James Matsumoto, a resident of Capital Hill, recently released over 800 juvenile pearl white tilapia into two tanks set up at his residence.
Matsumoto now joins the 14 other aquatic farmers in the CNMI.
Matsumoto first developed an interest in the aquaculture industry when he toured the NMC Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service’s wet lab at the college’s As Terlaje campus earlier this year.
He then contacted CREES aquaculture extension agent Michael Ogo, who outlined the proper preparations necessary for an efficient aquatic farm.
Among Ogo’s suggestions were the needed equipment and materials essential to the aeration, filtration, and water circulation of the tank.
Staff members from NMC-CREES staff then visited Matsumoto’s residence to determine an appropriate spot for his tanks, which consists of two four foot deep round swimming pools with a 15 foot diameter.
Matsumoto purchased the pools on Guam and had them shipped to Saipan.
CRESS staff were also on site to monitor the installation of the tanks and the assembly and installation of the water quality management equipment.
“Mr. Matsumoto’s project is another great example of how the college is helping residents explore new sources of nutrition and revenue and how the College is working hard to ensure that aquaculture becomes a major contributor to the economy,” said NMC President Carmen Fernandez.
The college’s aquaculture & fisheries department continues to assist Matsumoto and its other aquaculture clients by providing technical assistance on feeds and feeding, water quality management, and production unit maintenance.
“I encourage other individuals in the community to take advantage of the expertise and the services provided by the College,” Fernandez said.
NMC’s aquaculture and fisheries department is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act Formula Funds.
DCCA child care program now open for new applicants
(DCCA) —The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will be distributing applications for the child care and development fund for Tinian only.
Applications may be picked from the Tinian Department of Community and Cultural Affairs between Wednesday, Dec. 2, to Monday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The last day to turn in completed applications with required documents will be on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m.
Applications may be picked up and returned to the Tinian DCCA. Call 433-9330 for more information.
Application forms are limited and are released on a first come, first served basis. When the applications are out, the program will immediately close its issuance of applications. For this opening, only 100 applications will be released.
Applications that were released in the previous openings are no longer valid and will not be accepted.
Requirements:
1. Check stubs for the most recent two pay periods for each parent or guardian
2. A copy of Identification Card for each parent or guardian (Passport, CNMI driver¹s license, Mayor’s ID Card or entry permit)
3. A copy of your most recent 1040 Tax (each parent or guardian)
4. Residency: The applicant or guardian must be living in the CNMI
Provide one of the following documents
1. House Rental/ Mortgage
2. Utility Receipt
3. Telephone Receipt
4. Entry Permit
5. Employment verification
6. Child support statement/stub
7. Training/Education verification and class schedules
8. If single parent/guardian in a household provide notarized affidavit
Child/Children Household member:
1. A copy of Birth Certificate for each child (Child must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Act
2. A copy of U.S. Passport
3. A copy of Social Security card
‘John Gonzales Live’
DECEMBER 2 — live.
Replays on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m.
TOPIC: H1N1 Flu School Vaccination Campaign
Dec. 9 — live.
Replays on Dec. 14 & 15, from 7 to 8 p.m.
TOPIC: Inspiration and Success from 2009 PSS Education Day Winners
Text 285.META (6382, call 287-4230, or e-mail [email protected] for questions or comments.
Beautify CNMI meeting
TODAY, Nov 30, is Beautify CNMI subcommittee’s last scheduled meeting for 2009.
At its last meeting, it had extensive discussions about developing a team-action plan with Eric Atalig and his Neighborhood Watch Team as a primary focus and kickoff project for 2010.
This week’s meeting will focus on identifying the logistics and tracing out a plan of action for this project.
The subcommittee welcomes any other project updates and looks forward to seeing both new and old faces.
Today’s meeting will take place at Whispering Palms School on Navy Hill, 5:30-7 p.m.
