RMI EPA General Manager Moriana Phillip warned would-be polluters of Majuro lagoon that EPA is focused on monitoring and enforcement of fines for polluters.
In a social media post that included photos of EPA staff checking fishing-related vessels anchored in the lagoon and the lagoon generally, Phillip underlined the point that “EPA maintains presence in the lagoon.”
“The lagoon provides our food and supports livelihoods,” she said. “We must deter pollution generating from illegally discharged oil and garbage from vessels. While the industry is very important to RMI economically, there is no industry if the marine environment collapses. There must be a balance.”
She pointed out that the RMI EPA has a whistleblower program that allows for public participation in monitoring.
Thirty percent of any fines from that are paid from an enforcement action is given to the member of public that reported the crime, Phillip said. Anyone seeing people or vessels disposing oil, disposing sewage, disposing garbage illegally in the water is encouraged to inform the EPA.
Phillip’s message to polluters: If you are caught, YOU will be FINED!”