CRM wants fishing activities curbed

The Coastal Resources Management has urged lawmakers to pass legislation restricting fishing activities in CNMI waters in an effort to protect diminishing marine resources on the islands.

Peter J. Barlas, acting CRM director, said that while his office regulates use of marine resources, it does not have power or the technical expertise to perform such function.

He maintained “improper and unethical” fishing methods have impacted on the degradation of natural resources and the legislative proposal will help deter further damage.

HB 12-249, otherwise known as the Marine Protection Act of 2000, seeks to prohibit destructive fishing practices in the Commonwealth in order to preserve the livelihood of local fishermen.

The measure is consistent with the local Coral Reef Initiative program and other policies and regulations now being implemented by CRM, according to Mr. Barlas.

“I believe passage of the bill is an absolute necessity if we are to preserve our marine resources for future generations,” he said in a letter to Rep. Dino M. Jones, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.

The CRM chief likewise prodded the committee to consult the Division of Fish and Wildlife to clarify technical content of the bill. The legislative panel is currently deliberating the measure before endorsing it to the floor for voting.

The legislation has been prompted by efforts by the government to safeguard local resources amid economic development of the islands.

“For too long, commercial fishing has gone unregulated near our reefs. There has been no conscious effort to promote sustainability in reef fish management. As a result, tourism has suffered,” the bill stated.

According to the proposal, several local fish species will be placed under strict regulations, including exportation, while limiting methods in fishing or harvesting these marine resources.

If it becomes law, it will also impose penalties of up to one year in prison and fine of not more than $5,000 for any violation.

The government has banned use of cyanide in harvesting fish and other marine resources in its waters after Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio signed in January a landmark law declaring the practice a criminal offense.

Under Public Law 11-112, cyanide fishing carries jail sentence of up to three years, a fine of not less than $10,000 or both, for every violation. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is tasked to enforce the ban.

Mr. Tenorio had urged lawmakers to widen the ban to include other chemicals and methods used by fishermen in exploiting the island’s rich fish stock and other marine life.