A potential National Marine Sanctuary designation is drawing support and opposition as public meetings begin in the Marianas this week. A tense meeting was held at the legislature in Saipan.

At the direction of President Joe Biden in March, the secretary of commerce started the designation process for a proposed national marine sanctuary. Hoku Cody, PRI Coalition Campaign Manager, said, "This last pursuit was to finish the protections of Howland and Baker Islands as well as Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll to the full extent of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)."

Members of the Pacific Remote Islands Coalition from Guam, Washington, DC and Hawaii met with NMI house lawmakers ahead of this week’s public meeting on Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

The island areas are southwest of Hawaii and over 2,000 miles from the Marianas. "These are some of the last vestiges in the world where there are pristine oceans that are left," Cody continued.

The coalition’s ask includes co-management involving indigenous voices in the decision-making process. They shifted their intent for monument designation after public feedback. Sheila Babauta, community activist, said, "There is a big difference between a monument and a sanctuary. The monument is designated by the president’s signature…the sanctuary process starts with….submitting a nomination, engaging the community, and going through draft management plan comments."

The discussion comes to the Marianas because of its U.S. territory status. The group says public meetings with Pacific nations with looser U.S. ties are likely to happen in a year.

Ross Manglona, Director, Indigenous Affairs, said, "The underlying question we still have is where is the federal government that is actually imposing this. I would like to speak to the people who are going to implement."

Talk of invoking the CNMI Covenant’s 902 Consultation power, which is a direct line to talks with the White House on major issues. It’s the lack of consultation that worries local government officials.

Sylvan Igisomar, DLNR Secretary, said, "There is no real consultation. There is no real coordination and cooperation. None of that. It is going to happen. Brace yourself."