Friends of the Mariana Trench

05/10/2026

🌊 Thank you, Sheila Babauta, for your dedicated leadership and service as Board Chair of Friends of the Mariana Trench. 💙

Your commitment, guidance, and passion for our ocean and island communities have made a lasting impact on FOMT. As you step down from your role as Chair, we are grateful for all you have contributed and look forward to continuing this journey together.

Si Yu’us Ma’åse’, Ghillisow, and Kalahngan, Sheila!

🔗 Read our full Press Release here:
https://www.friendsmarianatrench.org/news/friends-of-the-mariana-trench-honors-chair-sheila-babautas-service-announces-board-leadership-transition/

06/09/2026

Every effort makes a difference. Every helping hand shapes our future. 🌊💙

This Labor Day, we honor the people whose work strengthens our communities, protects our ocean, and carries our islands forward.

Happy Labor Day! 🇲🇵
Our Ocean. Our Work. Our Future.

19/08/2026

For Pacific Islanders, the ocean is ancestry, culture, livelihood, and connection.

This is a call to action. Communities across American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands have overwhelmingly opposed plans for deep-sea mining, yet these proposals continue to move forward. Now is the time to speak up and oppose efforts to mine the deep sea before irreversible damage is done.

Please watch, share, and join us in protecting the ocean for future generations. 🌊

14/08/2026

Our community. Our voices. Our ocean. 🌊

Something we’ve been working on is almost ready to share.

The Village Community Blueprint — coming soon ✨

06/08/2026

🌊 UPDATE!! An extension has been made 🙏!

If you have a passion for the ocean, education, and mentoring youth, we'd love to have you on our team as we're recruiting Ocean Science Club Advisors!

OPEN to all CNMI Residents (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota)

📅 Apply by August 16, 2026
📱 Scan the QR code to register or use the link below.

https://forms.gle/4F4RYEYVaEtUf2df9

23/07/2026

🔔 Our Booth. The Ocean Fair. You. 🔔

Come down and find us with many others at the Ocean Fair 🌊

Say hi 👋, let's make waves for a cleaner Ocean 💙

🌊 Join us for Waves of Recovery! 🌊

In celebration of World Ocean Day, the Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM) invites you to Waves of Recovery—a special community outreach event held in lieu of this year's annual Saipan Ocean Fair.

As our islands continue to recover from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, let's come together to celebrate our ocean, reconnect with our community, and learn how we can all help protect the natural resources that sustain us.

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 American Memorial Park / Micro Beach, Garapan, Saipan

🌊 Enjoy:
🐠 Educational booths from local government agencies and conservation partners
🎣 Talaya lessons
🌴 Local Artists
🍔 Food vendors
🎁 Family-friendly activities and more!

Whether you're passionate about the environment or simply looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, there's something for everyone.

💙 Every Day is World Ocean Day. Join us as we celebrate our ocean, strengthen our community, and inspire stewardship for future generations.

For more information, please contact Jovahna Flores at [email protected] or via phone at (670) 664-8300.

18/07/2026

16/07/2026

The Friends of the Mariana Trench joins communities across the Pacific and around the world in mourning the passing of Grand Master Navigator Captain Sesario Sewralur.

Captain Sewralur dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the art of traditional wayfinding, ensuring that the knowledge of our ancestors would continue to guide future generations. Through his wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to cultural stewardship, he inspired countless voyagers and strengthened the enduring connection between our people and the ocean.

As an esteemed Grand Master Navigator, his legacy extends far beyond the voyages he led. His teachings remind us that the ocean is not simply a body of water, but a source of identity, knowledge, and responsibility that unites the islands of Oceania.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, students, and the communities whose lives he touched. May they find comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to live on, inspiring every generation to care for our ocean and honor our ancestral traditions.

May the winds be gentle, the seas be calm, and the stars guide you home.

Rest in peace, love, and paradise, Grand Master Navigator Captain Sesario Sewralur.

15/07/2026

🌊 UPDATE!! Due to Super Typhoon Bavi some changes have been made to this opportunity. We hope all is well with you and your road to recovery 🙏!

If you have a passion for the ocean, education, and mentoring youth, we'd love to have you on our team as we're recruiting Ocean Science Club Advisors!

✅ Stipend available up to $2,000 per project year
✅ Lead hands-on ocean science and cultural activities
✅ Help inspire the next generation of ocean stewards

📅 Apply by July 31, 2026
📱 Scan the QR code to attend an information session.

19/06/2026

🙏 Today, we recognize Juneteenth and honor the enduring values of freedom, community, and opportunity for all. As ocean stewards, we believe stronger communities help create a healthier future for our oceans and our island home. 🌊