Consortium created to conserve coastal resources

In a move to conserve the rich marine resources in the Pacific, a group of educators, resource management agencies, community groups and federal agencies organized a consortium aimed up drawing up plans that will ensure sustainable use of the marine environment.

Some 23 participants from Federated States of Micronesia, the United States and American Samoa met last Nov. 18-20 in Palau, where they formed the Marine Resources Pacific Consortium, a nonprofit organization.

Northern Marianas College President Agnes McPhetres and John Furey from the Coastal Resources Management joined the group representing the CNMI.

The consortium is committed to work cooperatively in conserving coastal and marine environments as well as sustainable use of marine resources for the benefit of the islands.

During the two-day meeting, the group discussed the organization of MAREPAC, its membership, administrative structure and possible funding sources. The participants agreed that the University of Guam would serve as the interim administrative and fiscal agent, under the guidance of a six-member advisory committee.

Among the first tasks is to develop a coral reef status report for FSM and Palau which will be included in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network’s Status Report to be presented in the 10th Coral Reef Symposium in Bali, Indonesia next year.

Ms. McPhetres said the group will share expertise, human resources and facilities to find ways on how to conserve the rich marine resources. She said the consortium will make it easy for the group to tap funding sources for various projects.

So far, the Office of Insular Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior has already provided an initial funding of $300,000. Funds for fiscal year 2000 will be provided by OIA.

With the expertise of the people in these islands, a Regional Sea Grant Consortium status is being considered by the group. On Dec. 13, 1999, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program will be in Guam and Saipan to meet with the school officials.

Ms. McPhetres said acquiring a Sea Grant Status for NMC will ensure a bigger share in funding to carry out different projects. Currently, the small amount of money which the CNMI receives still comes from the University of Hawaii Sea Grant.