Thirty Turtles Saved at Obyan

Visiting sea turtle scientists from NOAA NMFS' Pacific Island Regional Office joined CNMI STP staff in documenting a nest that had hatched several days earlier. The STP checks hatched nests to count the number of eggs laid, number of eggs hatched and to release any live babies stuck in the nest.

On this day, STPs Jessy Hapdei and Chris Alepuyo began excavating the nest and almost immediately uncovered live babies. After removing a large rock from the nest, thirty stragglers began their short journey across the beach to the sea. Of a total of 103 eggs that successfully hatched, thirty babies had been stuck in the nest. See more images and some video at ihaggan.com. Photo courtesy of Irene Kelly, NOAA NMFS PIRO.

Sea Turtle Association of Japan President visits Saipan

Dr. Naoki Kamezaki from the Sea Turtle Association of Japan and Ms. Asuka Ishizaki of the Western Pacific Fisheries Council were given a tour of nesting beaches on Saipan during a recent visit to the island. Dr. Kamezaki is interested in the CNMI's turtles due to on of the few satellite tagged turtles from the Marianas making it into Japanese waters. Chris Alepuyo from the CNMI Sea Turtle Program shares his insights with the visitors in the photo.

MIST Website

Mariana Islands Sea Turtles now has its own website: ihaggan.com. Visit to learn more about research in the region, volunteer opportunities, and education resources.