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Proposal seeks to establish protected areas in Tinian
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Posted on Aug 30 2000
Some areas on Tinian will be declared protected region for wildlife conservation under a plan pending with the local legislative delegation in an effort to safeguard resources and endangered species found on the island.
The proposed measure offered by Rep. Norman S. Palacios will also impose fines of between $100 to $1,000 for violations within the region which will be established within the Suicide Cliff and extending to Rion Point in the island municipality.
Conservation of such wildlife as coconut crabs, fruits bats and various species of birds, is important not only to Tinian residents and future generation, but also to the local economy as it tries to develop eco-tourism, according to officials.
To implement the plan, stringent regulations will be carried out by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources. Prohibited activities within the conservation area will include hunting, harvesting, logging and mining.
But exemptions will be granted only during open season and after consultation between DLNR and the Tinian Mayor’s Office, according to the bill.
The proposed wildlife conservation followed a similar proposal by Mr. Palacios which will seek to designate areas north of the island, including surrounding waters, as Tinian’s marine sanctuary.
This will help protect marine resources that have depleted in recent years due to unregulated activities within its territorial waters.
The proposed sanctuary will encompass the northern edge of the municipal breakwater to Puntan Diablo Point and Barcinas Bay, along the shoreline from Tinian Harbor to Nasarinu Beach.
The protection of marine life in this area will be best accomplished by establishing a marine reserve within which fishing and other potentially harmful activities shall be restricted.
Killing or removing, and any attempt to do so, any marine animal, such as fish, live or dead coral, lobster, shellfish, clams, octopus or vegetation will be prohibited under the proposed law.
