THIS PROJECT PROPOSES TO SUPPORT MARINE CONSERVATION IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (CNMI) BY FUNDING THREE KEY INITIATIVES. THE FIRST PROJECT WILL IMPROVE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES DATA REPORTING BY INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PROVIDING TRAINING. THE SECOND INITIATIVE WILL EXPAND A YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM THAT EDUCATES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON MARINE RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY, AND BOATING SAFETY. FINALLY, THE THIRD PROJECT WILL REVITALIZE THE TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF TALAYA (CAST NET FISHING) THROUGH MENTORSHIP, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT PROMOTE TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE. THESE PROJECTS ARE VITAL BECAUSE THEY DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE NEED TO IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY, ENHANCE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CONSERVATION, AND ENSURE THE LONG-TERM HEALTH OF MARINE RESOURCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS IN THE CNMI.