DEQ seeks changes to marine protection bill

The Division of Environmental Quality has pressed changes to a bill restricting fishing activities in the CNMI to suit conditions of marine resources here, noting the proposal is patterned after that of Palau which has a different situation.

While expressing support for the measure, DEQ Executive Director Ike V. Cabrera underscored the need to put in place other legislation in order to fully protect coral reefs in the Commonwealth.

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

“We feel that proper enforcement of this bill will result in better marine management and increase reef fish populations, and thus, overall reef health,” said Mr. Cabrera in his letter to Rep. Dino M. Jones, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.

The committee in currently reviewing the proposal before voting by the House. The bill calls for strict regulations, such as exportation, on several local fish species, 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.

According to Mr. Cabrera, this measure will help increase fish stocks that will lead to growth of algae that is important to the development of coral reefs.

“Fish population [is] one major component of this complex food web. Healthy reefs are important for CNMI’s tourism industry and for future generations subsistence, so it is good to see this bill before the Legislature,” he said.

To further improve the bill, the DEQ chief recommended review of the list of fish species that will be protected as he noted some of them do not exist in CNMI’s waters.

Since it is patterned after a similar proposal in Palau, geographical differences between the two Pacific islands were not considered when the Commonwealth mapped out its own legislation.

“DEQ could assist in a scientific review of the bill if desired along with DFW and CRM,” explained Mr. Cabrera. “This would help design the bill specifically for the CNMI.”

The Coastal Resources Management has backed HB 12-249, while the Division of Fish and Wildlife has yet to make its recommendations to the House committee.

Both the CNMI and Palau also differ significantly in population and total reef area because the Commonwealth has about double the population of the neighboring island with about half the reef area, said Mr. Cabrera.

“Subsistence fishing pressure alone from a larger population on a smaller reef area, without any export, may be more than what CNMI’s reefs can naturally handle. This information can only be assessed over time as fishing catch per unit efforts are analyzed and trends established by DFW,” he said.

“The concern here is that while HB 12-249 is a step in the right direction, other legislative measures may be required to maintain the reefs that CNMI is proud to have,” added the DEQ chief.