CNMI braces for climate change through heightened awareness

Rising seawater levels and changes in patterns of certain local fish species are being noted as the CNMI braces for the impact of climate change.

Aquatic education specialist Richard B. Seman of the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife said yesterday that they have been closely monitoring these changes that have come up through observation made by staff and local fishermen themselves.

“With regards to the fisheries, right now we can say that the beginning of these changes is starting. The impact has not yet been realized because it hasn’t happened yet. But if the trend continues, then further down the line, it may begin to impact,” Seman told Saipan Tribune.

Seman said that changes in seawater levels serve as indicators that climate change is impacting an island nation such as the CNMI.

According to Seman, current seawater level in the last 10 years has been observed as “a little bit higher” than what the Commonwealth has been accustomed to. Any changes in these water levels, he said, would affect fish species since water level increase could mean altering their habitat and affect the amount of sunlight they receive.

Seman also disclosed that local fishermen have observed that seasonal runs of certain fish species such as atulai are now “very inconsistent,” unlike in the past.

While no scientific research studying these changes has been conducted, Seman said these local fishermen have known the CNMI waters and its inhabitants through years of personal observation.

“When it comes to nature, we don’t know these things unless we pay attention,” he said. “These people out there are the ones that observe these things on a daily basis.”

With the threat of climate change inching its way to the Commonwealth, Seman said their agency is reinforcing its efforts to bring educational awareness to the community through various presentations and outreach activities.

Seman said they have been going around public and private schools to educate the students about CNMI’s marine resources. They also have a regular radio talk show, Fish Wednesday, which airs on KKMP on Wednesdays at 10am and 7pm.

He encouraged community members to participate in efforts to prevent the impact of climate change in the community in their own way. These include the use of emission-efficient engines when fishing, switching to alternative energy, and use of sustainable fishing techniques such as catching the right size of fish.

Seman emphasized the need to safeguard coral reefs. “Let’s protect our fish habitat,” he said.