Rota joins international coastal cleanup

Every year in September the Ocean Conservancy holds its annual International Coastal Cleanup activities, during which hundreds of thousands of people in more than 75 countries from all over the world work together and remove land-based trash from waterways and beaches.

This year on Sept. 19, 2008, in observance of this important occasion, the Coastal Resources Management Office sponsored the activity on the island of Rota, garnering support from an estimated 312 participants.

Among those seen helping clean up Rota’s coastal beaches were Senate President Pete Reyes, Senate Vice President Felix Mendiloa, Senator Paul Manglona, Senator Paterno Hocog, the Sinapalo Elementary School, Rota Jr. High School, Rota High School, Department of Lands Natural Resources, Marianas Visitors Authority, Department of Public Safety, Office of the Mayor, Community and Cultural Affairs, Northern Marianas College, 12th Rota Municipal Council, CNMI Fish & Wildlife, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Commonwealth Ports Authority, Blue Palms Dive Shop, Rota Resort & Country Club, and various community stakeholders.

This year the event focused on a half-mile stretch of shoreline property along Songsong Beach and the Sasanlago Lagoon waters.

Volunteers were able to remove an accumulated total of 559 pounds of land-based trash and an estimated 10.5 tons of metal debris, mostly found within the lagoon waters and along the shoreline.

“It was very surprising to see all the concerned citizens converge at one time to remove trash and clean up our shores,” said William T. Pendergrass, Coastal manager for CRMO. “The commitment of the Rota community in taking back our beaches from pollution is commendable as it reflects their interest in securing a clean and healthful environment for everyone to enjoy.

“What was more impressive was the appearance and participation of the Senate President Reyes, Senate Vice President Mendiola, Senator Manglona and Senator Hocog walking side by side with community stakeholders collecting trash and donating their valuable time. This is remarkable as it shows a deep commitment to community-based projects and their sincere interest in cleaning our island’s coastal environment.

“If we are to ever free our waterways and coastal resources from pollution then we must all work together everyday as we proved we can today. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all who participated; it shows our desire for a clean environment,” said Pendergrass. [B][I](PR)
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