Proposed marine sanctuary junked

Governor Pedro P. Tenorio has tossed back to the Legislature a proposed measure that sought to designate a section of the Tanapag lagoon as a permanent marine sanctuary.

Mr. Tenorio said House Local Bill 12-27 contains several concerns that must be appropriately addressed before it could become law.

This, as the governor stressed that he supports the protection, preservation and conservation of marine life. “In fact, I have signed numerous measures seeking to protect and preserve our natural resources including marine life.”

Mr. Tenorio pointed out that mandatory importation of non-native species of marine life from outside of the Commonwealth raises a concern.

HLB 12-27 proposes that the area designated as a permanent marine sanctuary be seeded with juvenile giant clams imported from the Mariculture Center in Palau.

“Although importation of clams and other species of marine life have been done in the past, it should not continue without a comprehensive study of its potential impact to the marine ecology of the CNMI,” said Mr. Tenorio.

He stressed that importation of such species must be required to go through proper investigation and screening.

The CNMI chief executive also emphasized that the Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Division of Environmental Quality and the Coastal Resources Management conduct biannual fish and benthic habitat surveys for species diversification, habitat complexity and uniqueness for potential sanctuary status.

The establishment of a permanent marine sanctuary requires that fishing, swimming and other activities within the established areas be restricted permanently.

“Therefore, should this proposed site in Tanapag lagoon be established as a permanent marine sanctuary, any of the above mentioned activities would be prohibited or disallowed within the sanctuary,” he added.

Mr. Tenorio also mentioned that the identified area for the proposed marine sanctuary has been a traditional fishing area for the people of Saipan, especially residents of Tanapag and San Roque villages.

“Before any area is designated as permanent sanctuary, the Division of Fish and Wildlife should be allowed to survey and review the characteristics of the particular area to determine its potential as a permanent sanctuary,” he said.

He noted the DFW has recently conducted comprehensive surveys and assessments on similar proposed local legislation for Tinian and Rota.

Mr. Tenorio said the results of the surveys and appropriate recommendations by Division of Fish and Wildlife greatly contributed to the eventual passage of these measures.