Restoring Coral and Culture; Healthy Reefs, Healthy Communities

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.

Under CRI’s guidance, I got my hands busy—and especially dirty—even as someone still wet behind the ears in all things environmental. I was guided through the entire process of properly analyzing and reporting data used to track the CNMI’s coral reef health. During the first few days, we were taken out to survey lagoon monitoring sites for invertebrates, logging the different organisms found on the ocean floor. But the job didn’t just involve fieldwork—we also uploaded and inputted the data we collected. We even learned how to identify different coral species found throughout our reefs, all from our desks. This information is vital in helping the CNMI. Coral reefs are one of the most important habitats found in the CNMI as they house and feed our community, fish, and other organisms. By tracking this information, the Marine Monitoring Team can identify coral reef health trends. Each time there is massive coral loss happening on our reefs, MMT works to identify causes, and find solutions for these problems. From runoff pollution, to harmful organisms, these stressors jeopardize the strength and health of the reef and it is up to the Marine Monitoring team to allay it.

Being able to work with different organizations was also crucial to my experience. Working closely with local communities and respecting cultural values at every step of marine monitoring helps create more flexible and effective management (Courtney et al., 2020). Whether it was collaborating with MINA to create items used for the coral nursery or developing outreach materials to inform the general public about the programs, these efforts build trust, bring in valuable local knowledge, and help lead to stronger conservation outcomes. I am also excited to see what the government is working on in our coral reef nursery. It is my hope that this experience contributes to my goal of becoming a biologist.

References: 

Courtney, S. (2024). Institutional impact on environmental research partnerships between Indigenous communities and mainstream scientists (Publication No. 31328412) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Washington]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.