CRMO stops issuance of permits for water sports

The Coastal Resources Management Office has temporarily suspended the issuance of all new commercial water sports permits to prevent further degradation of the Saipan Lagoon and near shore waters off Tinian and Rota.

According to CRMO acting Director Peter Barlas, Saipan lagoon has already reached its carrying capacity to safely and environmentally accommodate marine sports activities.

CRMO has already given about 70 water sports permits in Saipan, which include the operation of jetski, water ski, wakeboarding, seawalker and banana boat within the lagoon. Pending applications in the agency will not be affected.

While the agency has not initiated a specific study on the impact of marine sports, Mr. Barlas said CRMO has received several letters expressing concern on its effect on the critical situation of the lagoon.

CRMO will be conducting series of studies to determine the general state of the coral reefs, marine quality and assess the environmental impacts these water activities have on the lagoon as well as well as in the harbor areas of Tinian and Rota over the next year.

The agency is in charge in the planning and management of any activity in the lagoon which may affect coastal resources. “Everytime you utilize a power driven engine, you will definitely have discharges which may affect the lagoon,” Mr. Barlas said. Jetskis are also constantly hitting the reefs.

Currently, there are designated sites for the operation of jetskis and CRMO has no intention of expanding these areas. In fact, the agency is working with the U.S. Army Corps in the Coral Reef Restoration Project and determining the non-point pollution source.

With the current problems besetting Saipan Lagoon, Mr. Barlas has reached his findings: “The lagoon has reached its carrying capacity, the parking lot is full.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer has earlier expressed interest in funding projects in connection with Saipan Lagoon Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Study to protect the island’s fragile environment.

A preliminary assessment made by the U.S. Army Engineer District in Honolulu revealed that runoffs from the drainage system have contributed to the degradation of the ecosystem in Saipan Lagoon’s Chalan Laulau vicinity.

With the rapid urbanization of Saipan due to the mushrooming of many businesses, the U.S. Army Corps and CRM noted the importance of drawing up an ecosystem management plan for Saipan Lagoon to determine the different types of marine life and recommend the necessary conservation measures.