THE House Committee on Natural Resources, chaired by Rep. Arnold I. Palacios, R-Saipan, is recommending the passage of a measure that seeks to create a marine reserve area on Tinian extending from the north point of the municipal breakwater to Puntan Diablo.
In its report, the committee said H.B. 13-100 introduced by Rep. Norman S. Palacios, D-Tinian, is consistent with the mandate of the CNMI Constitution.
“(The bill’s intent) is in the public interest. The Constitution states that marine resources shall be managed, controlled, protected and preserved by the Legislature for the benefit of the people. The designation of this area as a marine reserve promotes the conservation and protection of our natural resources,” the report stated.
With the continuing increase in population and the corresponding demand for seafood and fishing activities in the commonwealth, committee members believe that “it is appropriate that conservation measures be established….”
The reserve that would be established under the measure would serve as a natural laboratory for continued propagation of marine species, which can naturally re-populate depleted areas around the island of Tinian.
It would likewise provide a laboratory for students, teachers and research groups to study marine species of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Similar measures have already been enacted for Saipan and Rota. On Saipan, conservation areas have been established around Managaha, Bird Island and Forbidden Island. On Rota, a fish reserve has been established in Sasanhaya Bay.
The bill would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to spend approximately $40,000 to install the marker and mooring buoys in the area for the marine reserve.
