Author: Angelo Villagomez

I am a scientist by training, a policy advocate in profession, but an Indigenous Micronesian from the island of Saipan since birth. I use Indigenous knowledge and values and the scientific method to address modern threats to nature including habitat loss, fishing, and climate colonialism.

Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
News, Policy

Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition have united in support of American Samoa’s right to protect its ocean and seabed from destructive deep seabed mining. The organizations have drafted a petition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, backed by residents and diaspora from the five U.S. Territories: American Samoa, … Read More “Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining” »

Friends of the Mariana Trench Congratulate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Local CNMI Leaders on the Ribbon-Cutting of the Mariana Trench Visitor Contact Station

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez 1 Comment on Friends of the Mariana Trench Congratulate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Local CNMI Leaders on the Ribbon-Cutting of the Mariana Trench Visitor Contact Station
Conservation, Education, News, Uncategorized

The Friends of the Mariana Trench extend heartfelt congratulations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and local leaders from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) on the momentous occasion of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mariana Trench visitor contact station. This important milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing public understanding … Read More “Friends of the Mariana Trench Congratulate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Local CNMI Leaders on the Ribbon-Cutting of the Mariana Trench Visitor Contact Station” »

Trump’s DEI Attacks Make Ocean Justice More Important Than Ever

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, Policy

It is more important than ever to discuss and create policies that center equity and justice in ocean conservation. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and destructive, the fossil fuel industry continues to pollute our common resources, critical habitats are increasingly lost to climate change impacts, and the people most affected are those living … Read More “Trump’s DEI Attacks Make Ocean Justice More Important Than Ever” »

Nearshore Ocean Progress: State and Local Leadership That Works for People and Ecosystems

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Policy

Increasing focus on nearshore ocean conservation will benefit people and communities and provide more effective protections for wildlife. The Center for American Progress and several of our partners with the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, including Carolina Ocean Alliance, Endangered Species Coalition, Healthy Ocean Coalition, Minorities in Shark Science, and National Congress of Environmental … Read More “Nearshore Ocean Progress: State and Local Leadership That Works for People and Ecosystems” »

2025 Our Ocean Commitments Reveal Disparity in Global Ocean Priorities

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Featured, News, Policy

“Show me your budget and I’ll tell you what your values are” — President Joseph R. Biden The 10th Our Ocean conference ended on April 30, 2025 and touted its success in securing 277 new ocean conservation commitments totaling $9.1 billion in pledged support across the conference’s areas of action. Despite the primacy of 30×30 … Read More “2025 Our Ocean Commitments Reveal Disparity in Global Ocean Priorities” »

5 things you can do if you’re pissed off about the latest Trump EO

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, News, Policy

Donald Trump opened an area of about 250 million acres of protected American waters to industrial fishing fleets on Thursday.  This sets a very dangerous precedent that our public lands and waters are for sale to the highest bidder. I know that we’re all exhausted from the onslaught of daily outrages by the Trump administration.  … Read More “5 things you can do if you’re pissed off about the latest Trump EO” »

People and Ideas You Should Know: 5 Questions with Anupa Asokan

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Education, Featured, Policy, Reviews and Interviews, Science

Anupa Asokan, founder and executive director of Fish On—a new fishing interest organization working to advance ocean conservation policy—recently published a peer-reviewed perspective in Frontiers, “Marine Protected Areas as a Tool for Environmental Justice.” Anupa is a lifelong fisherwoman and has become a passionate advocate for ocean conservation and justice.  I’ve known her for several … Read More “People and Ideas You Should Know: 5 Questions with Anupa Asokan” »