Organizers of this weekend's Rota Cliff Fishing Derby are looking to strengthen eco-tourism on the island with an environmental-friendly Code of Conduct for all competitors.
The derby, held several years throughout the 1990s, returns to Rota with a small field of rod and reel contenders.
“Respect other fishermen's rights and belongings. Respect the environment and never litter and pollute. Remove all fishing lines and other fishing gear from the area when finished. Never discard unwanted fishing lines, nets, and other gear into the fishing area. Support our conversation efforts and promote a responsible way of fishing,” the code reads.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three winners in the categories of Biggest Fish, Total Weight, and Most Variety. In addition to the code, sharks, turtles, stingrays, eels, shellfish, and octopus will not qualify as part of the catch.
The derby is sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority, 13th Rota Municipal Council, Rota Mayor's Office, Rota Legislative Delegation, and Pacific Development, Inc. Organizers hope the event will help revive international interest in cliff fishing on the tropical island.
Registration is $25 and the fishing sites will be As Matmos, Malilok, and Pona Point. Derby check-in will be at 4:30pm on July 30 at Guata Beach Park, followed by orientation at 5pm and the start of the derby at 5:30pm. The derby will end 12 noon on the final day. An awards luncheon will also be held.
Weigh-ins will be at each fishing site in the morning and evening of July 31 and on the morning of Aug. 1. Reserving spots before the derby begins will not be allowed.
For complete rules or to register, contact Martin Duenas of MVA at 664-3200 or mduenas@mymarianas.com or Sandra Atalig of MVA-Rota at 532-0327 or satalig@mymarianas.com. (PR)
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