Wildlife conservation bill awaits governor’s action

The House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation that would designate Bird Island and Forbidden Island as sanctuaries for the conservation of wildlife and marine life in the Northern Marianas. The bill now heads to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio for action.

Legislators said passing House Bill 12-165, introduced by Rep. Thomas Pangelinan, is necessary because it promotes the concept of conserving and protecting CNMI’s natural resources.

These sanctuaries will serve as natural laboratory for continued propagation of wildlife and marine species, which can gradually and naturally reproduce and thrive in the depopulated areas of the island and the lagoon, according to Mr. Pangelinan.

Under HB 12-165, the Forbidden Island would stretch from the cliff line of Lau Lau Bay Golf Course, Chikeru, encompassing all of the area, to Tank Beach. This sanctuary extends 1,000 feet from the low tide line seaward.

The Bird Island Sanctuary would stretch from Lichin Point to the Grotto, Bird Island, Bird Island Bay and the Bird Island lookout. This sanctuary will extend 1,000 feet from the shoreline and 500 feet from the cliffline.

HB 12-165 gives the Division of Fish and Wildlife the authority and responsibility to administer programs in the designated sanctuaries, including the putting up of signs that should be written in Chamorro, Carolinian and English.

The signage shall state the purpose of the marine sanctuary, the boundaries and the benefits that may be derived from the areas, prohibited activities within the designated places, and the penalty that will be meted against violators, the proposed measure reads.

The measure also calls for coordination between DFW, Office of Public Lands, the Coastal Resource Management and the Marianas Visitors Authority in developing the sanctuaries to be models for replication throughout the Pacific.

Permissible activities within these sanctuaries include educational field trips, documentary filming, hiking, picnics and other activities that do not pose danger to the wildlife and marine life in the area.

A fine of $500 and/or prison sentence of nor mote than one year shall be meted against any individual who engages in any of the prohibited activities within the area designated as a sanctuary. (ARF)