RESOLUTION 405-31 catalyzed regional support for resources management and proper attribution of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, resulting in the drafting of similar legislation by the governments of neighboring islands such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk, and Pohnpei.

Introduced by Sens. Rory Respicio and Aline Yamashita last April, the resolution also focused on tapping into the economic benefits from marine and terrestrial exploration activities in the Mariana Trench.

Last March, Hollywood Director James Cameron descended into Challenger Deep. In 1960, Swiss oceanographer and engineer Jacques Piccard and U.S. Navy Capt. Don Walsh became the first two people to plunge nearly 7 miles into the Mariana Trench while aboard the Bathyscape Trieste.

“Natural resources are a virtually untapped potential for economic growth and self-sufficiency, not just for Guam and the CNMI, but for all of Micronesia,” Yamashita stated.

“The need to develop a management structure and uniformed rules and regulations will be an outcome, along with subsequent sound uniformed policy derived through a collective effort among all governments of our region,” she added.

Legislation drafted by neighboring islands and regional entities focused on the “management of marine and terrestrial exploration for science, research, new resources and new technologies; the collection of audio and visual material, and physical materials; and the collection of intellectual property such as traditional knowledge and medicines,” according to a news release from Yamashita’s office.

Marianas Monument

On Guam, Respicio also introduced Resolution 408-31 requesting the inclusion of Guam as a full member of the Marianas Monument Advisory Council.

Joseph Palacios from the CNMI filed a similar resolution supporting the “accurate description and attribution of the location of the Challenger Deep and promotion and securing of economic benefits from explorations in the Mariana Trench conducted by National Geographic and other similar entities. Legislation on mineral and exploration rights is currently being drafted in CNMI.

A regional entity, the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL), adopted a resolution last June 22, “requesting each member to mandate foreign governments, corporations, investors, and other businesses to comply with laws and regulation of the state requiring the licensing and permits of exploratory activities, and the contribution of a certain percentage of dividends from revenues earned from such projects to the state where such project or activity is performed.”

APIL consists of representatives from the governments of Guam, American Samoa, CNMI, the Federated States of Micronesia, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpeo, Yap, Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Belau, Hawaii, Republic of Kiribati, and Republic of Nauru.

A public hearing on the resolution will be held July 5, 10 a.m. at the Legislature.