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‘Saipan has the resources to develop world-class marine interpretive trail’
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Posted on Jul 04 2008
The Southwestern Archaeological Research Inc. recently completed an underwater remote sensing survey of the Garapan and Tanapag lagoons on the western coast of Saipan and results show that the island has the means to develop underwater interpretive trail.
The primary purpose of the survey was for the development of an inventory and map of submerged resource as a management tool.
“The survey results made it clear that Saipan has the resources to develop a world-class underwater interpretive trail,” said Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao. The department and the Historic Preservation Office awarded the contract to Southwestern Archaeological Research Inc.
HPO will conduct a series of thorough documentation of individual objects, evaluating them for safety and other issues, and at the same time development of an interpretive trail.
This particular project was funded by a sub-grant of the Historic Preservation Fund Grant that funds operation of State Historic Preservation Offices and administered by the National Park Services.
The development effort will most likely include CNMI regulatory agencies such as the Department of Environmental Quality, Coastal Resources Management Office, Division Fish and Wildlife, Marianas Visitors Authority, representatives of the local dive community, and CNMI communities.
“DCCA-HPO plans to build up a group of responsible site stewardship through a training program that is currently under discussion with a maritime archaeologist. Site stewards would monitor the resources and report on post-storm damage, vandalism, or other concerns, in addition to working with HPO as we continue to investigate the targets identified by the recent survey,” Faisao said.
The underwater resources of the Saipan lagoon offer vast opportunities for destination enhancement that could benefit the tourist industry; they may also provide local divers with an opportunity to participate in recording artifacts in CNMI history.
According to the DCCA and HPO, the finalization stage of the project is expected later this year with a video and report.
