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Scuba divers to spearhead lagoon cleanup
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Posted on Apr 25 2006
This time, it’s the scuba divers turn to do some cleaning up of the CNMI lagoon.
Reina Camacho, Division of Environmental Quality’s public information officer, said that the scuba dive cleanup would be held on Saturday, May 6, beginning 8:30am at the Sugar Dock in Susupe.
Camacho said there would be a second dive cleanup at Laulau Bay around 10am on the same day.
The Sugar Dock and Laulau beaches are popular spots for picnics or diving, said DEQ marine biologist Peter Houk.
“Our goal is to dive around the Sugar Dock area for a shallow dive and pick up all trash in the water,” said Houk, who will be also be the cleanup coordinator on May 6.
He expressed hope that the joint dive would result in cleaner waters around the island.
“I hope the joint dive between as many dive operators as possible and government marine monitoring agencies will lead to a good discussion about our coral reefs and how we can all help protect them,” he said.
After the dive at Laulau, Houk said there would be a few refreshments and snacks for a ‘hang out’ session among the scuba divers.
The cleanup, one of the activities organized as part of DEQ’s Environmental Awareness celebration, hopes to attract as many scuba divers as possible.
“DEQ will provide air tanks, if needed; however all other dive gear must be provided by the participants. Refreshments will be provided after each dive,” Camacho said.
For more information or to reserve an air tank, contact Houk at 664-8500 or 664-8501 or email him at deq.biologist@saipan.com.
