08/25/2025 - I am Wallace Sablan, an incoming senior at Kagman High School and a proud Peskadot from Tanapag village. I've always had a deep respect for our island's natural riches and a close bond with the sea having grown up surrounded by the ocean. Because I've always enjoyed swimming, fishing, and spending time on the reef, I've developed a strong interest in environmental conservation. (By Intern: Wallace Sablan)

08/22/2025 - When I go to the beach, I don’t just see sand and surf, I see science waiting to be uncovered. As a student intern, I’ve taken on a mission that means a lot to me and my community: collecting and analyzing water samples from beaches across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to help keep our ocean safe.Using tools like the YSI Meter (which tests temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) and a Turbidity Meter (which checks water clarity), I gather data directly from the shoreline and bring it back to the lab. There, we test the samples to determine how much bacteria is present in our ocean water. Whether I’m wading into the waves or recording measurements, every step helps us understand the health of our ocean. (By Intern: Ulusmar Ogumoro)

08/21/2025 - Before this summer, I had never used a machete, planted saplings, or cut down an African tulip tree. Now, I do all three before noon. As a DCRM intern with the hardworking folks at Pacific Coastal Research & Planning (PCRP), under the guidance of Zak Williams (Forestry Program Coordinator), I’ve been lucky enough to gain these new experiences. Moreover, I’ve learned how to identify and remove invasive flora, and collect data on various native and invasive trees. Most importantly, being at PCRP for the past few weeks has allowed me to see how essential their work is for keeping the CNMI’s ecosystems healthy.  (By Intern: Raja Sevugan)

08/20/2025 -  Hafa Adai yan Tirow! My name is Nevaeh Sanchez, and I’m proud to be a first-year intern in the Division of Coastal Resources Management’s (DCRM) Summer Internship Program. This summer, I had the opportunity to intern for the Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ)under the guidance of Colleen Flores, Public Information Officer. This program primarily focuses on raising awareness about environmental issues, best management practices, and the importance of protecting CNMI’s natural resources. My target audience is the local community here in Saipan, especially the youth, who have the potential to make a positive environmental impact. I'm confident that by educating our people today, future generations will definitely benefit from a more sustainable and healthier environment.( By Intern: Nevaeh Sanchez)

08/19/2025 - "The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth." - Marlee Matlin conveys a very powerful message, urging us to be respectful and take responsibility for the planet that gives us life. This summer, I was given the opportunity to intern at the Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM) within the Land Preservation Section under the guidance of David Cabrera. Working with Dave gave me valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how land preservation efforts are planned and carried out.  (By Intern: Kyrie Cepeda)

08/18/2025 - This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with DCRM’s Enforcement Section, essentially the guardians of our environment. Their job is to ensure that any activity near coastal areas like the ocean, wetlands, and shorelines follows the rules. It’s not about stopping progress but guiding it so development and nature can exist in balance. (By Intern: Justice Taitingfong)

08/15/2025 - This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with the Coastal Resource Planning Section under the guidance of Arthur Charfauros. I contributed to the ongoing development of the Division of Coastal Resource Management’s Strategic Plan. My primary responsibility was processing raw data from strategic planning workshops and organizing the information into accessible Microsoft Word documents. (By Intern: Jryden Fejeran)

08/14/2025 - Science isn’t just experiments; it's about protecting what matters. At BECQ, Environmental Laboratory specialists work hard to keep our shores safe and our drinking water clean. As a summer intern with DEQ’s Environmental Surveillance Laboratory, I've witnessed firsthand what’s in the water we rely on and why caring for our environment is vital to public health. In an article on monitoring drinking water, ScienceDirect states, “Safe water isn’t just about clarity, it's about ensuring every drop is free from harmful microbes, chemicals, and pollutants.” The article emphasizes that even trace levels of contaminants, like fecal bacteria of heavy metals, can have long-term health consequences if left unchecked. This highlights the importance of lab testing and why microbiology and chemistry testing is so essential. It’s not just data on a spreadsheet; it’s information that safeguards communities from invisible threats. (By Intern: Francine Albuen)

08/13/2025 - According to Kuo et al. (2023), “some areas with special geographical features may be more affected by coastal disasters, particularly those of tourism.” The CNMI is undergoing a variety of coastal issues from pollution to erosion, but multiple agencies and organizations are working to mitigate these threats. The Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM) offers students the opportunity to learn and work toward the CNMI’s conservation efforts through their annual Summer Internship Program, which I had the opportunity to join this year. (By Jeramiah Aquino, Intern)

08/12/2025 - Buenas yan Tirow Wami! My name is Guillerma Chong, but I more lovingly go by Emma, and this is my second year as a DCRM Summer Intern. This summer, I’ve been placed with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), working with the Wildlife Section and the Geographic Information System (GIS) team. It’s been an awesome ride—I've helped monitor native birds, compiled marine species profiles, and even learned how to fly a drone! Previously, I was placed at the Department of Coastal Resources Management under the Shoreline Monitoring Program. Going from marine to terrestrial these past two years has provided me with the true “Ridge to Reef” experience.  (By Intern: Emma Chong)

08/11/2025 - Hafa adai yan Tirow. My name is Bwilitomwar Rangamar, a recent graduate from the Class of 2025 at Marianas High School, pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Management at the Northern Marianas College (NMC). This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern with the Division of Coastal Resource Management through their Coral Reef Initiative–Coral Restoration program. This internship aligned perfectly with my goal of protecting the environment on the island that raised me. (By Intern: Dereck Rangamar)

08/08/2025 - The brown tree snake (BTS), a mildly venomous species from Papua New Guinea, arrived on Guam in the 1940s through military transport. With no predators, it spread fast and wiped out most of Guam’s forest birds. According to Wiles et al. (2003), 22 bird species were severely affected, with many disappearing or rapidly declining. Even though the BTS hasn’t established itself in the CNMI, a few have been found in cargo shipments during the 1990s and 2000s. The Brown Tree Snake Rapid Response Team was developed to respond to snake sightings in the CNMI and has been an important partner in ensuring that the CNMI remains snake free. (By Intern: Daija Sumor)

08/07/2025 - This summer, I had the opportunity to take part in the DCRM summer internship program, where I was placed with Talaya Club under the mentorship of David Cabrera. Talaya Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving traditional fishing practices and promoting marine conservation. Talaya Club offers opportunities to learn about the traditional fishing practices that have long sustained our islands. (Intern: Chelsy Reyes)

08/06/2025 - Buenas yan Hafa Adai Marianas. My name is Jesse Aldan, more known as “ Champ “. I am an upcoming Senior at MHS on Saipan, staying in the village of As Lito. As part of DCRM’s 2025 Summer internship under the Coral Reef Initiative (CRI), I work together with the CRI team to preserve, protect, and learn about our coral reef ecosystems. Working alongside mentors and peers has deepened my appreciation for the unique ecosystems that surround our islands and inspired me to conserve our ocean. This experience not only expanded my knowledge of marine biology but inspired me to commit to protecting the Marianas for our younger generation. Outreach is done to bring awareness to the people and especially to the kids. (By Intern: Jesse Aldan)

08/05/2025 - Have you ever seen the African Tulip tree? At first, it looks like a beautiful tree with orange-red flowers, but underneath it’s an aggressive invasive species. Known as Flores Guafi, the African Tulip tree threatens the Mariånas’s native ecosystems. Its toxic insecticidal properties are harmful to species like bees, and its rapid growth and wind-dispersed seeds allow it to outcompete our native plants. Though the tree is widespread across our islands, many, including myself, had no idea of the harm it causes. Learning about it made me realize how important it is to raise awareness about its impact within our communities. (By Intern: Brandee Hunter)