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06/03/25 - Generations of fishers, along with groups of families and friends, spent a Sunday immersed in nautical life—without ever having to step foot in the water—as they gathered at the Garapan Fishing Base on June 1 to kick off the very first Fisher’s Recognition Week in the CNMI.
The weeklong celebration from June 1 to June 7 honors the islands’ rich fishing traditions and the contributions of local fishers—past and present—who have long played a vital role in the CNMI’s culture, economy, and environmental stewardship.
The celebration officially began with a proclamation signing on May 30, followed by the Family Day event on Sunday that brought the community together to recognize and reconnect with the islands’ deep ties to fishing.
At the event, an eye-catching “Wall of Fishers”—a large photo was on display honoring both past and present fishers from across the islands. From weathered down photographs, to recent snapshots, the wall served as a reminder of just how central fishing has been to life in the CNMI—whether for recreation, income, or simply putting food on the table.
The Family Day event also featured cultural performances, hands-on activities, local food, and booths sharing info on marine conservation and traditional fishing knowledge.
“The purpose of this event is to honor and celebrate our fishing community and to promote sustainable fishing practices so that our younger generation can enjoy them for years to come,” said Dena Kamano 2025 Fishers Steering Committee Chairperson; who also runs the Aquatic Education Program.
“Family Day is supposed to kick things off in a fun way—to get the public out here and enjoy themselves, and learn more about fisheries here in the CNMI,” said Cameron Nicolas, special advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
He further highlighted the broader impact of the fishing tradition across different communities in the CNMI. “It’s not only about sustainability and conservation—we want to recognize their importance in the community,” he said. “In the CNMI, if you look at the two indigenous cultures—Chamorro and Carolinian—fishing plays a big role in both, as well as in other ethnic groups here.”
In a message to the fishing community, he said, “To everyone who’s fishing both recreational and commercial, thank you for all that you guys do for the CNMI. This week is supposed to recognize you and the contributions you guys make and for your families too that play a big part in this. Thank you.” For those who are interested in learning to fish, he said, “We’re only a 12-mile island and we have water surrounding us. There’s different ways to fish, and if you’re interested, this is a good week to learn it.”
Leading up to the celebration, the community was invited to vote for CNMI’s official state fish. The three nominees include the Bluefin Trevally (known locally as E’e, Tarakitu, or Bweyah), the Yellow-Crowned Butterflyfish (Ababang), and the Skipjack Tuna (Bonito, Hangaraap, or Katsu). Voting will continue throughout the month.
Events this week included the Proclamation signing, the Family Day event, interview with a fisherman on the radio, and outreach with Oleai Elementary School 5th-graders.
Upcoming events on June 4 and 5 include educational outreach days at AMP with PSS 7th-graders; on June 6 at 10am and 2pm is the Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement outreach regarding fishing regulations/permits at the DFW conference room. The first 10 recreational fishers will get a free permit on their fishing gear (cast net). On the same day from 5:30pm to 9pm is Session 1 of Spearfishing Dive & Rescue Training.
On June 7 from 6am to 12pm is the Fishers Swap meet hosted by Saipan Fishermen Association in collaboration with Sabalu Farmers Market. Lastly, on June 8 from 8am to 5pm is Session 2 of Spearfishing Dive and Rescue Training.
The event was made possible by DLNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Education Program that is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration.
Kamano then acknowledged the following Fishers Steering Committee Members: Ignacio Yiftheg, Cameron Nicholas, Michael Tenorio, Sean MacDuff, Halle Martineau, Kalani Reyes, Christina Tudela, Joseph Nekaifes, Jordan Suel, Angela Dela Cruz, Curtis Doncoe, Bailey Warren, Lino Tenorio, Natashia Tomokane, Gary Sword (c/o Gordon Marciano and KKMP Staff), Asapmar Ogumoro, Sorry and Jaden Sanchez, Senator Corina, Jolyn Duenas-Tagabuel, Marco Pua, Abelina Romolor, Raena Celis, and Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong.
Story by Leigh Gases
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