DFW to survey coral reef damages caused by U.S. military ships By Marian A. Maraya

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is currently readying efforts to conduct a study on the extent of damages reportedly caused by military prepositioned supply vessels to CNMI’s natural coral reefs.

DFW Fishery Biologist Mike Trianni said the division is seeking assistance from the Commonwealth Ports Authority to identify where the military ships were previously anchored in order to mark any differences on the state of the reefs versus its current disposition.

“So that we can compare the state of the reef from where they are now and see if there are possible impacts,” said Mr. Trianni.

Reports of potential coral reef threats brought about by the military vessels have reached the division only recently, according to the biologist.

Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Joaquin Tenorio said that although he has heard concerns on the issue, his office has yet to receive a formal report.

“We are concerned about the vessels out there if in fact they are causing our reefs harm but as to the exact impact, I have yet to receive a report,” said Dr. Tenorio.

To mitigate further harm to the coral reefs, Mr. Trianni suggested that the division install additional mooring buoys around the area to highlight where the reefs are concentrated.

He also proposed to restrict ship anchoring areas to protect the reefs from potential damages.

“We are trying to work with the navy in resolving this,” said Mr. Trianni.

“We are concerned because we would like to monitor the conditions of our fisheries and coral reefs,” added the secretary.

The US Navy and the CNMI government earlier sealed an agreement authorizing military ships to anchor off CNMI waters as a courtesy in exchange for military preparedness.

The Coastal Resources Management Office earlier expressed optimism the agency’s plans to conduct a survey of the coral reef conditions on the island may push through after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration barely three months ago approved the project in principle.

The $280,000 grant for the project will cover a three-year period to establish a baseline data that will monitor the condition of the coral reef.

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

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 undertaking in the Pacific island jurisdictions of the US.

Also instrumental in the initiative to create map are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Interior.

The planned coral reef map will assist lawmakers pass legislation that will set aside marine protected areas in the CNMI.