(PCRP) — Pacific Coastal Research & Planning, a Saipan-based non-profit organization, has successfully completed the removal of the derelict fishing vessel Charito from the nearshore area of Lower Base in Tanapag Harbor. The project, which ran from April 9 to December 31, 2024, marks a significant milestone in environmental conservation and marine safety efforts in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Charito, a 97-foot steel commercial longliner fishing vessel, had been grounded in a shallow, highly visible area near the DFW Beach Public Boat Ramp and Echo Dock since August 1997, when it was stranded by Typhoon Winnie. Its removal is expected to prevent further environmental impacts to sensitive habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves, protect endangered species, and improve vessel access to the area.
Becky Skeele, executive director of PCRP, stated, “The Charito has been a community hazard, an environmental liability, and an eyesore for decades. We are pleased that PCRP was afforded the funding and the opportunity to finally remove it, and are grateful for the hard work and perseverance of the removal contractors despite the challenges that arose in removing a wreck that had been grounded for almost thirty years.”
The removal operation was a collaborative effort involving several Saipan-based contractors. Deep Blue LLC led the removal and disposal activities, while Koa EHS Consulting and Johnston Applied Marine Sciences conducted environmental monitoring and compliance oversight throughout the duration of the project.
Over the course of the project, the team removed a total of 81.5 tons of metal, primarily consisting of scrap steel and hull pieces. Additionally, 14.5 tons of common waste and 480 cubic feet of rigid foam insulation were safely removed and disposed of. The project also addressed unforeseen challenges, including the discovery and safe containment of 110 gallons of oily waste water, highlighting the importance of removing abandoned and derelict vessels to prevent potential environmental hazards.
As part of the project’s environmental protection measures, Johnston Applied Marine Sciences conducted careful coral translocation work before vessel removal began. The team temporarily relocated 95 coral colonies from the vessel’s impact zone to a safe staging area 82 feet away. This included 62 Porites species colonies, 27 Pocillopora damicornis colonies, and 6 encrusting corals. Following the vessel’s removal and the cleanup of over 800 pounds of debris, all coral colonies were successfully returned to the impact zone to their original location, with no observed mortality throughout the project.
The Charito removal project was made possible by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation’s Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program. Local government partners, including the Commonwealth Ports Authority, Bureau of Environmental Coastal Quality’s Division of Coastal Resources Management and Division of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and its Division of Fish and Wildlife, provided crucial support throughout the project.
Abandoned and derelict vessels remain an ongoing challenge in the CNMI, with many stranded by typhoons. These vessels create navigation hazards, damage marine ecosystems, and reduce the recreational value of coastal areas. Their removal is often complicated and expensive, leading to long-term environmental impacts. PCRP emphasizes the importance of proper vessel securing during severe weather events and encourages boat owners in the CNMI to review and update their storm preparedness plans regularly to prevent future vessel abandonments.
The success of the Charito removal project serves as a model for future environmental restoration efforts in the region. It demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated action between non-profit organizations, local businesses, and government agencies in addressing complex environmental issues.
For more information about the removal of the Charito and other PCRP projects, visit www.pacificcrp.org or contact Becky Skeele at becky.skeele@pacificcrp.org/.
About Pacific Coastal Research & Planning
PCRP is a Saipan-based non-profit organization specializing in coastal environmental solutions. The organization combines expertise in environmental planning, marine research, and coastal hazard mitigation to create sustainable outcomes for Pacific coastal communities.
