Initiatives
Two of the three Mariana Trench Marine National Monument units (the Mariana Trench and Volcanic Units) fall within the National Wildlife Refuge System as the Mariana Trench National Wildlife Refuge and Mariana Arc of Fire National Wildlife Refuge.
Mariana Trench Marine National Monument is managed as part of the Mariana Islands Refuges and Monument Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.
Other refuges in the Mariana Islands Refuges and Monument Complex include: the Mariana Trench National Wildlife Refuge, Guam National Wildlife Refuge, and the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. The Refuge Complex headquarters is located at Guam National Wildlife Refuge – Ritidian Unit, Spur Road, Route 3A, Yigo, Guam, 96912