A lesson in assertiveness

As news of President Bush’s declaration of three marine monuments made its way across the nation, toward the Pacific Ocean and to our islands, I am compelled to reflect on the odyssey-like experience, which ended in the signing of the declaration Tuesday last week.

To be frank, when I first heard of the proposal in early 2008, I was shocked by the sheer size of the proposed area in the CNMI and plan to restrict access to fisheries resources, mineral resources, and marine activities. I was also alarmed by the intensive publicity efforts launched by PEW. Whether intended or not, the publicity seemed to give the impression that the early proposal was not only the best deal ever, but that it was also a done deal. That proposition did not sit well with many people whom I talked to during the course of the year.

I for one became extremely skeptical of the wisdom of the early proposal. I questioned the necessity of designating such an immense area. I doubted that the best interests of our residents would be served by restrictions on access to the area. As the former chief of Fish and Wildlife, I commissioned several resource assessments studies around the proposed monument areas in conjunction with NOAA scientists and local biologists. From these studies, I became aware of the unique coral reef areas around the three northernmost islands and the compelling need for their protection.

Conservation is an important policy consideration. As a son of the Marianas, I grew up with a keen understanding of the teachings and traditions of our indigenous cultures and the affinity that our people have for our islands and the ocean. A paramount principle in resource management is that we do not go out and exploit resources just for the sake of exploiting. We rely on the ocean’s resources for subsistence living. We take what we need, not more. That is instilled in us from an early age given the reality of island life and limited resources. So there was no question in my mind on the importance of conservation and the need to protect the unique geological features of the Marianas Trench and the coral reef systems fringing our northernmost islands. But did we really need a swath of 200 nautical miles around the Marianas Trench to adequately protect it? Did we really need to close or restrict access to these areas?

My skepticism gave way to frustration as it seemed that our questions and concerns were falling on deaf ears. By mid-summer, I learned that the President had given instructions to the White House Council of Environmental Quality chaired by James Connaughton to travel to the CNMI to meet with community leaders to discuss the proposed monument and to get their input. Initially, my colleagues in the House and I viewed the meeting as more form than substance. I was heartened when, toward the end of our meeting, Mr. Connaughton pledged to work with us in the designation of the National Marine Monument in the CNMI. It became clear to me then that our concerns had registered and that the White House and the federal government understood the nub of the opposition of the local community to the initial proposal.

From then on, cooler heads prevailed and productive discussions between Saipan and Washington ensued. I participated, along with the Governor and Senate President, in several teleconferences with Mr. Connaughton as the language for the presidential declaration was being drafted. True to his word, the discussions were not one-sided. I had the opportunity to ask point blank about the policy objective for the monument designation, the timeframe involved before the designation, what should the monument include and what were the unique geological features that should be protected.

The Marianas Marine National Monument as designated by President Bush reflects the candid discussions that I have had with Mr. Connaughton. As a result, we have in the monument a focused ecosystem management approach. The area has been scaled back. There will be 50 nautical mile conservation management zones, rather than the 200 mile EEZ, within and around the three northernmost islands which are already protected under our CNMI Constitution. Residents of the CNMI will have access to the area and traditional indigenous fishing will continue. There will be co-management sharing between federal and local governments and a revenue sharing component on mineral resources. I can safely say that this Marianas Marine Monument is a something I can embrace.

I speak for the House Leadership in expressing my gratitude to Mr. Connaughton and CEQ members and staff for meeting with us before finalizing the declaration. The CEQ, under Mr. Connaughton’s direction, took into account, not only my input but those of our other leaders, including the Governor and the Senate President, and incorporated them into the final declaration. One of the key issues for the Governor is local control over submerged lands. Mr. Connaughton made a commitment to assist to the extent that he could on the transfer of territorial waters to CNMI control.

I would also like to acknowledge the following government and independent agencies and individuals who supported our initial position on the Monument: Vice President Dick Cheney; The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures; the 29th Guam Legislature, Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo, Territory of Guam; the Micronesian Chief Executive Summit; and the Guam Fishermen’s Co-op.

Because much remains to be done, if there is anything that this experience has taught us as a community it is this: that we need to learn to be assertive, to speak up and articulate our positions on issues that affect all of us. We must do so by engaging in civil discourse respectful of the opinions of others, offering criticism that goes to the substance of issues, while not engaging in personal attacks. This spirit of cooperation and collaboration can take the CNMI a long way. Never underestimate the power of collective action. I am hopeful that the incoming Obama Administration will also be as receptive to CNMI participation and input in the further development of plans and programs for the Monument.