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AMC wants shark control, harvesting in NMI
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Posted on Apr 15 2005
The 3rd CNMI Association of Municipal Councils Inc. has adopted a resolution urging Commonwealth officials to create an economic task force that will collect scientific data and control the harvesting of sharks within the territorial ocean waters of the CNMI.
The resolution, authored by association’s Floor Leader Tom Glenn A. Quitugua, was addressed to Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Senate President Joaquin G. Adriano and the House of Representatives.
It stated that there are substantial number of sharks within the territorial ocean water of the CNMI that could be tapped as additional revenue.
“Shark meat and fins are very popular, delicious and expensive food products in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and other areas. The CNMI could be used as the processing and transshipment stations for countries in need of shark meats and fins,” part of the resolution reads.
While the shark revenue generating project is viable in the CNMI, the association said it feels that a joint study should be undertaken between Conservation officers, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the appropriate agencies of the federal government to ensure the data collected are properly analyzed to guide the CNMI economic task force on sharks to enhance stability and viability.
“The control and harvest of sharks in the territorial ocean water of the CNMI is not only revenue generating project but also reduce the danger of sharks to the users of the CNMI’s ocean water,” they said.
The resolution was certified by association president Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice president Jude U. Hofschneider and attested by secretary Mametto M. Ayuyu. (PR)
