ABOUT PCRP

Based in the Northern Mariana Islands, we are a small non-profit devoted to better understanding and improving coastal environments in the Pacific Region.

Our work draws on a wide-range of expertise and capacities, including environmental planning, marine debris removal, geospatial analysis & mapping, watershed restoration, and coastal hazard adaptation.  Whether we’re wrangling a stray wave buoy or cultivating a food forest, we bring a collaborative, creative approach to our work. We like to have some fun while we’re at it!

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on PCRP news and happenings.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

  • The Micronesia Region encompasses hundreds of islands in a space characterized by industrial fishing operations and roughly one-third of the world’s tropical cyclones. This results in a 

    substantial amount of large marine debris scattered throughout small communities that have little capacity for removal. In 2023, a location-aware field survey and removal prioritization framework was deployed by Mariana Islands-based Pacific Coastal Research and Planning and Palau-based Coral Reef Research Foundation. Now set to expand across the Region, the survey is enabling partners to collect standardized information related to vessel and buoy wreckage, and hazards to the environment. PCRP is leading a comprehensive effort to remove vessels across Micronesia, properly dispose of materials, work with local contractors, and engage the community through outreach programs.

    Marine Debris Page

  • PCRP was awarded an Urban & Community Forestry grant through the U.S. Forest Service to build community resilience and food security in the CNMI. Our efforts are focused on planting native and fruiting trees, removing hazardous trees, and eliminating the invasive African tulip (Spathodea campanulata). In addition, our Forestry Program is working to increase local capacity through job training and expanding local tree nurseries with our partners at DLNR Rota Forestry, Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research Extension & Education Service, and local private nurseries

    Forestry Page

  • Saipan’s Beach Road pathway is one of the most important multifunctional spaces in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Quartermaster Beach Road project is one of CNMI’s first nature-based shoreline stabilization efforts which will serve as a pilot project demonstrating green infrastructure solutions in a highly vulnerable coastal area.

    Shorelines Page

  • IThere are two critical watersheds in Saipan, Achugao and Laolao Bay, that face environmental challenges that affect both the natural environment and local communities. PCRP, in partnership with Horsley Witten Group (HW) and Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA), is implementing a comprehensive approach to restore and protect these watersheds through community workshops, site assessments, and designs for restoration projects.

    Watersheds Page

  • PCRP has the good fortune to serve as CNMI Liaison on the regional Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System team, getting our hands wet in the coordination and stewardship of a variety of ocean observing instruments and programs!  As the point of contact and “toes on the sand” for PacIOOS activities in the Northern Marianas, we work with local agencies and organizations to identify partner priorities, implement data collection initiatives, and extend new ocean data and forecasting tools to the community. 

    PCRP is actively working on the local priorities identified in the 2022 CNMI Ocean Observing Workshop, and is the local permit holder for implementation of the Backyard Buoys program in CNMI.  Keep an eye out for new data and services as we work with our partners at 500 Sails to deploy more buoys in 2026!

    Learn more about PacIOOS, our partners, and current initiatives:

    • https://www.pacioos.hawaii.edu/

    • ‍ https://cdip.ucsd.edu/m/about/

    • ‍ ‍https://backyardbuoys.org/

    • ‍ ‍https://500sails.org/

  • Our work is grounded in data and maps.  Whether we’re working on a site-specific design or implementing a resource inventory across an entire region, PCRP leverages geospatial technology and mapping to enhance our work, communicate results, and extend tools and services to island communities.   We maintain an active non-profit partnership with ESRI, enabling outreach and extension of resources beyond our day-to-day project work, and participate as an organizational member of the Pacific Islands GIS & Remote Sensing Council and the CNMI GIS User Group.  

    For a peek at some of the resources we extend, check out the PCRP GeoPortal or our datasets in the Pacific Data Hub.  If you’re an individual or organization using GIS in the CNMI and want to engage more, reach out and join the Northern Marianas’ GIS User Group – the Marianas Mappers!

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PRIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    • Delineation and Mapping of Tinian North Field National Historic Landmark (2022 - 2023)

    • Assessing the Geography of Boat-Based Fishing Effort in the Marianas EEZ (2022-2023)

    • Re-Districting Plan for the CNMI and Technical Assistance to the 22nd Commonwealth Legislature (2021 - 2022)

    • Shoreline Stabilization and Enhancement Plan for the Beach Road Pathway, Saipan, CNMI (2020 - 2022)

    • Community Development Block Grant - Hazard Mitigation Plan for CNMI (2021 - 2022)

    • Mapping forest stewardship priority areas for the Northern Mariana Islands (2022)

    • Removal of the Derelict Fishing Vessel F/V Lady Carolina from the Reef of the Saipan Lagoon (2016 - 2022)

    • Update of the CNMI 10-Year Forest Action Plan (2020-2021)

    • Outreach and Capacity Building for Terrestrial Conservation and Forest Management in CNMI (2021)

    • CNMI Recreational Mooring Buoy Program Enhancement and Maintenance (2017 - 2019)

    • Revision and Update of Marine Protected Area Monitoring & Evaluation Tool (2017)

    • Natural Resource Condition Assessment for American Memorial Park (2016 - 2017)

    • Mapping Coral Reef Fisheries in Guam and the CNMI (2016 - 2017)