States / Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Population
Total Employment
Climate and Weather Disasters
(Affecting CNMI 2010 to 2018)*
CNMI employs 24,000 people annually and contributes $922 million in gross domestic product.
Of all of the sectors of CNMI’s ocean economy, tourism and recreation is by far the leading employer, accounting for about 90 percent of ocean economy employment and between 40 and 50 percent of total employment.
Four weather disasters affected CNMI in 2018—and a total of five affected the territory between 2010 and 2018.
The total annual economic value provided by CNMI’s coral reefs and seagrass is $114.8 million. **
Sources:
ENOW Pacific Final Report (NOAA Report)
*Disaster Declarations for States and Counties (FEMA Website)
**Value of Ecosystem Services from Coral Reef and Seagrass Habitats in CNMI (Eastern Research Group Report)
(All economic and demographic facts represent the latest data available [2015] and are regularly updated as new data become available)
The Takeaway: Community pride and the centuries-old practices of Native Pacific Islanders inform several NOAA-supported projects to protect this region’s natural treasures.
Learn MoreThe Takeaway: Much credit for the impressive haul goes to the commonwealth’s coastal zone management program and the volunteers, who followed strict health and safety protocols.
Learn More