NORMA replaces MFAPALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 10, 2002 - The leading maritime authority in the Federated States of Micronesia has changed its name from Micronesian Fisheries Authority (MFA), to the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA). The Authority's history began under the banner of Micronesia Maritime Authority to guarantee the sustainable use, management and development of the nation's most valuable renewable resource, its marine resources. The Authority's establishment on January 1 1979, coincided with the recognition and establishment of the nation's Extended Fishery Zone, now re-named the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Micronesia Maritime Authority (MMA) in October of 2000, changed its name to Micronesian Fisheries Authority (MFA) to distinguish areas of its management. On March 08 2002, MFA was officially changed to the NORMA to describe the encompassing areas of management under the Authority. The areas of the Authority's management are stated under Title 24 of the Code of the FSM, with duties to include the following:
The Authority is headed by the Executive Director Bernard Thoulag with Eugene Pangelinan service as Deputy Director. |