HPO awarded a contract to Southwestern Archeological Research Inc. which completed the underwater remote sensing survey at the sites.
DCCA acting Secretary Melvin Faisao said the survey aims to develop an inventory and a map of submerged resources.
The project, he added, was funded by a sub-grant of the Historic Preservation Fund Grant from the National Park Services.
“The survey results made it clear that Saipan has the resources to develop a world class underwater interpretive trail,” Faisao said.
HPO plans to build a group of responsible site stewards through a training program, he added.
“This is currently under discussion with maritime archaeologist,” he said. “Site stewards will monitor the resources and report on post-storm damage, vandalism, or other concerns and will work with HPO as we continue to investigate the resources identified by the survey.”
The development efforts will include other regulatory agencies such as the Division of Environmental Quality, the Coastal Resources Management Office, the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Marianas Visitors Authority.
“The resources in our lagoon offer vast opportunities for destination enhancement that are beneficial to the tourist industry. These may also provide local divers with an opportunity to participate in recording artifacts from the important events in NMI history,” Faisao said..
The project will be finalized before the end of this year, he added.
