The United States has transferred the ownership of submerged lands to the north of the Northern Marianas to the territory's government.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed to return the lands surrounding Uracas, Maug and Asuncion, in the northern islands, to the Northern Marianas.
The memorandum includes the transfer of mineral rights.
It also lays out the roles and responsibilities of the Northern Marianas and US federal agencies for the preservation and protection of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.