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Fishermen help clean up marine debris
The Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance, in partnership with the Saipan Fishermen’s Association, held the first ever Marine Debris Contest during the 30th Annual Saipan Fishing Tournament. During the competition, MINA challenged fishermen to collect any man-made trash floating in the water. Raffle tickets were then given out to participants and those eligible had the opportunity to win prizes such as a $500 gift certificate to Joeten, reusable bags, shirts, a dartboard, and beverages. Through the contest, close to 100 lbs of trash were collected out of the water and properly placed in the appropriate trash bins including a recycling bin.
The crew of Guam’s Rose Marie displays their winning marine debris entry. (Not pictured: Ray Dela Cruz of Tinian who also won prizes by submitting marine debris for the contest.) (Contributed Photo)
MINA would like to remind everyone to be a responsible steward for the ocean. From everyday litter like plastic bags, plastic wrappers and plastic bottles, to batteries, kitchen appliances, fishing nets and other waste—the trash gathering in the ocean is turning our beautiful reefs into dumps. None of our waste belongs in the ocean. Today, MINA is working to reduce marine debris through a campaign that encourages the community to reduce plastic pollution. The Plastic Bag Challenge is a campaign that promotes the use of reusable bags and decreases the CNMI’s reliance on plastic bags. Let’s work together for a clean and healthy ocean. Contact MINA to find out more about the Plastic Bag Challenge at 233-REEF or email MINA at minaoutreach@gmail.com. (MINA)
