Law restricting activities on Managaha defended
The chair of the House Natural Resources Committee said Friday that proposed legislation designating Managaha island and its surrounding waters as conservation area is necessary to protect the endangered fish species and other marine resources thriving in the area.
But Rep. Manuel A. Tenorio admitted it is unlikely for the current Legislature to put in place the law immediately while it gathers comments and recommendations from government agencies, the public and the business sector.
A public hearing is scheduled tomorrow at the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe where the committee is expected to present the proposal to declare Managaha a marine sanctuary with protective measures to be implemented by the government.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, comes as concerns on the fish and marine resources found around the popular tourist site have underscored the need to restrict commercial activities there.
According to Mr. Tenorio, the measure will limit certain activities on the island and its surrounding waters and designate particular area for tourists and fishermen, but subject to regulations of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
“It’s not going to cut off all activities, but will prohibit activities in certain sensitive areas where they have identified endangered species or fishing areas that are breeding ground for fish of this nature,” he said in an interview.
At present, Managaha is under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources which receives money from the land lease of the commercial concessionaires operating in Managaha. It does not, however, limit their activities due to absence of regulations.
“At this time there are no restrictions against boat sailing, scuba diving and jet ski,” Mr. Tenorio explained. “This particular bill will actually prohibit or restrict some of those activities and we’ll take them into certain areas.”
The proposal is timely, according to the representative, in that it will provide safeguards for the fish species and the marine life to continue thriving in the corals and other breeding grounds on the waters of Managaha.
“That is one area that we feel is important for us to protect,” said Mr. Tenorio. “It’s a good bill and I hope we will get the support of the public.”
The legislation will carry fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of not more than one year for violations under House Bill 11-500 which came after months of environmental assessment of Managaha.
A major tourist attraction, 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.
