Managaha conservation okayed

Alarmed by deteriorating conditions of NMI’s marine resources, the House of Representatives yesterday approved a plan to create conservation area in Managaha island and its surrounding waters in efforts to protect what is left there.

House Bill 11-500 or the Managaha Marine Conservation Act of 1999 seeks to restrict fishing, boating, operation of watercraft, swimming, diving, snorkeling and other human activities within the area unless permitted by an agency to be set up to administer the plan.

Sponsored by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, the measure won overwhelming support at a public hearing held early this month, but was fine-tuned to address concerns by other government agencies.

Among the recommendations included in the bill were a complete ban on all fishing within the area, expansion of the proposed boundaries, agency funding and personnel and establishment of other protected marine sanctuary.

“This bill is long overdue and whose timing is even more important due to the deteriorating conditions of our lagoons and reef, not to mention marine life,” said a report submitted by the House Natural Resources Committee.

Exemptions, however, will be granted subject to the rules and regulations that the lands and natural resources secretary will draft within 180 days upon signing into law and other guidelines that the proposed agency will implement.

The scope of exemptions will be limited to scientific research, educational studies as well as for traditional and cultural purposes.

Transport of people to and from Managaha will also be allowed and other activities that the agency’s superintendent will regulate as provided under the proposal.

Each violation will carry fines of between $500 to $10,000 or one-year imprisonment or both. The power to seize boats, fishing equipment and others will also be granted to any representative of the superintendent pending litigation in court.

Funding for the agency’s operations will come from the landing fee currently imposed per passenger traveling to Managaha, except during the first year where the Legislature will appropriate the money.

Other duties given to the agency will include conducting a baseline study on the first year of the implementation of the law to determine the present state of the proposed conservation area; an annual report to update lawmakers of its status and other recommendations; and educational campaign jointly managed with the Board of
Education for inclusion into the school’s curriculum.

However, it is not known how the plan will impact on the commercial activities in Managaha, a top tourist destination. The bill now heads to the Senate for action.

The island has come under close scrutiny in recent months following concerns of possible erosion and damage to marine resources due to influx of tourists who flock to its beach to swim and snorkel as well as ride in such watercraft as banana boat.

Millions of dollars in revenues are generated each year from these tourism activities as more than 350,000 visit the island annually for a day trip that can cost around $60.