Number: 1986-09
WHEREAS, Mona Island, off the east coast of Puerto Rico, is a complex of tropical terrestrial and marine ecosystems unique under the U.S. flag; and
WHEREAS, particularly valuable on Mona are the fringing reefs and the beaches, which provide the largest known nesting area for endangered hawksbill turtles in the entire Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, in February, 1985 a 300-foot passenger ship the A. Regina ran aground on a reef on the east coast of Mona and has since been a continuous source of sediment and pollution endangering the reef and the other natural resources dependent on the reef and the adjacent beach; and
WHEREAS, local authorities have so far been unsuccessful in having the ship removed; and
WHEREAS, continued deterioration of the ship threatens to release additional pollutants and to greatly complicate its removal;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1986, in Seattle, Washington, recognizes the urgent need to promptly remove the A. Regina from Mona Island and therefore requests appropriate federal authorities to assist the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with the necessary legal, physical and financial resources to meet this problem.