(USFW) — The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announces the availability of a Draft Compatibility Determination for public review and comment on the following use at the Mariana Trench National Wildlife Refuge: Commercial Ash Scattering.
A commercial entity has requested permission to provide a commercial service to scatter ashes above Sirena Deep, which is about 90 miles south of Guam and 35,000 feet deep (6.6 miles). The ocean floor at this depth consists of a biogenous ooze of microscopic shells from both animal and plant plankton.
Human ashes are primarily composed of tricalcium phosphate, a naturally occurring mineral in the ocean, and are considered environmentally safe. This use contributes to the refuge goals by providing opportunities for economic ventures that are compatible with the ecosystem and marine resources.
The draft document is available on-line at www.fws.gov/refuge/mariana-trench/.
The public comment period will be open until July 26. Concerns expressed during the comment period will be addressed in the final compatibility determination.
Comments may be sent by email to Sean_Macduff@fws.gov or accepted in paper form at the Mariana Trench Contact Station at American Memorial Park, 924 Micro Beach Road in Garapan, Saipan.
All comments and materials we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in your comments, you should be aware that your entire comment — including your personally identifiable information — may be made publicly available at any time.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
For more information, visit www.fws.gov/pacificislands/, or connect through any of these social media channels at https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS/, www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/, https://medium.com/usfwspacificislands or www.twitter.com/USFWSPacific/.
