The Saipan SCUBA Diving Blog

Marine Monument – Personalities & Politics

2008-05-12T07:53:00.009+10:00

To get me started I will refer to Ruth Tighe’s “On My Mind” and her comments this week regarding the proposed marine monument. I quote.

“Perhaps the offer was not made in the most appropriate manner, did not include some of the key people, did not take the traditional approach, was not sufficiently forthcoming. But that is not reason enough to reject the project. It is, after all, the project that is important, has meaning, that offers hope, not others' missteps. What is being asked of the CNMI is that it be open-minded, flexible, creative and imaginative, willing to grasp a golden opportunity when it presents itself, to take advantage of an offer that would bring the CNMI international recognition and attention, attract tourists, stimulate the economy, help fishermen, and last but not least, help preserve and protect the marine environment so critical to the earth's health”.

She’s absolutely right. Everyone should strip this proposal down and examine it for what it is. To date, for many reasons, this has just not happened.

For one, a number of people don’t like the locally hired Pew coordinator or lobbyist if you prefer. No doubt Angelo O'Connor Villagomez can be cocky and arrogant. His sense of humor often easily missed, especially by strangers. The fact remains, nearly everything he has touched on this island after returning 2 years ago has turned out pretty darn well. He’s a big part of the success of both BCNMI and MINA and the countless projects, clean ups and education that has come from his role as island-wide motivator and coordinator. Much of the buzz of optimism that once ran through many of us willing to stick it out through these tough times was fed by the level of energy and “get it done attitude” that bursts from Angelo. Ultimately, he is young and passionate. A powerful combination that will lead to mistakes along the road to many more successes. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t already wish he could start over again on this one. No doubt with experience he will bring the lessons learned here to the next pot of success he boils. Angelo is an environmentalist through and through. In Angelo’s eyes this marine park is a “no brainer”.

Unfortunately this attitude, along with a time frame that most here would consider very short (especially given the current level of distrust between the CNMI and Washington) must be considered significant factors should this proposal not take flight.

As Ruth says, the bottom line is none of this should matter. If everyone were to take a fair and open look at what has been proposed thus far, the merits to keeping an open dialogue would be obvious.

The same could be said for Mr. John Gourley’s rapid and vocal opposition to the project, which, I must say, also smells of obvious vested interest. In the end it shouldn’t matter that John, for many years, has acted as an advisor and contact person (or lobbyist if you prefer) for the troubled WESPAC advisory council. It shouldn’t matter that WESPAC is a powerful, pro-fisheries regulatory body very much against any large scale no take or limited take zones under any pretense. Of course we can understand why, doing anything otherwise would ultimately undermine their own level of control of the world’s oceans.

Some might even suggest that a few high-powered fisheries folks won’t like the fact I’ve given so much credit to Angelo’s attitude and a time frame out of their own control as reasons for the possible demise of the proposal. After all it makes it look like they had nothing to do with it despite the obvious evidence to the contrary!

Even though none of this should matter we all know it does and after speaking briefly with Mr. Lino Olopai on Thursday and then reading his letter to the editor on Friday, I’ve come to appreciate just how unimportant the facts are and how instrumental both Mr. Gourley’s opposition and the missteps taken by Pew in attempting to fast track this concept have been.

Before I continue let me reiterate what I’ve said before about what I believe to be the view of most everyone here on Saipan. The concept of a marine park is, at the very least worth discussing and potentially (if done right) it is the best thing that has come this way in a long, long time. Unfortunately, the rhetoric and misinformation has been substantial and influential.

Lino has resigned from MINA stating that he cannot and has not from the beginning, supported the Pew approach. He mentions the MINA retreat where Jay Nelson first introduced the members to the project and how put off he was by their approach. I was there. There was a lot of conversation and debate as to whether this was something MINA wanted to spearhead and take on. The issue was not the establishment of a large marine protected area but rather MINA’s role in promoting it. Ultimately, the board felt it would be too politically hot a topic for a young NGO to deal with despite majority support for the concept. The board at the time decided (as I perceived it) to concentrate on building their successful track record by biting off smaller projects that could be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

What is most interesting to me now is to recall just how vocal and prepared John Gourley was for that meeting and how he was able to immediately play on the local distrust for the federal government. I recall Lino not necessarily being against the concept of a protected area but rather he didn’t like the idea of foreigners telling the local people how to preserve and protect their own environment. Understandably he didn’t like the idea being pushed by Gourley that the local people would lose control.

As I’ve gotten to know Lino one of the things we always seem to come back to in our discussions is his belief that the local indigenous peoples are best suited to be the stewards of the land and sea. He believes that they have the knowledge necessary to conserve and live by nature’s rules. While I believe this is true and should it be the case that only the indigenous islanders have influence on the resources, I would agree with him fully. However, the fact remains with each passing generation more and more of this knowledge once seen as critical for survival is being lost. In addition, as years pass the influence of outside cultures becomes more and more prevalent as seen in both the populous numbers and the deterioration of our environment. As a net result, over time, there is a decrease in local indigenous control and the ability to influence actions and behaviors of others.

When Lino said to me the other day, “the people of the CNMI can do this, we don’t need Pew”. I asked him what the plan is for those islands and for these islands we live on now. His response, to me said a lot. With a smile he half joked “None, we don’t have one”.

Well, unfortunately, with all due respect, the absence of a plan usually means things will not work out so well for anyone. What’s really frustrating to me is given all the issues and speculation regarding who would control the waters, who would co-manage it, how the regulations would be developed and enforced, who’ll pay for it etc, few now see how the monument would actually give them (the local indigenous peoples) far more say in the way things are to be managed than they have right now.

Would it not make sense to sit at the table and be a part of the discussions and give the indigenous peoples the opportunity to protect these waters the way they want to. If it takes 10 years of writing and re-writing regulations, is that not better than never getting started and leaving all control to outside forces? Should this process happen when elders like Lino are here to pass on their wisdom? Absolutely! This is just one more reason why the time to look at this is now. Ultimately if what we see and hear is not to our liking then simply say no and take the bits and pieces we do like and incorporate them into our own plan. Of course, by waiting we’ll also need to remember it will be our own money and not that of a large, well-respected, charitable group that will make any such plan a reality.

Unfortunately, as usual, scare tactics and dissemination of inaccurate information is no match for good old-fashioned discussions based on truth and mutual respect. If the opposite were true we’d still be talking and using whatever information comes from this proposal process to either make it happen now or to assist in developing a plan that is so desperately needed for the future.

The fact that both Angelo and John have vested interests in how all this turns out shouldn’t matter to any of us. The fact is we all have a vested interest! We all owe it to ourselves, our children and our children’s children to listen, get the facts and make an informed decision based on what is good for our planet and our quality of life here, now and in the future.

In real life, facts rarely compete in a world where perceptions rule. In the case of the proposed monument the public relations game is preventing the delivery of many tangible assets regardless of whether the monument becomes a reality or not. Killing the discussions now does no one any good unless, of course, your source of revenue is WESPAC-based.

Marine Monument - Why Kill It Now?

2008-05-09T23:23:00.005+10:00

I've been struggling putting to paper all of my thoughts regarding the proposed marine monument. The reasons are many. The power keeps going out for one – another 3 hours today! A four month old and a two year old is also a factor! Daddy hood is exhausting and time consuming. Greatly rewarding but, in general it doesn't leave a lot of time to hide away and get into the writing groove and that's what it takes for me. Partly because I'm not very good at it and partly because I always feel the need to wrap my head around the big picture, digest it, find out what I don't know, (from people and sources that do know) and then formulate my own opinion. The biggest obstacle in this case however, is clearly the complexity of the issues at hand including the personalities, politics, distrust, greed and emotions that come along with them.

On the other hand conversation is a completely different story for me. I've shared my thoughts with many, many people over the past 2 or 3 weeks. Whether it was the revolving door at our booth during the Flame Tree Arts Festival or as a result of the countless meetings, presentations and sales calls I've made since getting back from Canada. In turn people I've talked to share their own thoughts and concerns for me to digest. The cross section of individuals providing the dialogue runs the spectrum. From conservationists, commercial fisherman, artists, professional types like lawyers and doctors, business and political leaders (including those charged with guiding our tourism industry) to the delivery clerks and receptionists at Joeten and hotel gift shops.

The overwhelming feeling I get is that everyone, including those currently opposed, can see the many benefits that could come from keeping the proposal on the table regardless of the final outcome. It is true that nearly everyone also believes they require more information to make a decision one way or another. Of course there are a few people out there who would like to see the concept die before it’s given a chance to see the light of day. As is always the case in life some folks tend to put their own personal agendas ahead of the greater good so it’s always important to consider the motives behind the rhetoric.

Each morning as I read the papers and blogs discussing this topic my own article gets bigger and bigger. With letters to the editors pouring in at this crucial time I realize how important it is to get my own thoughts on paper. This in part comes from the fact that few I’ve talked to disagree with my position and because I know most of these people are unlikely to take the time to make their own opinions heard. It’s also about the kids. Sitting back and doing nothing is not the kind of footsteps I want mine to grow up following in.

So to all those that are so opposed to opening up a dialogue and moving forward with the process I ask you, what is the rush? What is the rush to kill this thing before it even gets started? Why not allow the process to continue and examine the proposal in full while taking advantage of the opportunities being presented. Think about it. Even if it is ultimately rejected everyone, whether for or against, would gain something from the economic and environmental studies alone not to mention the proposed media expedition.

Could you imagine how much MVA and our tourism industry would benefit from having images, both topside and underwater of these Northern Islands - at no cost to them! Of course this does not even consider the amount of positive international press that would be gained should the monument become reality. It is solely based on MVA developing collaterals designed to sell the Marianas as a destination in future marketing campaigns.

What about the scientists at DEQ, CRM, and DFW? Even if the studies were biased (as studies of this nature often are) wouldn’t there be at least some useful information that these professionals could use. Again, at no cost to them or the taxpayer!

I’m also fully aware that the time frame argument goes the other way. What’s the rush to do this now? Hawaii had 7 years why do we have to decide this before Bush leaves office? Won’t there be another chance?

As luck should have it just as I was beginning to write some thoughts to these excellent questions I received Ruth Tighe’s “On My Mind”. Once again Ruth points out exactly what I was thinking so rather than try and rephrase it I give you what she wrote today.

Let me try to dispel some more of the misgivings. There is concern that not enough time has been provided for a thorough discussion, that people feel pressured. It is true that not enough information has been made readily available. Much has been there, but one has had to dig for it. But can the issue be postponed? Will the opportunity still exist months or years from now? In theory, yes. In actuality, I doubt it.

What we have, at the moment, is an out-going president who wants to add a jewel to his crown, so to speak; a respected, moneyed, international non-profit dedicated to the environment willing to underwrite costs; and a site not yet spoiled by greedy commercial fishing interests. Will those three factors occur simultaneously again? Not likely.
There is concern that the declaration of a monument through the Antiquities Act is the wrong mechanism. The alternative is a declaration by an act of Congress. Don't we all know how long that can take? How hazardous, risky, the route is? How many detours and false trails, how much excess and unwanted baggage, that can bring with it?
It may seem backward, but in this case, as I understand it, the time for negotiation comes afterwards. The President declares a monument, and the rules and regulations follow. And that's where the CNMI will have its opportunity to define what it will or will not accept.

Ultimately our leaders and the people of the CNMI may determine the proposal is not right at this time (or even in 6 months time). Should this be our position at the 11th hour even President Bush wouldn’t run this down our throats. He's already unpopular enough. Instead he'll ultimately pick somewhere that has welcomed the idea with open arms from the beginning. In the mean time what is the harm in working with Pew and the federal government over the next few months to get as much out of the process as we can?

Is it fear? Fear that if all the information is allowed to get into the hands of the people that the concept of rejecting the proposal will become too hard to swallow? If that’s the case I guess I can understand why a few, including some powerful types, might want to see this die now!

What a shame that would be.

Beach Road Magazine May Edition

2008-05-06T12:12:00.006+10:00

Last night at the underwater archeology presentation Susan passed me a few copies of this months Beach Road Magazine! This is the second month I've shot the cover model. For a look at last months edition check out the photos of Karen Hartman here.

This months cover girl is 18 year old Heather Calderwood of Navy Hill.
Being only the second month I've done this for Beach Road I've been giving them all of the photos taken during the shoot and then letting them pick what they want to use. At the same time, after each shoot, I pick 7 to 10 of my favorite shots and wait to see if any of them match the editors picks. Last month we chose many of the same, this month not a single one were identical!

So rather than post the shots in the magazine like I did last month, here's a few that I thought were her best shots. You'll have to pick up a copy of the magazine and do your own comparison!
The cover shot was taken at the last command post using a Lexus convertible in preparation for the big car rally Beach Road will be having this month. The rest of the shots were taken at Pau Pau beach. Again, despite the wind, and intermittent sunny periods there are worse ways for me to spend the afternoon. Thanks for your patience Heather and good luck with your future goals!

Underwater Archaeological Survey

2008-05-03T09:30:00.002+10:00

Underwater Archaeological Survey of the Saipan Invasion Beaches:
The Latest News from the Field

A Free Public Lecture
Monday, May 5, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Visitors Center Theater
American Memorial Park

Archaeologists Jason Burns and Michael Krivor of Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc. will present the preliminary results of an underwater survey they recently completed under contract with the CNMI Division of Historic Preservation.
The survey targeted the waters off the western coast of Saipan including those adjacent to the World War II invasion beaches stretching from Agingan Point to Quartermaster Road.

These beaches and the adjacent lagoon and offshore waters were designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service in 1985.

Burns and Krivor will show photographs of the various historic resources that were located during their survey including World War II-era ships and airplanes. They will also answer questions from the audience.

The lecture, co-sponsored by the NMI Council for the Humanities and the Division of Historic Preservation, is open to the public and free of charge.

For more information about the project and the team visit the Museum of Underwater Archeology web site and my previous post on Saipans Underwater Historical Trail following the lecture by Jennifer McKinnon at Porky's.

Wyland's Not Coming!

2008-05-02T21:44:00.004+10:00

This update just in although I think the folks at MINA knew this last week!
Famous artist Wyland will NOT be coming to the CNMI. You can read more about this potential project gone bust here.

According to MINA we were not chosen as one of the locations leading up to the Olympics where Wyland will paint his 100th mural. He apparently offered to come and do a sculpture following the games but who knows.

Let the record show that nearly 80% of respondents felt the idea of Wyland coming here was a good idea!

In an email to me Mr. Sayon, the head honcho at MINA, said they were going to look at the concept of using local artist! We certainly have a few that could do a wonderful job so why not! I'll keep you posted!

Beautify CNMI - Round Two

2008-05-01T22:57:00.007+10:00

The people behind the Beautify CNMI coalition wish to let everyone know they are tired of picking up trash. They're not going to stop because keeping the Commonwealth looking clean and pristine is our only hope for attracting tourists. It also makes for a better place to live and work! So for all of you out there that still think it's OK to litter or that all these beach clean ups are fun - think again.

We're tired of picking up trash. If no one litters we can turn our efforts to something more rewarding like painting over the graffiti! Hmmmmm another PSA perhaps!

UPDATE!

Here's the newspaper article from the Tribune regarding this new commercial!

Beautify CNMI to air new commercial next week

By Rianne Pangelinan-Brown
Reporter

In an effort to raise awareness on the effects what littering can do to the islands, Beautify CNMI is scheduled to air its new commercial next week on KSPN 2.

The commercial which took two weeks to complete, depicts three young characters who ultimately miss out on doing some fun things because they are helping to keep the islands beautiful by participating in the BCNMI clean ups.

The narrator states that three characters could not attend soccer practice, a birthday party, or a baseball game because they were picking up other people's trash. The commercial also reminds the community that littering is illegal in the CNMI.

The script, which was written by CVI-Creative Visuals International president Cory McRae, was submitted to Beautify CNMI proponent Cinta Kaipat and volunteer Angelo Villagomez for input.

McRae specializes in video production, promotions, and media consulting. Before coming to Saipan, he worked for the FOX Network in KansaS City, MO, as a promo producer.

McRae, who produced the commercial, worked in collaboration with Mike Tripp president of Mike Tripp Productions.

According to Tripp, the reason for the commercial is the importance for people to realize that many people give up countless hours of their own time to try and pitch in an help tidy up the environment.

“They are trying to make the CNMI a better place to live and visit. Ultimately with tourism our number one industry we need to keep our attraction beautiful,” Tripp said.

McRae used video that he shot from a baseball game, birthday party and soccer games.

The videos were then edited together with still shots of children that would help bring across the message that because people continue to litter, it affects the community.

Adults and children “are missing fun activities because they are cleaning up the trash left behind,” McRae said.

Tripp said that every time an individual litters, “they not only disrespect the environment but they also take away from our islands economy. After all, if the litter continues, it is only a matter of time before all those precious tourists find a more desirable tropical island destination. Then what do we do? Thus, littering is everyones business and needs to stop.”

Tripp added that Beautify CNMI wanted to dispel the rumor or sentiment that those participating in the BCNMI clean ups are doing it because it is fun.

“In fact one of the things we discussed when developing the concept was the fact that the first commercial looks like everyone is having too much fun,” Tripp said.

He said one of the frustrations everyone who goes out to clean up the island week after week has to deal with is the fact that the littering never stops.

“Some think that those who litter may do so in part because they know someone else will clean up after them. We wanted to send a strong message that everyone at BCNMI would actually rather be doing something other than cleaning up trash in their spare time. We also wanted to remind people that littering is illegal,” he said.

Presentations and Turtles

2008-04-29T11:50:00.002+10:00

No time for a dive today, another diving presentation to give!
Enjoy this little guy, I'll be on the lookout for him tomorrow!

That's Lau Lau bay in the background! Always a hot bed for Turtles!

Last Day of Flame Tree Festival

2008-04-27T00:40:00.006+10:00

It's the last day of the 2008 Flame Tree Festival on Saipan! The first 3 days have been long and hot but, a lot of fun with many, many folks stopping by our booth!
In fact you just never know who's going to show up. Like acting governor Tim Villagomez above and a team of underwater archaeologists below!
If you have not already done so come on down and check out the show. Water color artist extraordinaire Greg Elliot and I are centrally located in a large, comfortable space so come by and see us. The Underwater World of Saipan DVD has a special Flame Tree price at $20 while Greg still has a few original works left but, likely not for long!
Hope to see you there!

Act Two - Northern Island Marine Monument

2008-04-25T14:45:00.005+10:00

The second show at Porky's on Wednesday was Angelo's presentation regarding the largest Marine Sanctuary in the World and how a similar concept is being proposed here for the Northern most islands in the chain.
I'm not going to say much about this here now for a couple of reasons. One I have little time as I'm headed down to our Flame Tree Festival to sell my DVD - 20% off retail all weekend long!
Sorry for the shameless plug, I digress.

Given the fact that both local papers are reporting today that the Senate and the House have both passed resolutions against the proposed marine park I feel I have to say this.

Thanks to all those who came out to hear the facts, to debate the issues and to discuss the concept. I know it is controversial on a number of fronts but, keeping an open mind and becoming informed rather than rejecting the idea all together because a few think it is a bad idea or have their own agendas will do no one any good.

I, for one, am like many of these people. I'm getting to know the facts and hear both sides of the issue from those who care. Once I feel I have the necessary answers to my own questions I'll weigh in on the matter more thoroughly.

To do anything less is just plain irresponsible!

Given the interest and emotions on this topic I would agree with Dive God (see previous post) when he says that any future public forum should be held in a venue without alcohol. I can't guarantee a Canadian Peace Keeper in the room every night!

A discussion by the divers has started here at Marianas Dive.
Other blogs have started giving their two cents. Follow the links from Angelo's post to read most of them. Wow, lots of activity - you may want to start here.

See you at Flame Tree and keep an open mind I'm glad those in Florida did! Please take the time to read the post below it is more relevant than you think!

Saipan’s Underwater Historical Trail Unveiled

2008-04-25T12:46:00.009+10:00

Wow! What an interesting night at Porky's! Only those who were there know that this statement applies on many levels! The title of the post may be miss leading only because it is a little premature - read on!
Rather than talk about the Canadian Peace Keeper in this post I'm going to talk about our first presenter and the discoveries / excitement that ensued!
First, a big, big thank you to Jennifer McKinnon (above) who gave an excellent talk on the 1733 Spanish Galleon Shipwreck Trail in Florida. Jennifer was a senior archaeologist on the project and knows first hand the benefits of such a concept when it is allowed to happen. She also knows first hand how much work it takes and what is needed to pull it off.

If you have not already read the links from my previous post, start with this one. Look around the site as it talks about the entire Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary of which this shipweck trail is a part.

Basically, the program in Florida benefited many people. First, everything about the shipwrecks and surrounding areas, including the coral reefs was documented. This preserves a snap shot in time forever but, it also formed the basis of information guides, maps, and plenty of marketable material and activities. Not to mention the scientific data that will help establish truly sustainable conditions for years to come.

The shipwrecks have no restriction regarding fishing and provide another option for divers of the Florida Keys. Do a Google search for "Florida Shipwreck Trail Diving" and you'll see no shortage of people making money from the program. Historians, divers, fisherman, and marine biologists are at the top of my head right now with regard to who might benefit the most but, we can't forget about the restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and ice cream shops. In fact anyone who sells the guidebook would gain something!

As Jennifer indicated, getting the program off the ground and completed wasn't always looking like an easy task. There were those against it from the beginning. Treasure hunting and removing things from shipwrecks was considered a right of the people for many, many years in the area. It was, in fact, a few lucky people who rode the gravy train and struck the big time. Sadly, after years and years of indiscriminate salvage, the historical trail is likely half as interesting as it could have been. The consolation to that thought is the fact that at least some of it remains and will remain documented no matter what happens from here on in. Did I mention the team researching the ships endured 4 rather large hurricanes over the course of documenting and mapping all the wrecks?

Ya, Ya, Ya, - That's Florida what does this have to do with the Marianas!

Everything!
Except we're talking primarily WWII artifacts and a few years down the road!

It just so happens that over the past month or so there has been a team here working on identifying the inventory of wreckage in our lagoon and just beyond the reef. You can check out the work done to date here but, basically a team of experts are using sonar scans to identify anything that might be worth looking at. Saipan resident and long-time commercial diver / boat captain, Brady Barrineau (aka Dive God) has been working with the team and helping to document their findings. Ronnie Rodgers from the HPO office gave us a quick review of the progress and it is very exciting. They tell me they are finding things that even Brady, who has dove here his entire life, did not know existed.

Ronnie told us now that they have an inventory started they can begin the process of getting grants and funding for the project in order to continue it in the same manner as the Florida trail. Jennifer has even offered to come back from Australia to give divers instruction and training in marine archeology so they can help with the process!

Are you kidding me?
Training our local people to have a helping hand in delivering more tourists to the island - what a novel concept! With federal money to boot!

Hmmmmmmmmmm............

When asked what would be the biggest factor in accomplishing something similar here in the Marianas Jennifer said, ENTHUSIAM and a real interest from the local residents to make it happen.

We're going to try to arrange for that excitement to grow a little more with a presentation again next week. This time it will be by the guys on the vessel doing the sonar. They've got pictures and video of the wrecks and from what they have shown me so far there is enough to do something pretty special here already and they’re not done yet.

By the way, does anyone remember that article in the Tribune way back? An "expert" diver in Japan said we needed to work on diversifying our dive sites?

First, don't always believe what you read in the papers.
Second, what a ridiculous statement by someone who really doesn't know what he’s talking about.

I won't argue with him in that a shipwreck trail sure would add to the diversity we have. Is it necessary? No, not really, our diving is already quite diverse but, why not? What are the real drawbacks to it? I’m Looking forward to seeing that so called expert on our shipwreck trail, or even on one of our wall dives, or in a cavern, or mingling with Eagle Rays or perhaps in the sandy flats meditating in crystal clear water at Obyan! If he really wants to be an expert he's going to have to do the research rather than believe what a few tell him!

Get my point?

Imagine if all those people who made the Florida Shipwreck trail a reality just gave up the first time someone said NO, it can’t be done!

That brings me to Act Two!

Marianas Dive Host Maritime Double Header

2008-04-22T15:55:00.002+10:00

MARIANAS DIVE’S MARITIME DOUBLE HEADER

When: Wednesday April 23, 2008

Where: Porky’s Beach Bar (behind McDonald’s on Beach Road)
Smoke Free on Wednesdays
Time: 6:45PM

ACT ONE: The 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail

Scattered over eighty miles of the Florida Keys, the thirteen 1733 Spanish Plate Fleet wrecks present a unique opportunity for public interpretation of historic shipwrecks. During the summer of 2004 archaeologists from the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research conducted a survey of these shipwrecks to determine their condition and their potential for inclusion in a proposed shipwreck trail. Presenter Jennifer McKinnon provides an overview of the project and the shipwreck trail.

Jennifer McKinnon is a Lecturer of Maritime Archaeology at Flinders University in South Australia and was a senior underwater archaeologist for the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research on the 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail.

The waters around Saipan Tinian and Rota are littered with WWII artifacts, many of them easily accessible for divers and even snorkelers. Could we take steps similar to those in Florida in an effort to better preserve, protect and market what we have? Come, find out first hand from the expert and someone who’s done the work!

ACT TWO: The National Park of the Sea

Angelo O’Connor Villagomez is one of the co-founders of Beautify CNMI and the former Executive Director of MINA. He is an indigenous environmentalist and has been working on conservation issues in the CNMI for two years.

Villagomez is currently the Saipan Coordinator for Ocean Legacy, a project of the Pew Environment Group. He is coordinating local support for a proposed “National Park of the Sea” encompassing a portion of the Mariana Trench and the islands of Ascuncion, Magu, and Uracas.

His presentation will discuss certain unique aspects of the area and the benefits of a globally significant protected area.

Currently a unique opportunity exists for the CNMI. Support for and against exists and people are weighing in on the proposal. Come and see for yourself what it’s all about. Ask questions and make yours an informed opinion!

Marianas Dive is a growing group of individuals with a passion for everything underwater and specifically what Saipan Tinian & Rota have to offer as dive destinations. The group welcomes community members to join and help the CNMI build a truly world class dive destination while promoting our excellent diving locally and globally. Members meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM. To join the email list, visit www.marianasdive.com.

Happy Earth Day 2008

2008-04-22T00:25:00.006+10:00

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

The History of Earth Day

Earth Day Events Around the World for 2008

Saipan's Earth Day Event

In celebration of Earth Day and the National Park Week and of course, the Year of the Reef, CoCo is hosting a FREE movie showing at Saipan's only movie house - American Memorial Park Theater. If you have not yet seen "An Inconvenient Truth" take advantage now.

“An Inconvenient Truth” will be shown on
1. Mon, April 21 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
2. Tues, April 22, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
3. Wed, April 23, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
4. Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

This from
Climate change is caused by the ever increasing presence of climate changing gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide. These gases are released from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil in the transport and energy sectors. Climate changing gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing impacts like sea level rise and changing weather patterns.
While pacific islands, together, contribute less than 1% of global climate change causing gases, we are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Mariana Islands, like most Pacific islands, the people, agricultural land, tourist resorts and infrastructure (including roads and airports) are concentrated in the coastal zones, and are thus especially vulnerable to any rise in sea level.

Climate Change will shift rainfall patterns causing prolonged droughts in some regions. Computer models predict that global warming will shift rainfall patterns, resulting in extended drought conditions in some areas, and excessive rainfall in others.

Each El Niño event has resulted in water shortages and drought in Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati and Fiji. More frequent El Niño events also bring an increased risk of tropical cyclones, particularly for Tuvalu, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and French Polynesia.

Just because the Marianas Islands is not included in the list above, does not mean we are not vulnerable to changes in typhoon seasons, water shortages and drought.

On Earth day visit American Memorial Park and watch the Inconvenient Truth.

For more visit Climate Change in the South Pacific.

Another good read from today's Tribune is from Jaime R. Vergara. He takes a look at the big picture!

Danica Patrick Wins Indy Car in Japan

2008-04-20T21:08:00.010+10:00

A big congratulations goes out to the first woman ever to win an Indy car race or any other professional motor car race other than drag racing for that matter! AP reports it here.
One of the things my brothers and sister did when we were home last month was go through a number of my dads belongings including a rather large box of newspaper and magazine clippings. It seems he liked to keep articles of significant nature such as the front page of newspapers when extraordinary events took place around the world. President Kennedy's assassination, the Berlin Wall coming down etc. He also had newspapers from the day each of us kids were born - not that those were extraordinary days for anyone else but, it's fun to look back and see a snap shot in time. His collection included a number of some sporting events like Ben Johnson's gold medal and yes, the day he lost it!

Whenever I would call home and he was there we would usually touch on some sports topic at some point. Mostly hockey - he'd update me on the Canucks for sure but any sport was game.

I think he would be cutting out this story tomorrow! In fact I'm a little peeved at the only sports network here, namely ESPN. They should have given this much coverage today. Yes, it's the start of NBA playoffs and hockey (the greatest game on earth) is well into it's second season but, this deserves more recognition!
I'm glad she's finally done it and proven all the cynics wrong as well as set an example for women everywhere - Way to go Danica, my hat goes off to you and if I could get a copy of a major newspaper I'd cut out your story and add it to the collection!
I know, I know enough with the pretty girls, it's a SCUBA diving blog so tomorrow I promise a post about dives done over the past few days, including the ones first thing in the morning!

A little offensive?

2008-04-18T00:21:00.006+10:00

Does anyone else find this a little offensive or at the very least inconsiderate?

A Tribune article today quotes Gregorio Cruz, President of Tao Tao Tano as saying that the people of the CNMI are “in an economic crisis and there is no light at the end of the tunnel, except for (jumping off) a cliff".

Power For a Week!

2008-04-17T21:57:00.010+10:00

Delivery Made - CUC Out of Money.
Yee haa, enough fuel to last one more week!!!!!
Then what?

How does a cash strapped utility and / or government come up with more than 2 million dollars in less than a week?

As if the 2, 4 or even 8 hour power outages were not enough. Less than 24 hours ago we were faced with the possibility of an island wide black out. Now we'll do it all over again next week!

When the AC goes out again I'll have to think back to this!

Tire check - all seasons!

Fishing at the Grotto Update

2008-04-15T22:17:00.005+10:00

As reported in the Variety a few months ago two men where arrested for fishing at the Grotto marine sanctuary. This week the sentence (or plea bargin) was handed down and reported on here in the Tribune.
Superior Court Associate Judge Manglona sentenced Guo to six months in jail, all suspended except for the first nine days, with credit for the nine days he has already served. The judge placed the defendant on six months of unsupervised probation and ordered him to pay a $25 court assessment fee.

According to the paper in accepting the plea the judge said the accused "had pleaded guilty to "a rarely committed offense".
Are you kidding me?! Apparently the judge is not a diver or has not been diving the Grotto lately. A rarely committed offence - every single day concerned divers are pulling monofilament fishing line out of the Grotto.

At least in handing down this increadibly harsh sentence (insert sarcasm here) Judge Manglona said that the Legislature's purpose of creating a sanctuary to gradually and naturally repopulate depopulated areas of the lagoon must be enforced in order to protect the islands' limited and precious resources.

I couldn't agree more but, if this is what's supposed to deter the perpetrators I suspect we'll be pulling out line for many years to come!

Wyalnd to Paint CHC!

2008-04-15T10:37:00.009+10:00

It has been reported here in the Variety that Wyland will be coming to Saipan to paint a one of his famous murals on the walls of CHC. It is unclear if this is a done deal or not as it will take about 60, 000 dollars to get him here.
The effort is being spearheaded by MINA with the help of other island agencies including Marianas Dive which will host an information meeting tonight at 7PM, Chambre Bar in the Fiesta Hotel.
Anyone interested in hearing more about this opportunity to bring additional press to the islands diving as well as something nice to look at for everyone including patients of the hospital are more than welcome to attend. Appetizers will be available and happy hour prices are in effect!

UPDATE

Thanks to the folks at MINA, Chuck Sayon, Kathy Yuknavage and Ron Smith, for coming out and providing everyone with an update as to where this project stands. At the moment MINA is working out the specific dates Wyland may be available and the details of any contract for the mural. Support has been expressed by MVA and some major sponsors such as Seafix, Tan Holdings and one of the paint companies. They will be working on the details of school visits, additional murals, opening and closing ceremonies and ensuring the contents of the wall truly reflect what our waters have. All in all I think this is a great idea and done right it will lead to a lot of good publicity and education for the kids of the CNMI. How about you, what do you think - vote in the latest Saipan SCUBA poll or leave a comment.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Beach Road Time Again

2008-04-13T23:13:00.007+10:00

Last month I told you about my first Beach Road Magazine cover shoot. I had time to pick up a copy the other day so rather than looking at Jojo the stand in here you go! That's 19 year old Karen Hartman from Saipan. It was a pleasure working with her and I think if she's truly interested in modeling that she could do well.
These are the magazine choices for the inserts.
All in all I think the shots turned out well and she looks great!

As I said in my earlier post it was certainly not a hardship to be out at one of my favorite Saipan Beaches in the afternoon taking photographs of Karen and I look forward to this months shoot! If you've not yet picked up a copy of Beach Road Magazine their office is on Middle Road in the building with Subway - on the top floor above Dial Rent to Own.

An Unbelievable Grotto Dive

2008-04-13T13:56:00.008+10:00

It's Saturday morning, my first real chance to hit the water since leaving for Canada nearly a month ago. I need to get in and breathe! I don't really care where and finally decide on the Grotto. It will be a camera free dive, I don't want to do anything except enjoy the tranquility of being down there.

Standing on the rock ready to stride in I notice the water is calm and the tide very high. Nice, an easy exit too! Time to step off the edge. - (Insert splash here) - Ahhhhhhh the cool refreshing feeling of being submerged, no one around, no worries just my breathing and the sounds of the underwater world.

The dive itself was pretty uneventful. I headed out hole 3 to the outside and ventured down deep enough to feel some narcosis and the effects of depth. Slow, exaggerated movements and breathing - meditation at it's best. As always there were some great photo ops, bristle stars sprawled out on large sea fans, cracks and crevices with light rays bouncing in and out catching my eye here and there. No, I won't let myself go down the road of "should have brought the camera" - back to enjoying the moment, the feeling is difficult to put into words but, I'm at peace, this is my special place and all is good in the world!

As I began to make my way back up towards hole three I stopped to untangle about 30 feet of fishing line from some pristine coral. It takes some time, I was deep so the deco clock starts to add up. No worries I have plenty of air and hanging out at 30 feet near the mooring line turns out to be the most unbelievable part of my dive.

Here the tranquility abruptly comes to an end and I am left to reflect, in complete disbelief, on what I've just witnessed!

It began as any other safety stop, a group of divers beginning their descent down the mooring line with the instructor the first one down. While hovering a little deeper than the oncoming bodies he used hand signals to ask those who followed if they where ok. He began to motion the divers over to a rocky ledge next to where I was hanging out so I moved off a ways not wanting to confuse the issue with an extra body. As I watched the group I couldn't help but notice a lot of loose hoses. Everyone, including the instructor, had their octopus and air gauges hanging free rather than clipped or tucked into their BCD. It also became apparent pretty quickly that this was a very large group with none of the divers seemingly all that skilled. There was plenty of hand flailing, erratic fin movements, wide eyes and even a few rapid descents followed by vigorous kicks toward the surface and renewed attempts to equalize ears. All the divers seemed to be very much over weighted.

As I watched I began to count. Sixteen divers in total not counting the instructor. I also notice that all have gloves on and 10 of the 16 have cameras, many frantically trying to snap pictures as they descend to the meeting area. Here the instructor, now also with a camera, is arranging the group on the bottom with hole three in the background - the perfect photo op!

Imagine a pyramid of divers, those on the bottom destroying whatever may be there while the others attempt to hover above without whacking their tanks, fins or gauges on the heads below. At this point a final diver comes in from the top just in time to take up a horizontal position along the bottom row. Perhaps this could be a second instructor or divemaster but I can't tell for sure. The instructor with the camera begins to snap away. The photographer in me recognized the problem immediately - bubbles, bubbles everywhere especially directly in front of those not on the bottom of the pyramid. Apparently the instructor also recognized the issue as he scribbled on a slate and swam to the group showing it to them all. Soon the bubbles stopped, everyone was now holding their breath. The instructor quickly returned to his position and managed to snap a few shots before the inevitable exhalations began.

At this point the instructor seemed to signal to the group to swim in the area around the mooring line and so they began to disperse. The one I thought could be another instructor took up a position next to another diver and did not leave her side. Perhaps they were only a buddy team after all.

For a moment I thought - OK, it's just one big photo op and now they'll get to do a "dive" in the shallows before returning to the surface. No major harm done right, a big group just wanting to get a photo inside the grotto before heading back to Japan - wrong!

Just as I was giving the instructor the benefit of the doubt he turned and headed towards hole number two, the deepest of the three it bottoms out at over 80 feet. All sixteen customers followed. As they moved away form where I was the expanse of hole two filled up with divers. For a moment a couple of them obviously had problems as they headed up towards the ceiling of the cave before slowly returning to the bottom all the while the instructor continued out towards the open ocean never really looking back at his group.

Now I wished more than ever that I had my camera. I could not believe what I was seeing. Even if there was a second instructor in the group that's still an instructor to customer ratio of 8:1. And these were definitely not seasoned divers with plenty of experience. These were novice divers at best. I'd even hazard to guess that a few of them were on their second or third open water dive EVER. Gauges everywhere, nearly vertical swimming techniques caused by too much weight, an overhead environment and a maximum depth of well over 60 feet, not to mention holding their breath for the photo op.......

WTF. I mean seriously, peoples lives are at stake! Then of course there's the fact that another death at the Grotto is not something our tourism industry needs to deal with. By now if you're like me you're probably asking what dive shop? Who was this guy working for and how did he become an instructor? The answer, Blue Horizon Diving an NMDOA affiliated dive shop and I don't know.

I waited in the parking lot long enough to determine the shop and to see that everyone made it back ok, - this time. Next time everyone may not be so lucky. I would have loved to have pulled the instructor aside and started the conversation by saying WTF but, I thought better of it only because in the eyes of his customers he had done nothing but show them a good time.

Tomorrow I'll be headed down for a chat with the VP of NMDOA as they tout themselves as an organization with tough standards for all their members. I'm interested to hear what steps will be taken to ensure this spectacle does not happen again.

Right Route Day and a Birthday!

2008-04-11T08:23:00.005+10:00

April 11th is a special day in the CNMI - It's my wife's birthday.
Now I've just got to figure out how I can get into town to buy her a last minute gift while reducing my carbon foot print!

Today is also Take the Right Route Day! To help celebrate the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) the folks at CRM put together a campaign designed to raise awareness about our own individual contributions to global warming. In this case, by asking people to find alternate, more efficient ways to get around the island they hope to show that each of us can make decisions each and everyday that will help combat this issue.
Of course finding alternate means to get from Dandan to Garapan and other parts of the island for errands can be a bit difficult considering there is no public transportation on the island. Then there is the issue of knowing I will likely have to go to a number of different places scattered around the island to get what I need because there is really no "one stop" shopping area. Perhaps I could ride my bike but that only looks fun at the top of the hill by the college and not so fun from the bottom coming back up!
Perhaps I can ask these kids for a lift. Now If you think this photo of very young kids riding an ATV without helmets is just a gig for an ad, think again. This scenario is played out everyday up and down the street in front of my house. If I have one complaint about this campaign it is this ad. I'm waiting for the day when one of the kids in our neighbourhood is pronounced dead at CHC. You would never see this in Canada these days. Twenty years ago perhaps but not now. There has been too much education about head injuries so these days it's now basically considered neglect to let your child ride a bike without a helmet. Come to think about it there are no road side vendors selling fireworks to young kids either!

Anyway, I digress. For all of those who take an alternate way to work today you can receive your own pair of zories from CRM, call 664-8311 for more info.
Don't Drive it Walk it!

Back on Island and ready to post again!

2008-04-10T08:39:00.000+10:00

Ok I'm back on Island!

This blog has taken a break for nearly a month! That was not really my intention but, then again traveling to Canada with a 2 year old and 2 month old didn't pan out ot be all that relaxing or full of free time!

In fact there were a number of things that came up that would have made good blog posts but, I just didn't have the energy, time or desire to write. Of course it didn't help that I was without my computer for an extended time. So rather than beat myself up over not posting regularly enough I decided to take a break entirely.

Now that I'm back and organizing my pictures I'll try to share some insights from Canada. Some similarities to Saipan and of course some very big differences were apparent nearly everyday.

I'll also be weigning in on a few topics that came up while I was away including the PEW Charitable Trust plan to bring a marine park or protected area to the Norhern most islands and the proposed mural by world famous painter Wyland!

I hope I've not lost too many of my regular readers and hope to make it worth coming back to check out this site in the weeks to come!

Saipan's Spotted Eaglerays in FINS Magazine

2008-03-20T13:21:00.006+10:00

I had an email today from award-winning professional underwater photographer Doug Perrine alerting me to his most recent article (pdf download) in FINS Magazine. It hit the newsstands today and is exactly what the CNMI needs on a more regular basis. Getting into the mainstream diving media and becoming known for a one-of-a-kind experience is how dive destinations become successful in the short term. Preserving and and regulating the experience so that it can be sustained over time is how successful destinations remain on top. The Cayman Island's Stingray City, Palau's Jellyfish Lake, and the Coral Sea's Cod Hole (off the Great Barrier Reef) are just a few examples of destinations that have taken advantage of what Mother Nature has provided free of charge while finding a way for the main attraction and its spectators to co-exist.

I met Doug about a year ago while he was here diving and writing this story. We've kept in contact regarding the issues facing our eagle ray population. When it was brought to my attention that our rays were being hunted, I contacted Doug in order to ask for his assistance in support of the now passed legislation designed to protect these amazing creatures. It was he who brought it to my attention that nowhere else in the world do Spotted Eagle Rays consistently congregate in numbers so close to shore that divers can experience them like we can here. He has been studying and photographing sharks and rays for much of his life while traveling the globe in search of amazing images so I believe him when he reminds me that Saipan is a truly special place.
Think about that for a second - Nowhere else in the world! - Talk about a signature dive, a dive that can attract even the most seasoned and experienced divers. Of course we can only say that as long as they remain here. If they are gone, Eagle Ray City is nothing more than a sandy bottom and Ice Cream becomes an average dive at best. With them millions of dollars a year is injected into the local economy. To illustrate the potential I'll again comment on Sting Ray City on Grand Cayman. It is estimated that this single dive site alone is directly responsible for over 9 million dollars of revenue a year! Even if we can only boast 10% of that it's nothing to shake a stick at!
When I get my computer back I'll post a little more about our rays. Perhaps we'll see them make a move in the mascot poll and be considered for the RARE pride campaign! For now I encourage everyone to read Doug's article and continue to put pressure on our local authorities to adequately protect them for generations to come. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to suggest that our dive industry and even tourism in general depends on it!