WASHINGTON, D.C. (BECQ) — Representatives from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands joined coastal program managers from 36 states and territories last week for the NOAA Annual Program Managers Meeting and the Coastal States Organization Spring Meeting 2026.
Held at NOAA headquarters, the summit focused on the future of coastal resilience, funding uncertainties, and innovative resource management. The CNMI was represented by Floyd R. Masga, administrator for the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, and Juanet Sablan of the Division of Coastal Resources Management.
The meeting included a campfire session in which NOAA Administrator and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Neil Jacobs Jr. addressed concerns about future budget cycles and changing program priorities. NOAA Deputy Administrator Tim Perry encouraged attendees to find new approaches, noting that while federal and state water programs serve different functions, they are all essential parts of the same puzzle that must be better integrated to remain sustainable.
A core component of the week was a day on Capitol Hill, where participants met with congressional representatives to voice local concerns. The CNMI delegation met with Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds to discuss high-priority issues affecting the islands, including deep-sea bed mining and the increased military presence in the Marianas.
Throughout the four-day event, coastal managers attended breakout sessions to tackle shared challenges such as staffing shortages and shifting legislative priorities. A panel featuring Dr. Megan Carr from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management provided insights on offshore energy development and its implications for state and territorial waters.
“These meetings are vital for ensuring the CNMI has a seat at the table when federal priorities are set,” Masga said. “By sharing insights with our counterparts from other states and territories, we can better protect our unique marine resources while navigating global funding challenges.”
BECQ protects public health and maintains environmental quality in the CNMI through the sustainable management of coastal resources and regulation of environmental impacts. It promotes sustainable development and the conservation of coastal resources. DCRM, a subdivision of BECQ, manages permits, enforces environmental regulations, monitors shoreline changes, and protects coral reefs and wetlands across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
