According to the history “the 485 feet finger pier was constructed by the Japanese and was later rebuilt by the U.S.Military Forces. It was the site of commercial fishing fleets during the early days of the U.S.administration.”
The fishing base is now one of the favorite meeting places for Saipan’s festivities, both social and political gatherings, and the favorite spot for sunset watching, family picnic, and fishing, strolling, and jogging.
The annual Liberation Day, the Tuesday Sabalu market, fund raising campaign, protest rally, to name a few of the community’s activities, are held here.
Local fishermen share with some marine sport operators in using the dock. We see, from time to time, colorful Jet Ski, boat for parasailing, water ski and banana boat, lining up to find anchor.
Like any other places of leisure and gathering, Garapan Fishing Base also needs constant “care” to maintain its beauty, its purpose and its formation.
But the 1980 document “Status of Fishery in the Northern Mariana Islands” states the area at the Garapan Fishing Base “is now in a state of disrepair with eroded shoreline, broken wooden pilings, shallow channels, and several wrecks.”
In September, when a typhoon hit Saipan , a portion of the area slide down, posing danger to picnickers, fishermen and visitors alike.
“The government should put warning sign because people are using this place all the time,” fisherman Quentin Ngiraerois urged, as he narrated how his car was damaged when it fell into the hole.
Ngiraerois said Garapan Fishing Base is one of his favorite places for fishing and meeting with friends and family.
“This is a family area,” Eugenio Palacios, “and every generation has been using this place.” He recalled during the Japanese era the place was used for the tuna commercial vessel.
For Mary Roppul, who often visited the place, the government should improve by putting some light post, picnic table and trash bins.
Every year though, a tourist boat operator Seahorse Inc., managed by Shao Walker has been providing trash bins in the area.
Manny Alvarez said the management of Seahorse provided 10 trash cans this year “because we want to maintain this place clean.” “We’ve been doing this for already three years now.”
Alvarez said he was concern about the retaining wall that is falling apart.
A concrete launching ramp was recently built by the Marianas Government but no lights and water facilities are available.
The Garapan Fishing Base is being proposed as the site for the Saipan Fishery Facility which will provide some of the basic facilities for local fishermen, which would include reefer, fish storage, ice plant, fuel, and office.
Whatever is the purpose of the fishing base now, for Aya, 25 and Chie, 27 both Japanese working at the Fiesta Resort the place “is just excellent for relaxation and sunset watching.”
“We enjoy the place because we don’t have this in Japan,” they said.
A local resident David Castro was strolling in the area while waiting for his wife who is working near the fishing base. “I spend my time here watching the children playing, and fishing.”
“I hope they will turn this into a park,” he said.
Other frequent visitors, Kobe Abobo,7; Keoki Hiroshi, 10; Keone Hiroshi, 10; and Rudy Dela Cruz, 11 said they enjoy the place. “It’s good to fish here while waiting for our parents,” they chorused as the sun gradually faded in the horizon.
