Nine waterproof guides including a site map and historical information can be taken underwater and used to tour around the sites. Additionally, four, double-sided posters which include images of the wrecks and more in-depth information are available. All trail materials are printed in English and Japanese.
“We hope that locals and visitors to the CNMI will use the trail guides and posters to explore the amazing histories of these underwater sites,” says Dr. Jennifer McKinnon. “These sites are so special and so unique — they deserve to be both showcased and protected for future generations.”
McKinnon is a research associate with Ships of Exploration and Discovery Research Inc., a non-profit organization based in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Ships of Discovery was awarded an American Battlefield Protection Program, or ABPP, grant in 2009 to investigate and record WWII sites located in Saipan’s lagoon and to collect data to develop a heritage trail in cooperation with the CNMI Historic Preservation Office.
“Local agencies such as HPO, CRM and DEQ were integral to this project. They assisted with local knowledge and provided in-kind support. We also couldn’t have done it without the help of many local businesses and individuals who supported the project,” McKinnon said.
Those wishing to visit the sites or obtain copies of the guides or posters can collect them for free at HPO, CRM, American Memorial Park, MVA and the NMI Council for the Humanities.
“We hope that local tour operators and dive businesses will build a trip or tour around the sites. But it is important to remember that for the trail to be sustainable, it needs to be treated in such a way that we don’t use it up. Do not harm the sites through improper anchoring or move or remove artefacts. Heritage sites are protected legally in the same way environmental resources are protected. Take on pictures, leave only bubbles,” McKinnon said.
Ships of Discovery has recently been awarded another ABPP grant for $72,000.00 to continue researching and recording WWII heritage in the CNMI.
