American Samoa Community College

Caption: ASCC Aquaclture Intern Jeff Speicher inspects a red tilapia to determine its gender while Francis Leiato records the information. Pita Gurr awaits the final decision before placing the tilapia in one of three cages at a farm in Auto. (Courtesy Photo)	Aquaculture Internship Program at ASCC Promotes Industry Development
	December 27 , 2006 James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer


	Internship opportunities provided to eligible Marine Science students at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) have helped to promote an emerging industry in the Territory. Fay Ondelacy, Francis Leiato, Jeff Speicher, Daystar Parker, and Pita Gurr all spent time throughout the past semester aiding Sea Grant Aquaculture Extension Agent John Gonzales as he provided technical support to aquaculture farms throughout Tutuila. In the process, these interns learned the value of overcoming unforeseen challenges through teamwork, gained experience in fundamental aquaculture practices and culture techniques, and witnesseed the aquaculture potential in Tutuila.
As a result of their efforts, techniques for managing the breeding and growth of tilapia were implemented at two sites in Eastern Tutuila. Although weather often inhibited the interns’ ability to visit local farmers, they helped expedite the construction of a giant clam hatchery in Alao. “For students interested in aquaculture, the program provides them with hands-on experiences in real-life settings,” explained Gonzales. Added intern Pita Gurr, “A lot of hard work got accomplished through the dedication of the aquaculture interns.” As a prerequisite, each student must successfully pass MSC 200, Introduction to Aquaculture, with a grade of B- or higher prior to applying for the internship. Funding for this internship originated from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant awarded to the Pacific Islands Educational Partnership Consortium (PIEPC). The grant is designed to help meet the goal of enhancing local conservation effectiveness by increasing the number of students who receive training and graduate in the marine and environmental sciences. The current internship program follows a highly successful NOAA Minority Serving Institutions Student Internship Aquaculture Program conducted in 2003 at ASCC by the Marine Science staff. Six Marine Science students participated in a 38-week internship involving two main projects: the establishment of tilapia farms, and development of the giant clam industry for the marine aquarium trade. Students in the 2003 internship program participated in five aquaculture workshops given by consultants, and in a marketing survey to assess the local demand for tilapia. They assisted in the construction of a giant clam facility in Alao, and also conducted their own workshop on tilapia culture for students at Le’atele Elementary School in Fagasa. The presence of an aquaculture extension agent in American Samoa has resulted from the hard work and dedication of Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin. The Congressman’s desire to help promote the emerging aquaculture industry in the Territory has led to various programs meant to build capacity among the various age groups who impact aquaculture growth locally. Gonzales says he hopes that such programs will continue to provide continuous learning opportunities for both students and farmers. He also recognized the support of ASCC President Dr. Satele-Galeai, Land Grant Dean and Director Tapaau Dr. Daniel Aga, and the current Marine Science staff, in the progress made with the internship programs. “I am thankful for this experience. It has helped me narrow my personal direction in a very broad field” said recent intern Jeff Speicher. Interested students can contact Gonzales at 699-5358 concerning participation in future internships. <<< Back to Other News & Events