Kilili bill supports CNMI ocean and coastal research

Posted on Jun 15 2015

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) introduced a bill supporting ocean and coastal research in the CNMI.

In his weekly e-newsletter, Sablan said, “Together with congressmen Don Young (R-Alaska) and Frank Guinta (R-New Hampshire), I introduced legislation this week to continue the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.”

Sablan cited that the Commonwealth government is a member of PacIOOS, one of 11 regional councils that partner with 17 federal agencies in the system.

The lawmaker said PacIOOS has installed monitoring buoys off Saipan to measure and forecast wave action, weather patterns, and water quality and temperatures.

“Understanding flood hazards, ensuring safe navigation and search and rescue capabilities, and gathering data on fisheries and water quality are important areas of research for the Northern Marianas and all of America’s coastal areas,” Sablan said.

He added that the bill he introduced, H.R. 2744, will provide $36 million annually through 2019 to this program.

Joel D. Pinaroc | Reporter

Joel Pinaroc worked for a number of newspapers in the Philippines before joining the editorial team of Saipan Tribune. His published articles include stories on information technology, travel and lifestyle, and motoring, among others. Contact him at joel_pinaroc@saipantribune.com.

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