"One of the challenges I am facing right now is the designation of the N.I. under the USFW and NOAA. They are trying to designate Alamagan, Pagan, Aguiguan, Anatahan, and Sariguan as critical turtle habitat," Northern Islands mayor Valentino Taisacan told KUAM News. He added, "So I am opposing that and I am currently running a petition now to petition NOAA and USFW that we are not in agreement with their proposed plans."

Northern Islands Mayor Valentino Taisacan speaking out against the proposed designation of on-land critical habitat for endangered green sea turtles.

The idea was introduced to the community in August during a public meeting on Saipan. A pre-taped video from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains its impact on the NMI.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Laura Duenas said, "Across this CNMI, we are proposing nine critical habitat units on five islands totaling 179 acres. Proposing these areas as critical habitat does not create a reserve or a refuge and it does not affect land ownership or the ability to access land or resources. Proposing these areas as critical habitat simply identifies areas as essential for the conservation and recovery of Haggan."

Still, the mayor says it would not benefit the Northern Islands.

"I have development plans on these islands which include permanent resettlement. We have a lot of resources out there that the CNMI government can profit from and it could bring economic activity to the CNMI as a whole," he added. 

He’s hoping to begin a dialogue with the governor’s office and legislature to push his projects forward, which includes bringing internet to the Northern Islands. 

"I have been in communications with [Glen] Hunter over at broadband and we have been working in including the Northern Islands in the BEAD five-year program and that is gonna bring us up to getting out satellite internet out there so our residents can be…if they have kids that attend schools we can look into online learning and safety for the people as well who need to communicate with Saipan quickly," he said.