine Park and Grow-out farms later to observe and learn about the third and fourth stages of the Program, Nursery-2 and Grow-out, respectively.

COM-FSM Marine Science Students with instructor Peltin Olter Pelep during their visit to COM Land Grant Nett Point Hatchery on March 19, 2024

COM-FSM Marine Science Students observing and learning the techniques of larval rearing from COM Land Grant Nett Point Hatchery staff

COM-FSM Marine Science Students learning the techniques of spawning from Hatchery staff and COM-FSM Marine Science Alumni Rex Edmund

North Pacific Aqua Trading Company staff meets with Pohnpei State Governor, Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph to brief him on their plans to develop a sustainable Sea cucumber farming business in Pohnpei with COM Land Grant technical help.

According to a press release from the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei State on March 13, 2024,

Local entrepreneurs Mr. Westcott Panuelo, Mr. Aspen Apis, and Mr. Enlet Enlet Jr. paid a courtesy visit to Governor Joseph to introduce their innovative business venture, North Pacific Aqua Trading. The trio shared their vision of establishing a sustainable enterprise centered around the sale of sea cucumbers, harnessing the rich natural resources of our ocean.

North Pacific Aqua Trading aims to leverage the support of COM Land Grants Nursery and technical expertise on sea cucumbers to create a thriving business that aligns with environmental sustainability. The entrepreneurs expressed their commitment to responsible resource utilization and their desire to contribute positively to the local economy.

During the meeting, the entrepreneurs requested a follow-up session to elaborate further on their business concept and discuss potential collaborations with the Pohnpei State Government. Governor Joseph congratulated the trio for their entrepreneurial spirit, commended their dedication to sustainability, and assured them of his full support.

Governor Joseph shared insights from a prior meeting with COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorrenij, who hinted at exciting project collaborations on the horizon. The Governor supported the idea of key personnel from the Pohnpei State Government joining the entrepreneurs’ presentation to foster collaboration and enhance the success of North Pacific Aqua Trading.

This promising initiative exemplifies Pohnpei State’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible business practices. As the entrepreneurs prepare for the follow-up meeting, anticipation grows for North Pacific Aqua Trading’s potential positive impact on the local economy and environment.

News feature source: Press release Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Aspen Apis, Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor, Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Westcott Panuelo and Mr. Enlet Enlet Jr at Governor’s office in Pohnpei, March 13, 2024, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

A view of the meeting between Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph and the North Pacific Aqua Trading Group team at the Governor’s office in Pohnpei on March 13, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

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NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra recognizes the College of Micronesia’s EFNEP Program at the Annual EFNEP Conference in Washington, DC

NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra recognized the efforts of the College of Micronesia at the Annual Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Conference, which was held from February 23-24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. He especially read COM’s success story (2023 EFNEP Impacts (usda.gov)) among the other 79 participating universities. The meeting was attended by COM EFNEP Program Coordinator Mrs. Margaret Weital.

NIFA Director Manjit Misra also presented Margaret Weital with a certificate for her outstanding service to the program over the last 15 years.

According to NIFA, The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is the nation’s first nutrition education program for low-income populations. It remains at the forefront of nutrition education efforts to reduce nutrition insecurity of low-income families and youth today.

EFNEP is a Federal Extension (community outreach) program that currently operates through the 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Universities (LGUs) in every state, the District of Columbia, and the six U.S. territories – American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA), EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science, and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.

Further information about EFEP can be obtained here About EFNEP | NIFA (usda.gov)

Note: We will post pictures about this achievement as soon as we receive them officially from NIFA.

COM_EFNEP_SUCCESS_STORY_2024Download

The College of Micronesia Land Grant Executive Director, Mr. Stanley Lorennij, meets Dr. Anne McDonald, Director of Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan.

Dr. Anne McDonald, Director of Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan, met with COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorennij and made a courtesy call to him. Dr. McDonald and Researcher Dr. Iain Hall are in Pohnpei as consultants for the GCF Grant for the FSM Government and Pohnpei State.

During the discussions, Dr. Anne McDonald briefed Executive Director Stanley Lorennij on her roles and responsibilities at the Island Sustainability Institute. She also provided updates on the different programs and projects conducted at the Institute and the potential for collaborative efforts between COM partner colleges and Sophia University regarding Students enrolling in a fully funded Master’s program in Environmental Sciences there. Dr. McDonald was particularly interested in the COM Aquaculture Program, especially the Sea cucumber project, and explained her efforts in the conservation of sea cucumbers while working in Japan. She will explore possibilities of student and research staff exchanges between Sophia University and the COM system. Dr. Iain Hall, a visiting researcher at the Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, and Dr. Manoj Nair, in charge of aquaculture at the COM Central Office, also participated in the meeting.

Pictured from left to Right: Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant, Dr. Iain Hall, Visiting Researcher, Island Sustainability Institute, Dr. Anne McDonald, Director, Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan at COM Central Office in Pohnpei March 13, 2024, 2024

Pictured from left to Right: Doman Daoas, CFO, COM Land Grant; Ricardo Vera Cruz, Business Manager, COM Land Grant Program; Dr. Anne McDonald, Director, Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Iain Hall, Visiting Researcher, Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan and Engly Ioanis, WSARE Coordinator, at COM Central Office in Pohnpei March 13, 2024