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FOMT welcome chance to comment on draft plan for trench monument
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Posted on Mar 01 2021
The Friends of the Mariana Trench, a local organization dedicated to the conservation, preservation, and protection of flora, fauna, and geological features of the ocean, welcome the opportunity to comment on the draft management plan for the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.
“Our islands, our ocean, and our culture are the tangible things we pass on to future generations,” said Rep. Sheila Babauta (D-Saipan), who is the FOM chairwoman. “Community engagement and local input will improve our stewardship of the Mariana Trench, and our organization is committed to working with our partners in local and federal government to ensure our voices are heard.”
The draft management plan and environmental assessment for the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument was made available for public comment on Feb. 24, 2021. The 90-day comment period ends on May 25, 2021.
“We are the long-time stewards and owners of the Mariana Trench,” said Friends vice chair Franco Santos. “We commend the work of the agency staff at CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources, NOAA Fisheries, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for giving the community the opportunity to have a voice in the management of our natural resources.”
The Friends of the Mariana Trench plan to provide expert commentary on the draft management plan and work with community members who wish to learn about and comment on the plan.
“We also plan to help community members submit their own comments, so that their individual voices are heard as a part of this process,” added Babauta.
For more information, https://www.friendsmarianatrench.org/. (PR)
