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June is CNMI Ocean Month; June 8 is CNMI Ocean Day
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Posted on Jun 02 2022
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses with CNMI dignitaries, local government officials, and members of the community after proclaiming the month of June as CNMI Ocean Month and June 8, 2022 as CNMI Ocean Day.
(OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has designated June as CNMI Ocean Month and June 8, 2022, as CNMI Ocean Day to raise awareness in the community of the value and importance of the ocean, not only to the CNMI’s livelihoods and economy, but also as a source of recreation and enjoyment.
The proclamation signing was held at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan and was attended by many local officials and community members, including Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality administrator Eli D. Cabrera and Mariana Islands Nature Alliance executive director Roberta Guerrero.
The proclamation recognizes that the CNMI is home to abundant marine biodiversity and ecosystems that provide valuable services supporting sustainable livelihoods, coastline protection, tourism opportunities, and cultural and recreational uses. Also, the indigenous people of the CNMI have a deep and cultural connection with the ocean as it is a source of traditional knowledge and practices passed down through the generations.
The total economic value of coral reefs and seagrass in the CNMI is estimated at $114.8 million annually, based on ecosystem services of commercial fishing, non-commercial fishing by residents, tourism and recreation, amenity and property value, research, biodiversity, and coastal protection. (Saipan Tribune)
