CNMI Coral Reef Initiative
Protecting
Fisheries
Habitat
and Coral Reefs at CNMI Dive Sites
Public Notice- Dec 2009: Permit compliance of existing moorings will be verified starting January 2010. Unpermitted moorings will be removed unless a request to maintain the mooring is recieved by CRM Office. Click *here* to download a .pdf of the entire announcement.
INTRODUCTION
Mooring installation and maintenance in the CNMI has been largely supported by the diving community, either by individuals or by organized groups such as the Northern Marianas Dive Operator's Association. The driving concern behind these grassroots efforts have been protection of coral reef fisheries habitat that supports one of the Marianas longest-lived tourist industries.
CNMI's Coastal Resources Management Office has received a three year grant (2006-2009) from NOAA PIRO to manage damage to fisheries habitats in coral reef environments on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The grant will provide nearly $30,000 toward equipment and materials needed to install and maintain moorings. The program is also supporting efforts to develop a sustainable means for funding future repairs and maintenance of CNMI Moorings. If you would like to participate in this process contact CRM at (670)664-8300.
What Are Mooring Buoys?
Anchoring a boat causes disturbance or damage to the marine environment, regardless of how carefully its done. Mooring buoys help preserve the fragile coral reef ecosystem by reducing anchor damage at frequently visited coral reef sites in the CNMI. They also are a faster and more convenient way to secure your boat as compared to the process of anchoring.
What does a mooring buoy look like?
At the moment, a variety of recycled and commercial buoys are used for moorings at popular dive and snorkel sites. Commerical mooring buoys are hard, white plastic spheres about 18" in diameter with blue reflective stripe around the middle.
Image
based on
http://www.unesco.org/csi/pub/source/ero37.gif
http://www.unesco.org/csi/pub/source/ero37.gif
How do I use a mooring buoy?
* Buoys are available on a first come, first served basis.
* Smaller boats are encouraged to tie off to one another, thereby allowing larger vessels access to buoys. Remember, the larger the vessel, the more potential damage to the coral (if an anchor is used).
* Use caution and idle speed (no wake) when approaching the buoy. Watch carefully for divers, swimmers and snorkelers.
* To secure your boat to a mooring buoy, pick up the floating line and pass your bow line through the loop. Secure both ends of your bow line to your bow cleat. DO NOT put the loop around your cleat. This increases the wear on the mooring system and increases the likelihood of pulling the mooring anchor free and of damaging your boat. In rough weather or for larger boats, increase the length of your line. A good rule to remember is: if the buoy is pulled underwater, you must let out extra scope.
* Inspect the mooring buoy your boat is tied to, you are still responsible for your vessel. Dive or snorkel the mooring line to be certain the mooring is holding. Note: CNMI government assumes no liability for the use of the mooring buoys
Please report any problems, such as broken or frayed lines to the Coastal Resources Management Office (670)664-8300.
Where are they?
The table below lists current and proposed mooring buoy locations. To recommend another site for a mooring, contact Coastal Resources Management Office (670)664-8300.
What if a mooring buoy is not available?
When anchoring near reefs, place your anchor in clean sandy areas downwind from the reef. This will keep the anchor line from being dragged across the reef. Placing an anchor in the reef can cause great damage to the reef and could also result in a substantial fine. Use 5 to 7 times the length of rope as the depth of the water; in rough seas use more line. Snorkel or dive to check that the anchor and line are secure and not touching any coral. **Note that it is illegal to anchor in Marine Protected Areas in CNMI.**
*Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Government assumes no liability for the use of the mooring buoys.*
