DEPARTMENT of Public Lands Secretary Sixto K. Igisomar advocated for the marine sanctuary proposal to undergo further community review.
In his brief remarks, Igisomar thanked the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for allowing an additional time extension for the public to comment on the five-year review of the nomination of the Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary.
“I just want to stress today that a proposal of this magnitude, geographical size, and the use of our CNMI people’s pride in their culture and tradition…should first gather the feedback of the people as a whole. Give them the respect of informed and accurate intentions and the purpose behind the taking of their indigenous [waters],” he said.
Igisomar recommended that an actual physical presence on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands should be explored before a proposal is officially submitted, sanctioned by the CNMI government and senatorial district mayors.
“The Pacific Islanders have ways of discussing issues. They gather and they tell stories. That is how we can gather their honest feedback, whether they support this or not support it,” he said.
“Our people can only be very cautious at this time, as previous engagements, involvements of federal agencies within our CNMI have not been very accurate, relative to execution of promises per se, let alone a proposal that may not have had a proper vetting for our people’s intentions.
“The fact that a presidential proclamation, a congressional act, a proposal can take our lands and waters unilaterally is very much contrary to our Covenant agreements, an agreement sold to our people with their understanding of what was agreed upon, different from what the agreements are coming out to be, yet the taking continues,” he said.
Igisomar said the vision, the concept, and the dream for this area is beautiful indeed, but again, something of this magnitude requires more investigative review and input and feedback from the people of the Commonwealth.
“Otherwise, if none of these things are going to happen, then the proposal should be removed from this distinction for now [and then later] reintroduced, vetted in our CNMI properly,” he said.
During the most recent virtual public meeting hosted by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, various officials expressed their opposition to the nomination of the proposed sanctuary, while others, including notable environmental advocates, voiced their support of the proposed sanctuary.
The general public has until April 25, 2022 to submit public comments to the federal agency for consideration.
To submit electronic comments, visit www.regulations.gov
The docket number is NOAA-NOS-2022-0005. Click the “Comment Now” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your documents for submission.
Sixto K. Igisomar
