Protecting Managaha will pave way for more fed grants

The proposed marine conservation area in Managaha island and surrounding waters will pave the way for more federal funding and designation of other protected areas in the Northern Marianas, according to the Coastal Resources Management.

Since CRM is the key agency working with the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, its acting director Peter J. Barlas said the legislative proposal is a step in the right direction toward the success of the local Coral Reef Initiative.

“We anticipate future funding from the federal government to achieve the objectives of the CNMI local Coral Reef Initiative which will lead to the delineation and creation of additional [Marine Protected Area] throughout” the island, he said.

Mr. Barlas threw his support behind House Bill 11-500 or the Managaha Marine Conservation Act during a recent public hearing as he noted its impact on CRM efforts to protect the remaining coral cover found within the CNMI waters.

“[T]his bill is extremely important as it sets a precedent and paves the way for legislation to support these new MPA’s,” he explained. “It may also be possible to include this new conservation area in future enforcement and monitoring efforts which are incorporated in the CNMI… initiative.”

The CRM chief, however, offered amendments to the House proposal, including complete ban on fishing and harvesting of other marine resources in the sanctuary despite appeals from Carolinians who consider such practices part of their culture.

According to Mr. Barlas, operations of motorized watercraft, except for patrol vessels and those permitted by authorities, should also be prohibited to effectively implement the strict management program proposed by the bill.

To clearly identify the boundary of the protected area, lawmakers must discuss with U.S. Coast Guard, CRM and the Commonwealth Ports Authority the possibility of establishing a confined shipping lane for commercial activities, that may put at risk the conservation efforts.

“[I]t will be very difficult to control boat traffic approaching and disembarking for the southwest [pier side] of Managaha,” said Mr. Barlas.

This area, plus other areas within the zone, is being utilized by multiple commercial activities, water sports operators and private vessels which are permitted by government authorities.

“A confined shipping lane may help resolve this situation but may lead to safety concerns and would be difficult to enforce. It may be necessary to re-evaluate the southern boundary of the conservation zone,” said Mr. Barlas.

In the future, he said, the Legislature can also expand the area to include other protected zones within the Saipan lagoon as leading coral experts and conservation groups have indicated a minimum of 20 percent of pristine habitat as the size of an effective Marine Protected Area.

“This would ensure future generations the continued enjoyment of coral reef resources and would significantly increase the depleted fish population of the lagoon,” added Mr. Barlas.

Since the hearing last week drew wide support from the public, the House Natural Resources Committee is expected to endorse within weeks the measure sponsored by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider for its immediate passage.