The Friends of the Mariana Trench extend heartfelt congratulations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and local leaders from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) on the momentous occasion of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mariana Trench visitor contact station. This important milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing public understanding and appreciation of one of the world’s most iconic protected areas.
The Mariana Trench contact station will serve to connect local communities and visitors with the vital conservation efforts undertaken to protect the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. It stands as a symbol of collaboration between federal agencies and local stakeholders, emphasizing the knowledge and commitment of the CNMI in the stewardship of our extraordinary natural resources.
“We commend the USFWS and our local CNMI leaders for their dedication to the preservation and protection of the Mariana Trench. This contact station will not only foster a deeper connection between the community and this natural wonder but will also support critical educational and research initiatives,” said Sheila Babauta, Chair of Friends of the Mariana Trench. “With the establishment of this facility, we move closer to ensuring that future generations will appreciate and learn from the exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage the Mariana Trench represents.”
The contact station will provide essential resources for education and outreach, enabling residents and visitors to engage with the unique geological and ecological features of the trench. It will play a vital role in raising awareness about conservation challenges and promote traditional ecological knowledge, underscoring the importance of local input in conservation efforts.
As advocates for the Mariana Trench, the Friends of the Mariana Trench are committed to collaborating with the USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, CNMI government agencies and other partners to protect this invaluable resource.
“We are excited to see the opening of the Mariana Trench contact station and are eager to support Superintendent Sean and Ranger Jihan,” said Laurie Peterka, Executive Director of the Friends of the Mariana Trench.
“Congratulations to everyone who made this possible! I’m excited for more youth to engage with this interactive space—an opportunity to learn about and care for our Mariana Trench. It’s another meaningful step toward our generation carrying on the guardianship passed down by our ancestors,” said Alex Tudela, Project Coordinator of Friends of the Mariana Trench.
“This wouldn’t have happened without the commitment and hard work of Superintendent Sean and Ranger Jihan,” said Angelo O’Connor Villagomez, one of the founders of the Friends. “Cinta Kaipat would be so proud. We envisioned this moment way back in 2007.”
“This ribbon-cutting marks not just the opening of a facility, but the start of a new era in our community’s relationship with the monument,” said Friends founder Ignacio Villagomez Cabrera.
Congratulations – finally opened after many years of planning. I envision much public participation and learning about and protecting the magnificent resources of the Mariana’s trench MNM.