Proposed Tinian conservation areas get DLNR nod

A local bill seeking to establish a wildlife conservation area envisioned to cover the stretch of Tinian’s Suicide Cliff region to the Rion Point area has drawn support from the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.

According to DLNR Secretary Joaquin A. Tenorio, the measure would provide a habitat for a number of species indigenous and endemic to the Northern Mariana Islands.

The DLNR chief added the proposed conservation site would benefit the people of the CNMI through the preservation of native species of plants and animals, and the also by providing an impetus for ecology-related tourism on the island of Tinian.

“We are committed to assist Tinian in developing a management plan for the conservation area once it is designated, and to continue to provide biological support,” said Mr. Tenorio.

Early last year, DLNR disclosed the Division of Fish and Wildlife already conducted vegetation surveys in the proposed conservation area which revealed promising results.

The department has also showed support for a legislation seeking to create a marine reserve on Tinian which shall extend from the north point of the municipal breakwater to Puntan Diablo.

A DFW survey conducted on the proposed conservation site reportedly shows that the area has a high diversity of fish and aquatic life.

The secretary said setting aside the designated area as a marine reserve will also serve to develop Tinian as a venue for ecotourism.

The agency further disclosed it will continue to assist Tinian in the project management by conducting bi-annual biological surveys on the area and by assisting in the development of a management plan and the promulgation of regulations.

Meanwhile, DLNR expressed its opposition to a local initiative that aims to prohibit the use of scuba tank and other related devices on commercial and non commercial fishing especially when catching reef fish and harvesting other marine life within the lagoon and coastal waters of the municipality of Tinian.

Mr. Tenorio explained that existing Commonwealth-wide non commercial regulations under DFW already prohibits the use of scuba equipment when fishing.

The Fair Fishing Act of 2000 which was passed last Aug. 25 also embodied the prohibition of scuba and hookah equipment, among others, when fishing commercially or non commercially within 1,000 feet of any reef surrounding any island in the Commonwealth, according to the DLNR official.

He added the existing DFW non commercial regulation and the passage of the Fair Fishing Act already provide adequate prohibition on scuba and hookah fishing and thus render SLB 12-13 not necessary. (MM)