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Marine Sanctuary staff hosts Tautai Fagota Fishing Derbies

[photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]
blue@samoanews.com

The team from the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS), along with local sponsor South Pacific Distributors/ Aloha Maid, held four fishing derbies on three islands – Ta’u, Aunu’u, and Tutuila — in areas within and adjacent to the Sanctuary sites.

According to the NMSAS, the events were part of a series of 2016 fishing derbies to encourage responsible ocean recreation activities, and to raise awareness about fishing in the Sanctuary, particularly allowable, non-destructive fishing practices. Fagatele Bay is the only Sanctuary management area where fishing is not allowed.

For many students, this was their first experience fishing. The events were the culmination of the Sanctuary Summer Science in the Village program that offered hands-on, science-based, learning opportunities for local students.

Pictured is Chloe Marie Leiato, a 7th grader at Manumalo Academy, who was presented an “Honorable Mention” certificate for the elementary division last week by NMSAS’s Peter Taliva’a and a South Pacific Distributors representative.