Pohnpei Public Information
September 9, 2026
Pei Lapalap, Pohnpei — Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and Lt. Governor Herolyn S. Movick recently met with Mr. Rob Jordan, Principal Consultant for EHS KOA, along with leadership from the Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to explore the potential for launching a project dedicated to removing abandoned and sunken vessels from Pohnpei waters. The courtesy visit focused on early assessments, project scoping, and the strategic alignment needed to safeguard maritime navigation, local marine ecosystems, and coastal resources. Supported by NOAA’s Marine Debris Removal Program, the proposed initiative aims to address high-priority hazards while leveraging EHS KOA’s technical oversight alongside local environmental management.
A central element of the discussion was a community-first operational model designed to maximize economic benefits for Pohnpei. Rather than relying entirely on outside entities, the proposed framework emphasizes hiring local contractors and partnering with community-based groups like the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP). EHS KOA and the Pohnpei EPA highlighted that building local capacity, respecting traditional customs, and ensuring strict adherence to environmental standards remain fundamental prerequisites as project plans take shape.
To avoid overburdening local infrastructure, the delegation presented innovative strategies for responsible waste management and material disposal. Proposals include exporting scrap metal to international recycling buyers in Korea and Taiwan, exploring local processing solutions for fiberglass and wood, and evaluating deep-water sinking for select vessels to create artificial reefs, subject to full regulatory approval. The administration was also briefed on potential coordination with the U.S. military for larger vessel removals, alongside critical coral mitigation plans to protect and restore marine habitats during potential extraction operations.
Governor Joseph and Lt. Governor Movick expressed strong support for the proactive consultation and reaffirmed Pohnpei’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental stewardship. The proposed phased approach will initially focus on assessing high-hazard, accessible vessels and engaging local vendors to determine logistics and timelines. This visit marks an encouraging first step toward establishing a collaborative, community-centered foundation to clear Pohnpei’s coastal waters and protect its natural resources for future generations.
KOA CONSULTING is A full-service Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) firm providing consulting services to public and private partners in the Mariana Islands and beyond.
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