Coral reef survey to be implemented soon

The plan of the Coastal Resources Management Office to carry out a survey of the coral reef condition on the island may soon be implemented after two officials from the National Oceanic Service, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approved in principle the project proposed by the CRMO.

According to Peter J. Barlas, acting director of CRMO, the $280,000 grant will cover a three-year period within which a baseline data will be established to monitor the condition of the coral reef.

“This is the only way — either through video or other forms of recording can we really say that the coral reef is deteriorating or not. Before we can really make any statement that the coral reef is deteriorating, we have to conduct a study,” said Mr. Barlas.

Dr. Andy Robertson and Dr. Donna Turgeon arrived here June 16, 2000 during which they provided some assistance to CRMO on how to make the project proposal more acceptable to the funding agency.

Earlier, the United States Coral Reef Task Force has assured the Northern Marianas that funds in connection with coral reef protection will be given to the CNMI for the implementation of its own programs.

Aside from implementing conservation measures, information and educational campaign are all part of the programs under the United States All Islands Coral Reef Initiative.

President Clinton issued Executive Order 13089 establishing the Coral Reef Task Force in June 1998 which appointed governors of U.S. jurisdictions as full-fledged members.
Governor Pedro P. Tenorio has designated Mr. Barlas to attend various meetings and report to him the progress of projects in connection with the coral reef issue.

Mr. Barlas said the Northern Marianas may soon have a more accurate and detailed map of its coral reef resources after an inter-agency task force recently revealed plans of carrying out such project in Pacific island jurisdictions of the United States.

Aside from NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of the Interior will provide the support in making a detailed coral reef map which would use various types of technology, including satellite imagery and hyperspectural aerial photography. The planned coral reef map will assist the lawmakers in passing legislation that will set aside marine protected areas in the CNMI.

Coral reef protection signs will be installed by CRM along the coastline of selected beaches: Managaha, Smiling Cove, LaoLao Bay, Micro Beach, Rota Swimming Hole, Tachonga Beach, Kammer and Taga Beach.