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6/7/2025—The Commonwealth formally declared June 2025 as CNMI Ocean Month and June 8 as CNMI Ocean Day during a proclamation signing ceremony held last June 4 at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan.
The event, led by the Division of Coastal Resources Management), gathered government officials, ocean advocates, and community members in celebration of the islands’ vital connection to the sea under this year’s theme, “Sailing Together Towards a Sustainable Future.”
During his keynote remarks, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality acting administrator Floyd R. Masga reminded attendees that Ocean Month is not just a celebration, but “a call to action.”
“Our oceans sustain life, regulate the climate, and support the livelihoods of our people,” Masga said. “As we recognize this month, may we carry forward the spirit of Ocean Month in our daily choices, in our policies, and in our stewardship of the environment. The health of our oceans is the health of our future.”
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios echoed those sentiments in his speech, reflecting on the cultural and economic importance of the ocean to the people of the Northern Marianas.
“It’s not just about economics. It’s what sustains us. It’s part of our DNA,” Palacios said. “We need to continue to protect our ocean environments because they have sustained our people for generations. That stewardship must continue.”
The governor also used the occasion to voice support for increased interagency cooperation to preserve coastal and marine areas, reinforcing earlier calls by Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” B. Camacho for unified community action against illegal dumping and environmental neglect.
Camacho recounted how even his grandchildren were picking up litter on local beaches and urged everyone to work together to protect the island’s limited natural resources.
“As your mayor, I’m embracing all different ethnic communities on the island,” Camacho said. “We need help to combat these problems—illegal dumping on land and in water. Let’s educate, collaborate, and clean up our community.”
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang offered his gratitude to the DCRM, BECQ, and partner agencies, saying, “As long as we take care of our waters, we’re in good shape. That’s where we spend time with our families. Our kids will be out there enjoying the beaches, especially now that it’s summer.”
The proclamation signed by Palacios and Apatang highlights the importance of the ocean to the CNMI’s environment, economy, and culture. It acknowledges growing threats to marine ecosystems—from pollution and erosion to climate change—and affirms the government’s commitment to protecting coastal and ocean resources through collaboration and adaptive management.
This month-long celebration includes movie nights, site visits, and community events such as beach cleanups and educational fairs. The DCRM invited the public to participate and “sail together toward a sustainable future.”
After the ceremony, guests gathered for a group photo and enjoyed light refreshments at the beachside. Roadside waving to raise ocean awareness followed shortly after.
Story Mark Rabago
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