CNMI Coral Reef Initiative Program in Washington
The 52nd U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting was held in Washington this week, bringing together federal, territorial, and state partners committed to protecting and strengthening coral reef ecosystems. The meeting was co-chaired by NOAA Assistant Administrator Nicole LeBoeuf and Interior Assistant Secretary Angel Demapan. The CNMI was well represented, with DLNR Secretary Sylvan Igisomar and CNMI Coral Reef Initiative (CRI) Lead Biologist Francisco Villagomez participating as Task Force members, joined by DLNR staff Kalani Reyes and Bailey Warren. Our Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, Lizzy Vise, also participated in the public meeting. Ahead of the meeting, I met with the CNMI’s Task Force representatives to discuss legislative and funding priorities, including support for CRI’s conservation and restoration efforts, storm recovery, and preparedness for future challenges. Protecting our coral reefs is critical to the health, economy, and future of the Marianas, and I will continue working to ensure the CNMI has the federal support and resources it needs.