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Sea turtle survey on Tinian completed
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Posted on Apr 02 2001
Representatives from several local and federal agencies have completed a week and a half of sea turtle survey in and around the waters of Tinian, including the island of Aguigan.
The sea turtle survey was conducted by officials of Tinian’s Department of Lands and Natural Resources, DPS-Boating Safety Division, members of the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Turtle Conservation and Survey Program from March 12-22.
The inter-agency Sea Turtle Survey, termed as a beautiful coordination of available resources for the sea creature, appeared to have set a standard in cooperative work between several government agencies.
The inter-agency group commends the people of Tinian and the local mayor’s office for their efforts in making the survey possible.
Those who took part in the sea turtle survey were: Henry King, Elvin Masga, Donicio Reyes, Jesse Pangelinan, and Alfonso Reyes from DLNR-Tinian; Gus Dosalua, Ray Aldan and Wayne Villagomez from DPS-Tinian; Larry Ilo, Frank Rasa and John Manglona from CNMI-DFW.
Steve Kolinski from the National Marine Fisheries Service/Marine Turtle Conservation and Survey Program also joined in the undertaking.
“These gentlemen were towed on the sides of the boat and observed sea turtles in the waters around Tinian and Aguigan. They ventured out to the cliff edges of Tinian and observed sea turtles from these vantage points. They had to endure long hours under the sun in the waters and cliff edges of Tinian,” DFW said in a media statement.
The inter-agency group also aired gratitude to the following individuals for their support in making the project successful: Tinian Mayor Frank Borja, Senator David M. Cing, Councilman Antonio Borja, DPS-Tinian Director Peter Cruz, DLNR-Tinian Resident Director Norman Manglona, DFW Director Richard Seman and DLNR Secretary Dr. Joaquin Tenorio.
The complete report of the results of the Tinian sea turtle survey will be available by June.
A similar survey is scheduled to be conducted in Rota early next year and then on Saipan the following year. Officials stressed the importance of completing a CNMI-wide sea turtle inventory.
