On June 6, 2025, over 113.5 liters of oil were spilled near the Tinian Harbor by the United States-flagged vessel Mariana. Crew members of both the Mariana and Galide successfully coordinated clean-up efforts, which officially ended on June 8. The oil spill was contained through the use of sorbent booms (oil-absorbing floating tubes).
Both the US Coast Guard and CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality confirmed that “no shoreline or wildlife impacts were detected.” However, the oil spill accident demonstrates the growing environmental risks that Tinian is facing.
On the same day, the US Marines announced the expansion of troop training and other military activities in the Northern Mariana Islands. These included live-fire exercises, ground maneuvers, construction of targets, and practice aircraft landings. However, the military developments were criticized by environmentalists. Many environmentalists cited concerns for native species that could be at risk. One example is the Tinian Monarch Bird, whose habitat is endangered by many live-fire exercises conducted by the US Marines.
Understanding the environmental concerns, the US Marine Corps will not include Pagan in further military developments. Additionally, any new military activities in Tinian will be limited to land leased by the Department of Defense. The US Marine Corps will also release a new environmental impact statement. During the 75-day public review period, the Marine Corps will consider both public opinion and environmentalists’ concerns before making final decisions.
Additionally, conservation efforts in the Northern Mariana Islands are expanding. The Northern Mariana College (NMC) recently launched a new workforce development program called STOWE: Safeguarding Traditional Ocean Wisdom and Education. Partnered with the Blue Nature Alliance, they aim to educate the next generation of conservation workers.
For instance, the program has developed a new bachelor’s degree in natural resource management at the college. Moreover, the College’s Natural Resource Management Program will expand internship opportunities into different conservation programs. Opportunities include being part of a 500-sail conservation team and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.
New conservation efforts are extending beyond the Northern Mariana Islands. The University of Guam and local conservation agencies of the island hosted their first-ever collaborative workshop. The workshop signals the new partnership between Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands’ wildlife officials. Additionally, the workshop revised the State Wildlife Action Plans. Under the revisions, they hope to create an environmental protection strategy for endangered species.
Furthermore, Else Demeulenaere, PhD, associate director for Natural Resources at UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, believes “conservation cannot happen in isolation.” She emphasizes the two islands’ similar wildlife environment and native species. She believes conservation will require cooperation, such as the protection of fruit bats, a species that migrates between the two islands frequently.
The partnership may have other benefits besides species preservation. Chris Rosario, a state entomologist for the biosecurity division of the Guam Department of Agriculture, stresses the mutual benefits of cooperation. He concludes that “while CNMI depends on Guam for training on biosecurity issues, CNMI can provide Guam with a safe place for these native species to thrive.”In the last month, the Northern Mariana Islands have had many different environmental developments. The Mariana oil spill and increased military activity may present environmental challenges. In contrast, new conservation programs by NMC and regional partnerships aim to protect the island’s environment. These developments illustrate the changing environmental status of the islands, with their challenges and initiatives.
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