Author: Ronnie Cherise Camacho
Source: Saipan Tribune
July 27, 2012

"While snorkeling in the waters near the reef off Managaha, I saw the most beautiful sight: fishes swimming around and feeding along the sea floor and among the corals. I thought it was amazing to see a scene like that while at work. My name is Ronnie Cherise Camacho and I am a recent graduate of Kagman High School. I started the Coral Reef Initiative Internship program on June 11, 2012. I was paired up with my mentor, Trey Dunn, a fisheries biologist at the Division of Fish and Wildlife, because of my interest in fisheries. I have been interested in local marine life for a long time. This led me to apply for the CRI internship program to gain first-hand experience and knowledge. I also have a desire to keep our coastal marine life thriving. I decided that the internship program would be a great opportunity to learn more and help our community.

The main goal of my internship is to assist the Fisheries Research Section of DFW with informational brochures for the public. I have chosen to create brochures about several popular fish species that live in our waters. With all the local fishermen depending on fish for food, the brochure will hopefully help them understand the biology and life cycles of some of their favorite fish. The brochures will include my research on the characteristics of each fish, including how big it gets, what it eats, where it lives, and how it is commonly caught. I look forward to including more information as I find out more. I would like to include tips for catching and preparing some of the fish too. If you would like to share any tips on how to catch or cook your favorite fish, please email me at fishtalkpacific@yahoo.com with your name, favorite fish, and tips on catching and cooking. I will include some of your tips in my project brochures."

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