During one of their recent morning site inspections, employees of the Division of Environmental Quality found that one of the recycle bins made available by Mariana Islands Nature Alliance had been vandalized with spray paint.
“This is abhorrent,” said Fran Castro, chairwoman of the MINA board. “Many individuals and organizations have worked hard to make the bins available for the general public to use at their convenience.”
The bin was marked with distasteful language meant to either intimidate or offend anyone who read it.
“Nonetheless, we want to make sure that this mischief has as little negative impact as possible, so we are working expeditiously to repaint the vandalized bin,” Castro said.
“We’re asking anyone who has any information about this crime to share it with the police as soon as possible,” she added.
The bins are part of MINA’s Marine Debris Prevention program, which aims to help reduce debris on Saipan’s shores and ocean and to help protect marine habitats that are at risk as a result.
The Marine Debris Prevention program is funded by a grant from NOAA, and provides bins at the following locations:
Wing beach, Garapan Fishing Basin, 13 Fisherman monument, Kilili Park, Susupe Park, Sugar Dock, Laolao Dive site and Picnic area, and Obyan beach.
Many individuals, families, and businesses have become part of the program by “Adopting-A-Bin” and paying for one year’s worth of trash collection services. Current Adopters are:
• Wing Beach — Marianas Trekking and the Visitor’s Channel
• Garapan Fishing Basin — The Rotary Club of Saipan
• 13 Fishermen Monument — Brabu Pharmacy and Wellness Center
• Kilili Park — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan & Susupe Hi-5
• Susupe Park — CTSI & Tan Holdings
• Sugar Dock — Ideal Signs & Saipan Computer Services
• Laolao Dive Site —Marianas Visitor Authority
• Laolao Picnic Site and Obyan Beach — Ericco Enterprises
In return, the adopters’ logo is displayed on their bin, and they are recognized as one of Saipan’s eco-friendly and community-oriented businesses.
To learn more about the Marine Debris Prevention Program or to become a member of MINA, visit www.minapacific.org.
