The governor of the Northern Marianas Ralph Torres has reminded the US President Barack Obama the territory is yet to reap the rewards of a protected sea area within the CNMI seven years after it was established.
The Marianas Trench Marine National Monument was created in 2009 as part of former US president George W. Bush's ocean legacy.
Studies suggested the CNMI would gain about US$10 million per year in direct spending, approximately $5 million per year in tax revenue and nearly 400 jobs.
The issue has resurfaced following a proposal to expand Hawaii's Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Mr Torres has written to Mr Obama offering support for the expansion, but reminded him about yet to be fulfilled promises surrounding the region's own marine monument.