GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Wednesday proclaimed June as Ocean Month and June 8, 2022 as Ocean Day in the CNMI.
In the presence of environmental agencies and advocates, the governor called upon all citizens of the Commonwealth to reflect on the value and importance of the ocean not only to their livelihoods and economy but also as a source of recreation and enjoyment.
According to the proclamation, “The CNMI’s ocean economy employs up to 8,300 people annually, which is roughly 40% to 50% of our local employment, contributing about $922 million towards the CNMI’s annual gross domestic product.”
For their part, the indigenous people of the CNMI “have a deep and cultural connection with the ocean as it is a source of traditional knowledge and practices passed down through the generations,” the proclamation added.
It cites the “adverse effects of climate change” that “continue to impact smaller ocean nations more drastically than larger countries.”
The proclamation states that the CNMI has experienced more frequent extreme weather events “as a result of climate change,” and “changing ocean conditions are affecting the health of our precious coral reefs as we’ve suffered from widespread loss of coral from global bleaching events in the past eight years.”
Still, through “strong local, regional, and national partnerships, we are able to harness our collective knowledge and experience to better promote resource stewardship,” the proclamation stated.
June is known across the globe as World Oceans Month, with June 8 recognized as World Oceans Day.
In his remarks, Division of Coastal Resources Management Director Richard Salas said: “The reality of it is that we’ve been celebrating our ocean long before we’ve had this event. We are all aware that the ocean is vast, with resources to offer our people. It has provided us with a source of sustenance.”
Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance Executive Director Roberta Guerrero recalled that her “only experience with eating seafood growing up on a farm in Nebraska was frozen fish sticks. Little did I know that the world, this ocean, gave us the best fish ever — onaga, tuna, red snapper, anything. I mean, I was amazed. [On Saipan,] I found myself in a place I could really call home and it’s been home,” she added, moved to tears.
Rep. Sheila J. Babauta said, “I’m happy to be here, celebrating our ocean, bringing her voice to the forefront today, this month and forever more.”
Torres said, “We’re all in the same boat here in understanding and appreciating our ocean, the value of the ocean and our environment…. I just want to thank all of you…thank you for being the stewards of our waters, ocean, and, of course, our environment here. Congratulations to all!”
Governor Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with officials of environmental agencies, advocates, lawmakers and other members of the community after proclaiming June as CNMI Ocean Month and June 8, 2022 as CNMI Ocean Day.
Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality Administrator Eli D. Cabrera, left, and Rep. Sheila J. Babauta, right, look on as Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation designating June as Ocean Month and June 8, 2022 as Ocean Day in the CNMI.
