From June to August 2026, Michael Duenas, fisheries supervisor at the Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR), mentored Navigating Home fellow Enqi Yang, guiding him through the practical applications of island-based fisheries science, public engagement, and marine conservation.

Rather than confining his fellow to a single localized task, Duenas sought to offer a comprehensive look at the daily operations and long-term goals of DAWR’s Fisheries Section.

One of his personal goals as a mentor was to expose Yang to as many facets of the division as possible in the limited time available. So, he introduced Yang to fisheries research, field surveys, grant management, habitat restoration, public outreach, boating operations, and collaboration with local and federal partners.

“My hope was that by seeing how these different pieces fit together, he would gain a better appreciation of what a career in fisheries management truly entails. I wanted him to leave with not only new technical knowledge, but also an understanding of the teamwork, problem-solving, and public service that are essential to protecting and managing Guam’s aquatic resources.”

Throughout the summer, Yang actively contributed to two major areas within the Fisheries Section: field data collection and public education. “Enqi primarily worked with two program areas within the DAWR Fisheries Section. The first was our inshore and offshore fisheries survey programs, where he assisted with field surveys, biological data collection, and learned how fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent data are used to assess fish populations and support sustainable fisheries management.”

Yang also assisted in the aquatic education and outreach program. He participated in fishing clinics, educational activities, and community outreach efforts, gaining an appreciation for the importance of public engagement, stewardship, and educating the next generation about Guam’s aquatic resources and responsible fishing practices, Duenas said. 

“As his mentor, my role was to provide guidance, coordinate his activities, and ensure he gained hands-on experience while understanding how research, education, and outreach all work together to support the conservation and sustainable management of Guam’s fisheries resources.”

Yang also brought a personal interest in fishing to his daily responsibilities, which Duenas noted added value to the collaborative effort and made the mentorship experience highly engaging. “One of the greatest strengths Enqi brought to DAWR Fisheries was a genuine passion for fishing and a strong desire to learn. That enthusiasm made mentoring especially rewarding, as many field activities and projects directly connected to an interest he already had,” he said.

Duenas added that Yang’s curiosity, positive attitude, and willingness to participate made it easy to expose him to the many facets of fisheries management. “I hope the experience showed that a passion for fishing can also lead to a meaningful career in science and public service.”

For Duenas, programs like the Navigating Home Fellowship empower local talent to address Guam’s unique environmental and cultural context, as well as that of the broader region. “By investing in local students, the program helps build the next generation of professionals who understand our island’s unique natural resources, culture, and challenges, as well as those of the Pacific.”

Duenas also emphasized the value of passing on knowledge to emerging community leaders and expressed a strong interest in continuing his mentorship role in future cycles. “My experience as a mentor has been very rewarding. It was enjoyable to share the wide range of work we do at DAWR Fisheries and see his (Yang’s) enthusiasm grow as he experienced different aspects of the program. Knowing that I may have helped inspire an interest in fisheries and natural resource management made the experience especially meaningful, and I would gladly mentor another Navigating Home Fellow in the future.”