DLNR backs creation of conservation site
A proposal to create conservation site on the island of Tinian has drawn support from environmental officials as they underscored the need to safeguard the rich marine wildlife and resources in the municipality.
Lands and Natural Resources Sec. Joaquin A. Tenorio said it is consistent with the findings from a biological survey conducted in 1999 by the Division of Fish and Wildlife that showed high diversity of fish and other aquatic life in the proposed site.
Tinian Rep. Norman S. Palacios has sponsored a local bill that will designate areas north of the island, including surrounding waters, as marine reserve to protect these rapidly-depleting resources from unregulated activities.
The sanctuary will encompass the northern edge of the municipal breakwater to Puntan Diablo Point and Barcinas Bay, along the shoreline from Tinian Harbor to Nasarinu Beach.
According to Mr. Tenorio, DLNR is committed to assisting the island municipality in the management of this conservation area once it is approved by the Tinian legislative delegation and by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio.
“We believe that setting this area aside as a marine reserve will benefit the people of the Commonwealth by conserving native species and by providing an opportunity to increase ecologically-oriented tourism activities or eco-tourism,” he wrote in a letter to the governor.
The DLNR chief added they are expected to conduct bi-annual biological surveys of the area to carry out the plan and to help develop a management plan in order to promulgate rules and regulations.
In coming up with the legislation, Mr. Palacios said he hopes to restrict fishing and other potentially harmful activities within the conservation site.
Killing or removing, and any attempt to do so, any marine animal, such as fish, live or dead coral, lobster, shellfish, clams, octopus or vegetation shall be prohibited under the proposed law.
Exemptions from the restrictions will include seasonal fish such as atulai, E’e and Ti’ao . Any other activities which are exploitative or destructive to the marine life and to any of historical value, however, will be strictly banned, according to the measure.
The proposed Tinian marine reserve follows recent designation of Managaha Island and its surrounding waters as a marine sanctuary in a bid by the CNMI to protect the popular tourist site from unrestricted commercial and recreational activities.
It is the first ever sanctuary created by government, noting the need to implement regulations aimed at safeguarding the area’s resources in order preserve its beauty for future generations.
