If you are not aware the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that was created to show the impacts of the upcoming military build up on Guam, has an entire volume dedicated to the impacts to be caused by the creation of an Aircraft Carrier Warf on Polaris Point. The impacts are massive.

To allow for the 60′ draft of these large vessels, the military plans to directly remove 39 acres of live coral reef. The indirect impacts of dredging have the potential to impact over 150 acres of reef by sedimentation. Just imagine, one acre is roughly one football field long and one football field wide. The total impact would be like removing all of the coral from Tumon Bay.

Our community gets to experience the ocean and our unique marine environment in a way that most people do not. How many times has the waters of Guam brought joy and inspiration to you? We are privliged to get to experience the ocean as we do, but also have greater responsibility to act as stewards.

We are calling you all to come out to Apra Harbor and see for yourself what is at stake. Come out and see with your own eyes exactly what the cost of this build up will be. The reef that is taken away will never be replaced and the impacts of continual dredging to keep the harbor deep will continue kill and destroy surrounding coral for years to come.

Here is what is planned:

1) WeAreGuahan (grassroots group) has chartered a boat to hold 80 people and will be taking people out to Jade Shoals for an educational snorkel and tour.
2) We are seeking the paddling and other ocean community member to join them in an effort to bring attention to this issue.

We are asking that the paddling communities support this by showing up on the water with their OC1’s, OC2’s, OC6’s, SUP’s, and any other human powered vehicle.

Place: Show at the Family Beach
Date: February 7th
Time: Show time 1pm
Briefing 2pm
Go time 2:30pm
*We will be paddling as a group to meet with the large chartered boat at Jade Shoal 3pm*

Once at Jade Shoal boats can raft up to the large boat. There will be a blessing, an opportunity to talk with marine biologists, and time to snorkel if desired.

There will be a gathering at the Piti Bomb Holes Park after the paddle (at 6pm) to eat, drink, and learn more information about what you can do.

This event has been approved by GFD and the Coast Guard (we have a permit). Also there will be safety boats participating.

MPRA will be trailering canoes and encourage other clubs to bring theirs as well.

This event is not exclusive to just the paddlers. We are seeking all people who have a love and respect for the ocean to come out and learn more about this issue. Help us to bring attention to this potential loss of one of Guahan’s most valued resources.

Please show your support, pass this email along and feel free to contact me for more questions. More emails and press releases will be coming.

Email Collin Smith at tiderunner14@yahoo.com for questions or inquiries

HAPPY NEW YEAR MPRA!!

On behalf of the MPRA Board of Directors, I would like to express our warmest thanks to all members for the continued growth of Outrigger Canoeing in 2009.

On February 26, 2010 MPRA will be hosting our Annual General Membership meeting at the Dededo Mayor’s Office.  Meeting will commence at 7:00pm, and refreshments will be served.  New Board of Directors will be elected and we will recap the year and upcoming events in 2010.

Coaches please cascade to your members and advise them to attend.  This is a great opportunity to meet the rest of our members.

Thank you all again for your commitment and support to the sport.

Sincerely,

Jeff Nantin

MPRA President

929-2333

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