This summed up the letter of Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos to President Bush regarding the proposal to designate a national marine monument in the CNMI after series of discussions with the community members.
Inos said the current “management system promotes active participation by many of our island citizens as CNMI representative in various advisory panels, plan teams, science and statistics committee, and as council members working under guidance of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other Federal Laws.”
He added, “I believe our present resource management approach is more in line with our belief in the sustainable use of natural resources.”
Inos said the Pew Group’s proposal involves the designation of over one-third of the entire exclusive economic zone, approximately 115,000 square miles as a “no-take” marine protect area.
“I am also troubled that the Antiquities Act of 1906 would be used to accomplish this endeavor,” the mayor said.
He added that it was his understanding that the federal significant action requires no public or stakeholder involvement and does not require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act or any other laws that protect public interest.
The White House said it will start a dialogue with CNMI leaders on the proposed creation of the national marine monuments surrounding the northern islands of Uracus, Maug and Asuncion.
Inos said despite the non-partisan opposition by the CNMI elected leaders against the proposed national monument, “I was disappointed that we continue to be hard pressed to the point where the issue has now become controversial within out communities.”
He said he will not support the designation of a national marine monument in the Marianas as it “conflicts with our traditional and sustainable use of marine resources and completely bypasses public land stakeholder involvement.”
“On behalf of the people of Rota, I respectfully request that you not designate a National Marine Monument in the CNMI,” Inos told Bush.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, the Legislature, Northern Islands Mayor Valentin Taisakan and the Saipan municipal council have also expressed their opposition to the Pew proposal “at this time.”
