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‘Improved boating access reinforces resources’
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Posted on Aug 02 2017
Boating access at the Garapan Fishing Base is now improved, with the completion of its boat ramp and parking. Kimberly A. Bautista
The improved boating access at the Garapan Fishing Base—with the completion of its boat ramp and parking—contributes to strengthening fisheries and managing precious resources, according to Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Anthony Benavente.
“The Garapan Fishing Base is an important community resource for recreational boaters and fishermen. Improving our boating infrastructure has always been a priority to ensure safety, cleanliness and ease of access,” Benavente said.
Project manager Vicente Camacho for the Boating Access Program said that funding from the Sport Fish Restoration focuses on improving access to complement trade and food sourcing.
“The fishing base project came about through the CNMI Marine Conservation Plan. We emphasized that in order to maintain healthy marine fisheries and the management of our bases, providing a dedicated area to our boaters would go a long way in our conservation efforts both in and out of the base or any marina,” Camacho said.
Expressing the need for continued improvements, Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres added that boating access for the community is not only economically important but culturally ingrained.
“Recreation fishing and boating provide sustenance to a large part of our community and cooperative management has allowed us to improve conservation strategies. In conserving our essential fish habitats and safeguarding our boaters, this way of life can continue on to future generations,” Torres said.
Camacho noted that the boating access program extends to the renovation of the Rota West harbor marina, which is being completed in phases.
“The replacement of the Floating Dock System will be divided into three phases, which began in [fiscal year] 2016 until [fiscal year] 2018. In the previous year, maintenance dredging at Sugar Dock was completed with approximately 2,300 cubic yard of sand relocated. These maintenance services are performed on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota and play a huge role in boating accessibility,” he said. (PR)
