Mariana Trench nat’l monument a ‘world of wonder’

Where on earth can you find a bird that used volcanic heat to incubate its eggs? Or a boiling pool of liquid sulfur, discovered elsewhere only on one of Jupiter’s moons? Or the earth’s largest land-living arthropod, or the deepest point in the ocean?

The answer is in the new Mariana Trench Marine National Monument in the Northern Mariana Islands. The western Pacific island chain has become home to one of the largest marine reserves in the world with this month’s creation of the 95,000 square mile monument by former U.S. President George W. Bush.

Bush designated the monument on Jan. 6, 2009, along with two others monuments in the Pacific. The designation ensures the protection of the rare resources within its boundaries.

“Because of its isolation, this quiet part of the world has remained largely untouched by man. Much of what the new monument protects can’t be found anywhere else on earth,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio. “While our main islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota have attracted millions of tourists over the last several decades, the designation of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument highlights the unique exploration opportunities of our lesser-traveled islands to the north. It’s a world of wonder.”

The monument includes the ocean area surrounding the northern most islands of Maug, Uracas, and Asuncion. This area also includes the Marianas Trench, the deepest canyon on earth. Among its diverse and remarkable underwater features are the only known boiling pool of liquid sulfur on earth; huge, active mud volcanoes; and highly acidic hydrothermal vents that provide a unique natural laboratory for the study of ocean acidification and its effects on coral reefs and shallow-water sea life.

The monument is home to 19 marine mammal species, including several rare species of beaked whales. The three islands shelter the endangered Micronesian megapode, which is the only bird known to use volcanic heat to incubate its eggs. Other animal species living within the monument boundaries include the threatened Marianas fruit bats, more than a dozen species of migratory seabirds with breeding populations numbering over 200,000, and giant coconut crabs—the largest land-living arthropod in the world.

“The biodiversity and geological features of the monument are a treasure trove still waiting to be explored,” said Tenorio. “The designation of this conservation area ensures these natural wonders can be enjoyed and learned from for generations to come.”

The Mariana Trench Marine National Monument is accessible via charter boat or helicopter. A state government permit is required to visit the three islands in the monument. [B][I](MVA)[/I][/B]