Scholars and researchers with roots in the Marianas represented their respective organizations at the recent International Marine Protected Areas Congress Forum in Canada. The global forum brings together ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to discuss marine protected areas, fishing, equity and diversity, and human rights. 

Angelo Villagomez is from Center for American Progress,  

"Our surrounding waters are almost a million square kilometers," the former Saipan resident said. "The waters that are surrounding us is called the Exclusive Economic Zone. It is bigger than the east coast and it is bigger than the West coast. So the Marianas actually have an outsize responsibility to take care of our oceans."

Also attending the forum were Steven Johnson, a faculty fellow at Cornell University, Diana Lopera with Hawaii's Aquatic Resources Division; along with master navigator Mario Benito and his son Lolo, a navigation student, from Saipan. Attendees hope Marianas leaders can attend future conferences.