Limited marine activities on Managaha draws support

Legislation restricting activities on Managaha island and surrounding waters drew wide support at a public hearing held Tuesday night as residents and government agencies underscored the need to protect fish species and marine resources found in the area.

The House Committee on Natural Resources is expected to endorse the bill sponsored by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider after it has amended some provisions as proposed during the town meeting at the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Hall.

“The people have showed interest and they are in support of the bill,” said committee chair, Rep. Manuel A. Tenorio.

Committee members, Mr. Hofschneider and Rep. Melvin O. Faisao, were on hand to respond to questions from the public and received testimonies presented by key government agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Environmental Quality.

Among the changes recommended at the three-hour hearing included provisions on mandatory requirement for students from both the private and public schools to take courses on marine conservation in Managaha as well as funding for an agency to be created to oversee the protected sanctuary.

Tourist-related businesses also sought leeway in the restrictions from water activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and other water sports popular among visitors on the island.

Carolinians also asked the committee to grant exemption from the limitation so that they can be allowed to harvest marine resources that they consider part of their traditions.

Under House Bill 11-500, Managaha and its waters will become a marine conservation area governed by strict management programs to be implemented by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and its various divisions.

Restrictions

Activities to be restricted by the proposed law are:

– fishing and harvesting other marine resources, except for seasonal runs of local fish species like atulai, i’i, tiao and manahak;

– use of fishing nets and other fishing equipment, except for the seasonal runs where talaya and rod/reel will be required;

– operating motorized watercraft within the boundaries of the area, except where designated by DLNR; and

– water activities.

The bill will also require the creation of Water Quality and Marine Resources Monitoring Protocol to be administered jointly by DLNR, DEQ and the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Likewise, it will carry fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of not more than one year for violations of the proposed law which came after months of environmental assessment of the island.

“This is a step forward in ensuring that our future generations will continue to benefit from marine resources that are fast depleting without taking these necessary safeguards,” said Mr. Faisao.

The Natural Resources Committee will sit down in the next few days to draft its recommendations which will be reported to the chamber before voting on the measure. Lawmakers are hopeful to complete its enactment before the next Legislature convenes this January.

A major tourist attraction, Managaha has come under close scrutiny in recent months following concerns of possible erosion and damage to marine resources due to influx of tourists who flock to its beach to swim and snorkel as well as ride in such watercraft as banana boat.

Millions of dollars in revenues are generated each year from these tourism activities as more than 350,000 visit the island annually for a day trip that can cost around $60.