2020 Eskaleran Pulan Chamorro/Refaluwasch Pápáál Maram Calendar (CNMI Lunar calendar)

2020 JAN. 26, 2020–FEB. 12, 2021

Eskaleran Pulan Chamorro Refaluwasch Pápáál Maram

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

1

3 Participants from Tinian attend bottomfish training on Tinian [1–3]. Lino Tenorio goes over his presentation [4] while a participant examines bottomfish gear on Saipan [5]. PHOTOS: FLOYD MASGA / MARCY TENORIO

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4

5

In June 2017, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) completed a threeyear Marine Conservation Plan (MCP), in collaboration with the Council, that lists several fishery-related conservation and management objectives.

Various sources of funds combine to fund projects that meet objectives in the MCP, one of which is to promote responsible domestic fisheries development to provide long term economic growth and stability and local food production.

Tenorio & Associates received a MCP community grant to teach local fishers about bottomfishing basics like gear type, types of bait, vessel use and GPS navigation. Lino Tenorio is an active bottomfisherman who shared his many years of experience fishing within CNMI waters with workshop participants, describing his successes and his challenges with issues ranging from natural disasters to marketing.

Umagahaf ‹›Tumur 26 SUN

R S

6

07:41 19:22 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

27

MON 6

R S

08:24 20:13 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

28 TUE

R S

6

09:03 21:02 N

6

Mesóól

29

WED 6

R S

Mesáfúú

09:40 21:49 N

6

30 THU

R S

6

Mesáwan

10:16 22:35 N

6

31 FRI

Mesátiw

Emetan

February

January

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

January 26–February 24, 2020

R S

6

10:51 23:21 N

6

1

SAT

R

6

11:27 N

6

2

SUN

S R

6

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:08 12:04 N

6

3

MON 6

S R

00:56 12:45 N

6

Epey

4

TUE

S R

6

01:46 13:29 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Arobwoghúw

5

WE D 6

S R

02:41 14:18 N

6

Olobwuwey

6

THU

S R

6

03:38 15:13 N

6

Olomwaay

7

FRI

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:36 16:12 N

6

8

SAT

S R

6

05:35 17:14 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

9

SUN

S R

6

06:31 18:18 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

10

MON 6

S R

07:25 19:21 N

6

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

11 TUE

S R

6

08:15 20:23 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

12

WED 6

S R

09:03 21:23 N

6

Sópásch

13 THU

S R

6

Arosa

09:48 22:21 N

6

14 FRI

S R

6

10:33 23:19 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

15 SAT

6

S

11:18 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

16 SUN

6

R S

00:17 12:05 N

6

Osáláng

17

MON 6

R S

Emwalú

01:14 12:54 N

6

18 TUE

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

02:11 13:44 N

6

19

WED 6

R S

03:07 14:37 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

20 THU

6

R S

04:00 15:31 N

6

21 FRI

6

R S

04:51 16:24 N

6

Eyú

22 SAT

6

R S

Efeng

05:38 17:16 N

6

23 SUN

6

R S

Ascaif

06:21 18:06 N

6

24

MON 6

R S

07:01 18:56 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

The Council’s US Pacific Island Fisheries Capacity-Building Scholarship Program was initiated in 2015 to address a lack of local capacity in fisheries science and management in the US Pacific Islands of American Samoa, CNMI and Guam. This program provides unique and rigorous educational programs and opportunities in marine science and fisheries and has allowed the territories’ local programs to grow. Scholarship recipients Keena Leon Guerrero (at left) and Carey Demapan (above) from CNMI have both graduated from Hawai‘i universities and returned to work at the CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW).

“This program has definitely bridged the gap for our CNMI scholars so that they can return to join our workforce. It has been a constant priority of this administration to cultivate the current and next generation’s interest in coming back to serve our islands, build our economy, and protect our environment. I sincerely thank the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council for their support and diligence in giving students the opportunity to sustain our local practices and our fisheries,” said CNMI Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.

Scholarship recipient Keena Leon Guerrero (center) with Council staff Floyd Masga (left) and DLNR Secretary Tony Benavente (right).

Look for the 2020–2021 scholarship application on the Council website in early 2020: WPCouncil.org

Tumaiguini ‹›Méél 25 TUE

R S

6

07:39 19:44 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

26

WED 6

R S

08:15 20:30 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

27 THU

R S

6

08:50 21:16 N

6

Mesóól

28 FRI

R S

6

Mesáfúú

09:26 22:03 N

6

29 SAT

Mesáwan

Mesátiw

March

February

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

February 25–March 24, 2020

R S

6

10:02 22:50 N

6

1

SUN

R S

6

10:41 23:39 N

6

2

R

MON 6

Emetan

11:22 N

6

3

TUE

S R

6

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:30 12:08 N

6

4

WED 6

S R

01:24 12:59 N

6

Epey

5

THU

S R

6

02:20 13:54 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Arobwoghúw

6

FRI

S R

6

03:17 14:53 N

6

Olobwuwey

7

SAT

S R

6

04:14 15:56 N

6

Olomwaay

8

SUN

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

05:08 16:59 N

6

9

MON 6

S R

06:00 18:02 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

10 TUE

S R

6

06:50 19:04 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

11

WED 6

S R

07:37 20:05 N

6

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

12 THU

S R

6

08:24 21:06 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

13 FRI

S R

6

09:11 22:06 N

6

Sópásch

14 SAT

S R

6

Arosa

09:59 23:05 N

6

15 SUN

6

S

10:48 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

16

MO N 6

R S

00:05 11:40 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

17 TUE

6

R S

01:02 12:33 N

6

Osáláng

18

WED 6

R S

Emwalú

01:57 13:27 N

6

19 THU

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

02:49 14:20 N

6

20 FRI

6

R S

03:37 15:12 N

6

21 SAT

6

R S

04:21 16:03 N

Eyú

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

6

22 SUN

6

R S

05:01 16:52 N

6

23

MON 6

R S

Ascaif

05:39 17:39 N

6

24 TUE

6

R S

06:16 18:27 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

Saipan recently received and installed a new ice machine at the Garapan Public Market through a collaboration invol­ving Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios’s Fishery Development Plan (under the Marine Conservation Plan) for CNMI, the Council and CNMI DLNR. The long-awaited machine, which can produce 980 pounds of high-quality flake ice/day, was purchased by a Sustainable Fisheries Funds grant from funds provided by the Hawai‘i Longline Association per the bigeye tuna fishing agreements.

This ice machine will help the community and the Garapan Public Market maintain the quality of produce, fish and value-added products to be sold. The added advantage for this location is that fishers and the public will have easier access from the Garapan Fishing Base launching ramp to purchase ice for their coolers and fish boxes.

Above: Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Tony Benavente (center) and community members test out out the Garapan Public Market’s new ice machine.

Maimo ‹› Máilap 25

WE D 6

R S

06:51 19:13 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

26 THU

R S

6

07:26 19:59 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

27 FRI

R S

6

08:02 20:46 N

6

Mesóól

28 SAT

R S

6

Mesáfúú

08:40 21:35 N

6

29 SUN

R S

6

Mesáwan

09:20 22:25 N

6

30

MON 6

R S

Mesátiw

10:04 23:17 N

6

31 TUE

Emetan

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

April

March

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

March 25–April 23, 2020

R

6

10:51 N

6

1

WED 6

S R

00:11 11:43 N

6

2

THU

S R

6

01:05 12:40 N

6

Epey

3

FRI

S R

6

02:02 13:39 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Arobwoghúw

4

SAT

S R

6

02:55 14:40 N

6

Olobwuwey

5

SUN

S R

6

03:46 15:41 N

6

Olomwaay

6

MON 6

S R

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:36 16:43 N

6

7

TUE

S R

6

05:23 17:44 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

8

WED 6

S R

06:10 18:45 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

9

THU

S R

6

06:57 19:47 N

6

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

10 FRI

S R

6

07:46 20:49 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

11 SAT

S R

6

08:36 21:51 N

6

Sópásch

12 SUN

S R

6

Arosa

09:29 22:51 N

6

13

MON 6

S R

10:24 23:50 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

14 TUE

6

S

11:19 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

15

WE D 6

R S

00:44 12:14 N

6

Osáláng

16 THU

6

R S

Emwalú

01:34 13:08 N

6

17 FRI

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

02:20 14:00 N

6

18 SAT

6

R S

03:02 14:49 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

19 SUN

6

R S

03:40 15:37 N

6

20

MON 6

R S

04:17 16:23 N

6

Eyú

21 TUE

6

R S

Efeng

04:52 17:09 N

6

22

WED 6

R S

Ascaif

05:27 17:55 N

6

23 THU

6

R S

06:03 18:43 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

2

1

4

7

3

5

6

8

9

Traditional navigation [1], shallow bottomfishing [2, 3], Mina Beach cleanup [4], Northern Marianas College (NMC) aquaculture [5], fish identification in the classroom [6], Micronesian Environmental Services’s John Gourley presents to students [7], food safety at the Marianas Trade Institute [8] and student sample collection with NMC aquaculture [9]. PHOTOS: JOSHUA VILLAGOMEZ

The Council sponsors the annual Saipan High School Summer Fisheries Course coordinated by Joshua Villagomez and instructed by Glenn Policare, Floyd Masga, Larry Lee, Larry Guerrero, Roberta Guerrero, John Gourley, Emma and Pete Perez and Gina Tomokani. This survey course introduces a broad range of subjects including fish biology and habitat, coral reefs, Red Cross CPR certification, marine preserves/sanctuaries, fishery data, cultural and traditional fishing canoe sailing and canoe management skills, fish cleaning and preparation, fisheries conservation and management, fisheries economics and marketing, fishing gear and techniques, fisheries research, fishery regulations and statutes, marine debris, fishery enforcement and seafood safety.

Check out the Council website in Spring 2020 to find information about the Summer 2020 program, WPCouncil.org.

Umatalaf ‹› Séétá 24 FRI

R S

6

06:40 19:32 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

25 SAT

R S

6

07:19 20:22 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

26 SUN

R S

6

08:02 21:14 N

6

Mesóól

27

MON 6

R S

Mesáfúú

08:48 22:07 N

6

28 TUE

R S

6

Mesáwan

09:39 23:01 N

6

29

WED 6

R S

Mesátiw

10:33 23:55 N

6

30 THU

Emetan

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

May

April

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

April 24–May 23, 2020

R

6

11:30 N

6

1

FRI

S R

6

00:47 12:28 N

6

2

SAT

S R

6

01:39 13:28 N

6

Epey

3

SUN

S R

6

02:27 14:27 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Arobwoghúw

4

MON 6

S R

03:14 15:26 N

6

Olobwuwey

5

TUE

S R

6

03:59 16:26 N

6

Olomwaay

6

WE D 6

S R

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:45 17:26 N

6

7

THU

S R

6

05:32 18:28 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

8

FRI

S R

6

06:21 19:31 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

9

SAT

S R

6

07:14 20:33 N

6

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

10 SUN

S R

6

08:09 21:35 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

11

MON 6

S R

09:06 22:33 N

6

Sópásch

12 TUE

S R

6

Arosa

10:03 23:27 N

6

13

S

WED 6

10:59 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

14 THU

6

R S

00:16 11:53 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

15 FRI

6

R S

01:00 12:44 N

6

Osáláng

16 SAT

6

R S

Emwalú

01:40 13:33 N

6

17 SUN

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

02:17 14:20 N

6

18

MON 6

R S

02:53 15:06 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

19 TUE

6

R S

03:28 15:52 N

6

20

WED 6

R S

04:03 16:38 N

6

Eyú

21 THU

6

R S

Efeng

04:39 17:26 N

6

22 FRI

6

R S

Ascaif

05:18 18:16 N

6

23 SAT

6

R S

06:00 19:09 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

The CNMI has a unique and beautiful natural heritage, but these natural treasures are at risk of continued degradation. The Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) is a community-based, nonprofit organization that was formed by a group of dedicated, compassionate people that felt the need to promote and advocate for the protection and restoration of the natural resources in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Using Marine Conservation Plan funds, MINA created the Tasi Watch Program that recruits local young adults to serve as Rangers to raise community environmental awareness and monitor sites around Saipan for environmental violations.

MINA volunteers cleaned beaches on Saipan following the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Yutu that struck Saipan and Tinian on October 25, 2018. Inset: Included among the debris cleared were corrugated steel sheeting torn off buildings as a result of the 180 mph winds. PHOTOS: MINA STAFF

Lumuhu ‹›Naa 24 SUN

R S

6

06:45 20:03 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

25

MON 6

R S

07:35 20:57 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

26 TUE

R S

6

08:29 21:52 N

6

Mesóól

27

WED 6

R S

Mesáfúú

09:25 22:45 N

6

28 THU

R S

6

Mesáwan

10:23 23:36 N

6

29 FRI

R

6

Mesátiw

11:21 N

6

30 SAT

S R

6

Emetan

00:24 12:19 N

6

31 SUN

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

June

May

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

May 24 – June 21, 2020

S R

6

01:10 13:17 N

6

1

MON 6

S R

01:54 14:14 N

6

Epey

2

TUE

S R

6

02:38 15:12 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Arobwoghúw

3

WE D 6

S R

03:23 16:11 N

6

Olobwuwey

4

THU

S R

6

04:09 17:12 N

6

Olomwaay

5

FRI

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:59 18:14 N

6

6

SAT

S R

6

05:53 19:16 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

7

SUN

S R

6

06:49 20:17 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

8

9

MON 6

S R

07:47 21:14 N

6

TUE

S R

6

08:45 22:07 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

10

WED 6

S R

09:41 22:54 N

6

Sópásch

11 THU

S R

6

Arosa

10:35 23:36 N

6

12 FRI

6

S

11:26 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

13 SAT

6

R S

00:15 12:14 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

14 SUN

6

R S

00:52 13:00 N

6

Osáláng

15

MON 6

R S

Emwalú

01:27 13:46 N

6

16 TUE

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

02:02 14:33 N

6

17

WED 6

R S

02:38 15:20 N

6

18 THU

6

R S

03:15 16:09 N

Eyú

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

6

19 FRI

6

R S

03:56 17:01 N

6

20 SAT

6

R S

Ascaif

04:40 17:55 N

6

21 SUN

6

R S

05:29 18:50 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

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3

1 The CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) within DLNR is responsible for the protection of fish, game and endangered and threatened species. For many years, DFW collected data volun­tarily provided by various persons and business entities in the seafood trade. The data included information on fish harvested for commercial and retail sale (i.e., fish species, and weight and length measurements), which are needed for the division to adequately monitor and report annual catch, record trends and implement sustainable management plans. However, resource managers found that, in the last few years, stakeholders have become reluctant to voluntarily submit this information. DFW held public meetings on Saipan [1], Tinian [2, 3], and Rota [4] to discuss this issue. The public provided comments in favor of data regulations and other changes.

4

Makmamao ‹›Ghúúw 22

MO N 6

R S

06:22 19:46 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

23 TUE

R S

6

07:18 20:40 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

24

WED 6

R S

08:17 21:33 N

6

Mesóól

25 THU

R S

6

Mesáfúú

09:16 22:22 N

6

26 FRI

R S

6

Mesáwan

10:15 23:09 N

6

27 SAT

R S

6

Mesátiw

11:12 23:53 N

6

28 SUN

R

6

Emetan

12:09 N

6

29

MON 6

S R

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:37 13:05 N

6

30 TUE

Epey

July

June

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

June 22 – July 21, 2020

S R

6

01:19 14:02 N

6

1

WED 6

S R

02:04 15:00 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Arobwoghúw

2

THU

S R

6

02:51 16:00 N

6

Olobwuwey

3

FRI

S R

6

03:42 17:01 N

6

Olomwaay

4

SAT

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:36 18:02 N

6

5

SUN

S R

6

05:32 19:01 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

6

MON 6

S R

06:31 19:55 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

7

8

TUE

S R

6

07:28 20:45 N

6

WED 6

S R

08:23 21:30 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

9

THU

S R

6

09:16 22:11 N

6

Sópásch

10 FRI

S R

6

Arosa

10:06 22:49 N

6

11 SAT

S R

6

10:54 23:25 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

12 SUN

6

S R

11:40 00:00 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

13

MON 6

S

12:26 N

6

Osáláng

14 TUE

6

R S

Emwalú

00:35 13:13 N

6

15

WED 6

R S

Schomwan Fán

01:12 14:01 N

6

16 THU

6

R S

01:51 14:51 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

17 FRI

6

R S

02:33 15:44 N

6

18 SAT

6

R S

03:20 16:39 N

6

Eyú

19 SUN

6

R S

Efeng

04:11 17:35 N

6

20

MON 6

R S

Ascaif

05:07 18:32 N

6

21 TUE

6

R S

06:06 19:25 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

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1

5

2

6

3

The Mariana Islands Fishing and Seafood Festival is a gathering place to bring health and environ­mental awareness to our community. The primary goal is to highlight the abundance and freshness of our ocean resources, the health benefits of eating fresh seafood and promote the preservation of our ocean environment for future generations.

Several agencies attended the festival to share environmental conservation and management information, including the Council, the DFW and the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality.

7 The 3rd annual Mariana Islands Fishing and Seafood Festival, hosted by KKMP radio personality Gary Sword, 2019. [1] JD Tenorio and Crew with their winning catch.

[2] DFW Data Manager Jude Lizama collects data. [3, 5] Hyatt Regency Saipan prepares their winning dish for the poki contest. [4] Local entertainers pose with the Council banner. [6] Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios with event organizer Gary Sword.

[7] Local spearfishermen display their catch.

Mananaf ‹›Uul July

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

22

WE D 6

R S

07:06 20:17 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

23 THU

R S

6

08:07 21:06 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

24 FRI

R S

6

09:06 21:52 N

6

July 22 – August 19, 2020

Mesóól

25 SAT

R S

6

Mesáfúú

10:04 22:36 N

6

26 SUN

R S

6

Mesáwan

11:01 23:19 N

6

27

R

MON 6

Mesátiw

11:57 N

6

28 TUE

S R

6

Emetan

00:03 12:55 N

6

29

WED 6

S R

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:48 13:53 N

6

30 THU

S R

6

01:37 14:53 N

6

Epey

31 FRI

S R

6

02:28 15:52 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

August

Arobwoghúw

1

SAT

S R

6

03:23 16:51 N

6

Olobwuwey

2

SUN

S R

6

04:20 17:46 N

6

Olomwaay

3

MON 6

S R

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

05:17 18:37 N

6

4

TUE

S R

6

06:13 19:24 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

5

WED 6

S R

07:06 20:06 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

6

7

THU

S R

6

07:58 20:45 N

6

FRI

S R

6

08:46 21:22 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

8

SAT

S R

6

09:33 21:58 N

6

Sópásch

9

SUN

S R

6

Arosa

10:20 22:33 N

6

10

MON 6

S R

11:06 23:08 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

11 TUE

6

S R

11:53 23:46 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

12

WE D 6

S

12:42 N

6

Osáláng

13 THU

6

R S

Emwalú

00:26 13:33 N

6

14 FRI

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

01:10 14:26 N

6

15 SAT

6

R S

01:59 15:21 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

16 SUN

6

R S

02:53 16:18 N

6

17

MON 6

R S

03:50 17:13 N

6

Eyú

18 TUE

6

R S

Ascaif

04:51 18:07 N

6

19

WED 6

R S

05:52 18:57 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

The Saipan International Fishing Tournament organized by the Saipan Fishermen’s Association (SFA) is the longest-running fishing tournament in the region. SFA is committed to programs that promote fishing as a cultural and traditional activity and as important to the economic development of the CNMI. SFA fosters public outreach and educational programs on safe boating and responsible fishing in CNMI and Micronesia through cooperatives and other ventures.

The Council and other agencies have partnered and supported the tournament for many years by providing outreach materials, funding and staff. In 2019, the Council sponsored an advertisement in the 35th Annual Booklet and SFA’s new quarterly magazine, the Marianas Pond. The tournament had 76 participants (20 from Guam). The heaviest fish caught was a 462-pound billfish, which was landed

by Aquaholics, captained by Tony Flores and crewed by Louie Manibusan and John Castro.

Semo ‹› Ehiyél August

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

20 THU

R S

6

06:53 19:45 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

21 FRI

R S

6

07:53 20:31 N

6

August 20–September 17, 2020

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

22 SAT

R S

6

08:52 21:16 N

6

Mesóól

23 SUN

R S

6

Mesáfúú

09:51 22:00 N

6

24

MON 6

R S

Mesáwan

10:49 22:46 N

6

25 TUE

R S

6

Mesátiw

11:48 23:33 N

6

26

R

WED 6

Emetan

12:48 N

6

27 THU

S R

6

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:24 13:47 N

6

28 FRI

S R

6

01:18 14:45 N

6

Epey

29 SAT

S R

6

02:14 15:41 N

6

3 2 1 0

Arobwoghúw

30 SUN

S R

6

03:10 16:32 N

6

Olobwuwey

31

MON 6

Olomwaay

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

September

-1

S R

04:06 17:20 N

6

1

TUE

S R

6

05:00 18:03 N

6

2

WED 6

S R

05:51 18:43 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

3

THU

S R

6

06:40 19:21 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

4

5

FRI

S R

6

07:28 19:56 N

6

SAT

S R

6

08:15 20:31 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

6

SUN

S R

6

09:01 21:06 N

6

Sópásch

7

MON 6

S R

Arosa

09:47 21:43 N

6

8

TUE

6

S R

10:35 22:22 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

9

WED 6

S R

11:25 23:04 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

10 THU

6

S R

12:16 23:50 N

6

Osáláng

11 FRI

6

S

Emwalú

13:10 N

6

12 SAT

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

00:40 14:04 N

6

13 SUN

6

R S

01:35 14:59 N

6

14

MON 6

R S

02:33 15:53 N

Eyú

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

6

15 TUE

6

R S

03:33 16:44 N

6

16

WED 6

R S

Ascaif

04:34 17:34 N

6

17 THU

6

R S

05:35 18:21 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

1

2

3

Bottomfish Training: Part 1 The Council collaborated with the CNMI Governor’s Office to offer a 4-day vessel maintenance and capacity-building training on Saipan from May 31–June 3, 2019. The training included hands-on experience in targeting deep slope bottomfish fishing, fresh fish handling and processing, and commercial fishing vessel maintenance. To enhance this training, CNMI leased a commercially outfitted vessel configured to target bottomfish after extensive solicitation and expert consultations.

Certified Volvo mechanic William Salt and vessel owner Ray Shirakawa taught local fishers about vessel maintenance and service. In addition, participants attended classroom lectures and hands-on workshops to introduce electronic reels, depth sounders, fish finders, and baiting and chumming techniques, along with other aspects of bottomfishing.

4 William Salt [1] and Ray Shirakawa (standing far right). [2] Gov. Ralph DLG Torres (left) and Mayor of the Northern Islands Vicente Santos (right) inspect vessel storage and accessories. [3] conduct vessel maintenance training for local fishers at the CNMI Department of Public Safety Boating Safety Warehouse. [4] CNMI’s bottomfish research vessel, the Kirida, is used to develop and build capacity within bottom­fish fisheries. The 36-foot Radon boat arrived on Saipan on May 9, 2019.

Tenhos ‹› Maal September

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

18 FRI

R S

6

06:36 19:07 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

19 SAT

R S

6

07:36 19:52 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

20 SUN

R S

6

08:37 20:39 N

6

September 18–October 17, 2020

Mesóól

21

MON 6

R S

Mesáfúú

09:38 21:27 N

6

22 TUE

R S

6

Mesáwan

10:39 22:18 N

6

23

WED 6

R S

Mesátiw

11:41 23:12 N

6

24 THU

R

6

Emetan

12:40 N

6

25 FRI

S R

6

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:08 13:37 N

6

26 SAT

S R

6

01:05 14:30 N

6

Epey

27 SUN

S R

6

02:01 15:19 N

6

3 2 1 0

Arobwoghúw

28

MON 6

S R

02:55 16:03 N

6

Olobwuwey

29 TUE

S R

6

03:47 16:43 N

6

Olomwaay

30

WE D 6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

October

-1

S R

04:37 17:21 N

6

1

THU

S R

6

05:24 17:57 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

2

FRI

S R

6

06:11 18:31 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

3

4

SAT

S R

6

06:57 19:06 N

6

SUN

S R

6

07:44 19:42 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

5

MON 6

S R

08:31 20:20 N

6

Sópásch

6

TUE

S R

6

Arosa

09:20 21:00 N

6

7

WED 6

S R

10:10 21:44 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

8

THU

6

S R

11:02 22:32 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

9

FRI

6

S R

11:55 23:24 N

6

Osáláng

10 SAT

6

S

Emwalú

12:49 N

6

11 SUN

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

00:19 13:41 N

6

12

MON 6

R S

01:17 14:32 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

13 TUE

6

R S

02:16 15:21 N

6

14

WED 6

R S

03:16 16:08 N

6

Eyú

15 THU

6

R S

Efeng

04:16 16:54 N

6

16 FRI

6

R S

Ascaif

05:16 17:40 N

6

17 SAT

6

R S

06:17 18:26 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

1

2

3

Bottomfish Training: Part 2 Hawai‘i commercial bottomfish fisherman Ed Ebisui III [1–3] led the class­room training on the preparation of terminal rigs; bathymetry— understanding structure and preferred habitat; technology to locate, identify and target species to maximize margins for commercial fishermen; anchoring vs. drifting, day vs. night, tides, moon phases, currents; handling and storage to maximize quality; braining and bleeding techniques; and at-sea packing to minimize damage.

Clay Tam [4], the Council’s Advisory Panel chair, provided fishers with information on the importance of collecting detailed fishing data that can be used to better understand the status of bottomfish stocks in CNMI. Once fish are caught, scientists collect life history information to help determine age, growth, sex, maturity and other biological data that help inform stock assessments. Hawai‘i fishermen collected similar information, leading to a near doubling of the annual catch limit for bottomfish. John Gourley, Council member and owner of Micronesian Environmental Services (MES), also provided a briefing to meeting participants on MES’s life history program for reef fish.

4

Lumamlam ‹› Itch October

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

18 SUN

R S

6

07:19 19:15 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

19

MON 6

R S

08:23 20:06 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

20 TUE

R S

6

09:27 21:01 N

6

October 18–November 15, 2020

Mesóól

21

WED 6

R S

Mesáfúú

10:30 21:58 N

6

22 THU

R S

6

Mesáwan

11:30 22:57 N

6

23 FRI

R S

6

Mesátiw

12:26 23:55 N

6

24 SAT

R

6

Emetan

13:17 N

6

25 SUN

S R

6

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:51 14:02 N

6

26

MON 6

S R

01:44 14:44 N

6

Epey

27 TUE

S R

6

02:34 15:22 N

6

3 2 1 0

Arobwoghúw

28

WE D 6

S R

03:22 15:58 N

6

Olobwuwey

29 THU

S R

6

04:09 16:33 N

6

Olomwaay

30 FRI

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:55 17:07 N

6

31 SAT

S R

6

05:41 17:43 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

November

-1

1

SUN

S R

6

06:28 18:20 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

2

3

MON 6

S R

07:16 18:59 N

6

TUE

S R

6

08:06 19:42 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

4

WED 6

S R

08:58 20:29 N

6

Sópásch

5

THU

S R

6

Arosa

09:51 21:19 N

6

6

FRI

6

S R

10:44 22:12 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

7

SAT

6

S R

11:36 23:08 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

8

SUN

6

S

12:26 N

6

Osáláng

9

MON 6

R S

Emwalú

00:05 13:14 N

6

10 TUE

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

01:02 14:00 N

6

11

WED 6

R S

02:00 14:44 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

12 THU

6

R S

02:58 15:28 N

6

13 FRI

6

R S

03:57 16:13 N

6

Eyú

14 SAT

6

R S

Ascaif

04:57 17:01 N

6

15 SUN

6

R S

06:00 17:51 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

The Garapan Fishing Base in one of 3 active launching areas on Saipan. The Council supported recreational fishers by paving the base’s parking area, which is capable of holding up to 11 boat trailers at a time. Fishermen agreed that the project improved boater safety and organization.

The Garapan Fishing Base is one of the most popular sites on Saipan. It is not just a boat ramp—it is also the location of the weekly Thursday Market and other annual festivities and serves as a revenue source for many fishermen. PHOTOS: WILLIAM HUNTER (AERIAL), FLOYD MASGA (INSET)

Fanggualo' ‹› Sarobwél November

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

16

MO N 6

R S

07:04 18:44 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

17 TUE

R S

6

08:10 19:41 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

18

WED 6

R S

09:14 20:41 N

6

Mesóól

19 THU

R S

6

November 16–December 15, 2020

Mesáfúú

10:14 21:42 N

6

20 FRI

R S

6

Mesáwan

11:09 22:41 N

6

21 SAT

R S

6

Mesátiw

11:58 23:37 N

6

22 SUN

R

6

Emetan

12:42 N

6

23

MON 6

S R

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:30 13:22 N

6

24 TUE

S R

6

01:18 13:59 N

6

Epey

25

WED 6

S R

02:06 14:34 N

6

3 2 1 0

Arobwoghúw

26 THU

S R

6

02:52 15:08 N

6

Olobwuwey

27 FRI

S R

6

03:38 15:43 N

6

Olomwaay

28 SAT

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:24 16:20 N

6

29 SUN

S R

6

05:12 16:58 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

30

MON 6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

1

2

December

-1

S R

06:02 17:40 N

6

TUE

S R

6

06:54 18:26 N

6

WED 6

S R

07:47 19:15 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

3

THU

S R

6

08:40 20:08 N

6

Sópásch

4

FRI

S R

6

Arosa

09:33 21:03 N

6

5

SAT

S R

6

10:24 21:59 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

6

SUN

6

S R

11:12 22:56 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

7

MON 6

S R

11:57 23:52 N

6

Osáláng

8

TUE

6

S

Emwalú

12:41 N

6

9

WED 6

R S

Schomwan Fán

00:47 13:23 N

6

10 THU

6

R S

01:43 14:06 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

11 FRI

6

R S

02:41 14:50 N

6

12 SAT

6

R S

03:40 15:37 N

6

Eyú

13 SUN

6

R S

Efeng

04:42 16:28 N

6

14

MON 6

R S

Ascaif

05:47 17:23 N

6

15 TUE

6

R S

06:52 18:21 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

Mayor Efraim Atalig’s Office and Stan Taisacan taught Preserving Traditional Fishing classes on Rota—a project under the CNMI DLNR Marine Conservation Plan. Participants learned basic knowledge about traditional fishing methods and making canoes. Students were taken to remote locations on Rota to identify suitable type of trees to make a canoe and received training on cutting, designing and the types of traditional tools used.

Local boating safety and medical staff added to the students’ training in water safety and emergency procedures. When the canoe was constructed, participants received valuable hands-on at-sea guidance. PHOTOS: ROTA MAYOR STAFF

Sumongsong ‹›Oromoi December 16, 2020–January 13, 2021 December

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

16

WE D 6

R S

07:55 19:23 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

17 THU

R S

6

08:54 20:24 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

18 FRI

R S

6

09:48 21:24 N

6

Mesóól

19 SAT

R S

6

Mesáfúú

10:36 22:20 N

6

20 SUN

R S

6

Mesáwan

11:18 23:12 N

6

21

R

MON 6

Mesátiw

11:57 N

6

22 TUE

S R

6

Emetan

00:02 12:33 N

6

23

WED 6

S R

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:48 13:08 N

6

24 THU

S R

6

01:33 13:42 N

6

Epey

25 FRI

S R

6

02:19 14:18 N

6

3 2 1 0

Arobwoghúw

26 SAT

S R

6

03:06 14:56 N

6

Olobwuwey

27 SUN

S R

6

03:55 15:36 N

6

Olomwaay

28

MON 6

S R

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:46 16:21 N

6

29 TUE

S R

6

05:39 17:09 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

30

WED 6

S R

06:33 18:02 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

31 THU

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

January

-1

S R

6

07:27 18:57 N

6

1

FRI

S R

6

08:20 19:54 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

2

SAT

S R

6

09:09 20:51 N

6

Sópásch

3

SUN

S R

6

Arosa

09:56 21:48 N

6

4

MON 6

S R

10:40 22:43 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

5

TUE

6

S R

11:22 23:38 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

6

WE D 6

S

12:04 N

6

Osáláng

7

THU

6

R S

Emwalú

00:33 12:46 N

6

8

FRI

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

01:30 13:30 N

6

9

SAT

6

R S

02:29 14:18 N

6

10 SUN

6

R S

03:30 15:09 N

Eyú

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

6

11

MON 6

R S

04:33 16:06 N

6

12 TUE

6

R S

Ascaif

05:36 17:05 N

6

13

WED 6

R S

06:37 18:06 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

The CNMI Biosampling Program, in cooperation with local Saipan fish markets, has measured more than 215,000 reef fish since 2011. The collection of biosamples for life history studies is one of the many critical components needed for accurate stock assessments. Although the research program receives annual base funding from the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), several Marine Conservation Plan grants through the Council were awarded to assist the program during the early years. Local partners include DFW and Michael Trianni from the Saipan NOAA PIFSC Office. The current biosampling team is comprised of Tony Flores, George B. Salas Jr., Max Garcia, Jay Camacho (above) and Shirley Ann Taitano.

PHOTO: SHIRLEY TAITANO /TONY FLORES

Umayangan ‹› Schoow January

Sinahi Uno • Sighauru

14 THU

R S

6

07:34 19:06 N

6

Sinahi Dos • Eling

15 FRI

R S

6

08:25 20:05 N

6

Sinahi Tres • Meseling

16 SAT

R S

6

09:10 21:00 N

6

Mesóól

17 SUN

R S

6

January 14–February 12, 2021

Mesáfúú

09:51 21:51 N

6

18

MON 6

R S

Mesáwan

10:29 22:40 N

6

19 TUE

R S

6

Mesátiw

11:05 23:28 N

6

20

R

WED 6

Emetan

11:40 N

6

21 THU

S R

6

Kuåtto Presente Eschúw

00:14 12:15 N

6

22 FRI

S R

6

01:00 12:52 N

6

Epey

23 SAT

S R

6

01:47 13:31 N

6

3 2 1 0

Arobwoghúw

24 SUN

S R

6

02:37 14:14 N

6

Olobwuwey

25

MON 6

S R

03:29 15:00 N

6

Olomwaay

26 TUE

S R

6

Gualåfon Umang Emmasch

04:23 15:51 N

6

27

WED 6

S R

05:17 16:46 N

6

Gualåfon • Úúr

28 THU

S R

6

06:11 17:43 N

6

Henemhon Uno Letiw

29 FRI

S R

6

07:03 18:42 N

6

Henemhom Dos Ghiney

30 SAT

S R

6

07:51 19:40 N

6

Henemhon Tres • Ara

31 SUN

Sópásch

Arosa

February

-1

S R

6

08:37 20:37 N

6

1

MON 6

S R

09:21 21:33 N

6

2

TUE

S R

6

10:03 22:29 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh

3

WED 6

S R

10:46 23:26 N

6

Sópásch Me Emwiir

4

THU

6

S

11:29 N

6

Osáláng

5

FRI

6

R S

Emwalú

00:23 12:15 N

6

6

SAT

6

R S

Schomwan Fán

01:23 13:04 N

6

7

SUN

6

R S

02:23 13:57 N

6

Hinecog • Arofú

Afánágh

8

MON 6

R S

03:25 14:54 N

6

9

TUE

6

R S

04:25 15:53 N

6

Eyú

10

WED 6

R S

Efeng

05:22 16:53 N

6

11 THU

6

R S

Ascaif

06:15 17:51 N

6

12 FRI

6

R S

07:02 18:47 N

6

3 2 1 0 -1

Moon-related Observations & Activities Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council WPCouncil.org

About the Council The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council was established by Congress in 1976 to manage fisheries in the offshore waters surrounding Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Hawai‘i and the US Pacific Remote Island Areas.

The fisheries in federal waters surrounding CNMI are managed under the Mariana Archipelago and Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plans.

Traditional knowledge and wide community involvement are integral parts of the ecosystembased approach to fishery management.

CNMI Contacts Council Vice Chair John Gourley Phone: (670) 322-7289 Email: john.e.gourley@gmail.com Council Member McGrew Rice Phone: (808) 960-1424 Email: mcgrewrice@gmail.com

The 35th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. checkout.

About This Calendar The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has produced traditional lunar calendars for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) since 2007. The intent is to raise awareness about traditional ecological knowledge and enhance community involvement in fishery management. The calendar features previous contributions and advice from the CNMI lunar calendar committees (Chamorro: Adolfo S. Calvo, Anicet H. Mundo, Estanislao M. Taisacan; and Refaluwasch: Lino Olopai, Cecilio Raiukiulipiy and Raymond Tebuteb).

This 2020 Eskaleran Pulan Chamorro/2020 Refaluwasch Pápáál Maram highlights Council-sponsored and related projects in CNMI. Chamorro and Refaluwasch are the indigenous people of the Mariana Archipelago. Chamorro and Refaluwasch, along with English, are the official languages of CNMI. The Chamorro names for the lunar months and moon phases are in black, and the Refaluwasch names are in green.

Council Member Tony Benavente CNMI Department of Lands & Natural Resources Phone: (670) 322-9834 Email: tonybenavente@gmail.com Guam Island Coordinator Floyd Masga Phone: (670) 285-9125 Email: floyd.masga@wpcouncil.org

The calendar reflects the Council’s continued work with the CNMI community to recognize the importance of island cultures and traditional fishing practices in managing fishery resources and to foster opportunities for local fishermen participation, which is one of the Council’s 7 Guiding Principles.

The moon phases in this calendar are for Saipan as calculated by the HM Nautical Almanac (astro.ukho.gov. uk/websurf). The tide charts with moon rise and set times are in Chamorro time for Saipan and were provided by OceanFun Publishing, NZ. Front cover photo: The Council supported recreational fishers by paving the Garapan Fishing Base parking area, 1 of 3 active launching areas on Saipan that is capable of holding up to 11 boat trailers at a time. PHOTO: WILLIAM HUNTER

Calendar photos by Floyd Masga unless otherwise noted.

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone: (808) 522-8220 Fax: (808) 522-8226 Email: info@wpcouncil.org Web: www.wpcouncil.org Published in the United States by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council under NOAA Award NA15NMF4410008 ©2019, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council ISBN 978-1-944827-40-3