NORMA Completes Fourth National Observer Basic Training Program

Thursday, September 03, 2026/// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - Yesterday, September 2nd, the FSM National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) shared highlights on the completion of its fourth National Observer Basic Training program at the Fisheries Maritime Institute (FMI) in Yap State.

The training strengthens the Federated States of Micronesia’s capacity to monitor fisheries activities and support the sustainable management of its marine resources. Participants which include Kobe Sackryas, Steve M. Kilafwa, Larry Yarofaisug, Kenny Patterson, Johna Dikepa, Jevon Jacob, Raney Luhda, Dimitri Hainrick, Bryan Wichep, and Carl Jano from Pohnpei, Miles M. Tolenoa, Rubeang H. Phillip, Mallun Nedlic, and Jacob P. Palik from Kosrae, and Geronimo Enirhlik from Yap, completed safety and emergency response courses in firefighting, sea safety and survival, and CPR/first aid, followed by core observer training in data collection, species identification, documentation, and reporting procedures.

Trainees also completed Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) training to support data collection aboard FSM Arrangement (FSMA) fishing vessels operating under MSC-certified fisheries.

The program supports FSM’s resumption of observer placements across purse seine, longline, and pole-and-line vessels. With increasing demand for observer coverage under bilateral and FSMA operations, expanding the pool of certified national observers will help ensure reliable fisheries data collection throughout the FSM Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the broader Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention Area.

NORMA Observer Trainer Steve Peter led the training, with trainee trainers Arthur Segal and Lancaster Walter, while FMI instructors provided specialized safety training.

NORMA extends its appreciation to the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Oceanic Fisheries Program for their valuable support, congratulates all 15 graduates, and recognizes their commitment to strengthening fisheries monitoring and safeguarding the marine resources of the FSM.

(For more information, please check www.facebook.com/fsmnorma. Thank you )