Open Houses on Potential Marine Conservation Areas

Washington, D.C. – The Federal government has organized a series of open houses to discuss the advisability of providing additional recognition or protection to the historic and scientific qualities of three specific marine areas in the Pacific. These public discussions were scheduled in response to President Bush's memo to members of his Cabinet asking them to assess and recommend the appropriate future course in these three marine areas. The open houses are open to the press.

Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Monday, October 20th 2008
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Fiesta Resort Saipan
One of these three areas includes the 3 northern most islands in the Marianas chain. The proposed Mariana Trench Marine Monument would become the 2nd largest marine protected area in the World. As Jean-Michel Cousteau discuses in his special to the Saipan Tribune these waters are special, with rare species, active volcanic seamounts, and two continental plates colliding at the deepest of depths in the Marianas Trench.

Federal officials have been discussing the concept on Saipan for about a month. The Pew environmental group has been on island for months engaging people in discussions and providing information about the concept. This open house will be an opportunity for public comment directly to the Federal officials. Below are links to blogs & websites that have additional information and commentary as well as a series of links to all the comments and articles I’ve written on the subject.

















Friends of the Monument
Angelo’s Saipan Blog
Ocean Legacy Project
Lil Hammerhead
The Division of Fish & Wildlife
Jane Mack

Click this link for a whole bunch more articles and stories!

My Articles:
April 25th 2008
Act Two - Northern Island Marine Monument

Friday, May 9, 2008
Marine Monument - Why Kill It Now?*

Monday, May 12, 2008
Marine Monument – Personalities & Politics*

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Marine Monument - Lets Talk eh!*

Friday, May 16, 2008
Marine Monument - The Benefits / It's Not All About the Fishing*

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Marine Monument - Get Informed

Friday, May 23, 2008
Marine Monument - Ruth's Round Up

Saturday, May 24, 2008
Bush Eyes Unprecedented Conservation Program - NPR Report

Monday, July 14, 2008
Coral Triangle Meet the Trench Monument

Friday, July 18, 2008
Pew's Role Defined