Jennifer Fry: March 10, 2012, Oscar Elton Sette

NOAA Teacher at Sea Jennifer Fry Onboard NOAA Ship, Oscar Elton Sette March 12 – March 26, 2012

Mission: Fisheries Study Geographical area of cruise: American Samoa Date: March 10, 2012

Pago Pago

Personal Log:

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="225" caption="The Rotary Club of Pago Pago, American Samoa was chartered in 1969"][/caption] When we first arrived in town I met up with family friend, Steve Watson who had emigrated  to  Samoa 35 years ago.  When I met up with Steve,  he  invited me to join him at the monthly Rotary International Club of Pago Pago. After a lovely lunch we listened to the business at hand presented by the members.  Rotary International is a philanthropic organization that helps local groups in need.  Current projects that the club is working on include helping build the school playground at the local Montessori School,  an annual scholarship given to a deserving senior in high school , and  donating to   relief efforts in the Philippines after their recent devastating earthquake. The rotarians' guiding principles are included in the Four-Way Test.

The Four-Way Test

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions: Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

While listening to the various speakers, Steve leaned over and asked, “Do you want to be a guest speaker?” I nodded and found myself in front of Pago Pago’s businessmen and women excitedly talking about the upcoming NOAA research vessel’s scientific experiments being conducted offshore in American Samoa.  Included in my brief presentation was the variety of scientific research including:

• Studies of microplastics
• A variety of fishing with the aid of fishing reels and tackle and trawl nets
• Plankton studies and collection
• Photographing  and data collection of fish species for later research

Everyone was so supportive and welcoming. Here's a bit about Rotary International of Pago Pago.  The chapter began meeting in October 1969. The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
• SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
• THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
• FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

For more information about Rotary International go to:  www.rotary.org