Rota official seeks changes to marine protection bill

Department of Lands and Natural Resources Rota Resident Head Bill Hocog is seeking changes to a proposed measure restricting fishing activities in the CNMI, citing enforcement measures proposed in the legislation may be difficult to administer.

Attesting to the bill’s good intentions, Mr. Hocog, however, said objectives addressed in HB 12-249 can be handled through the promulgation of rules and regulations at the department level.

“This way, it will be easier in the future to make adjustments. My biggest concern is to enforce the proposal. Fish identification by species determining boundaries are two of the most difficult obstacles to overcome,” said Mr. Hocog.

Referring to certain provisions as an “enforcement nightmare,” the official said the department would need to employ stricter enforcement and additional manpower in order to make the mandate work.

“Some species are difficult to differentiate at a glance, are likely to be speared and identified later. This will result in failure of our objectives since those fish will still be taken and either become discarded, taken for personal use or sold in black market. The burden of proof is on the government to show that it is being sold. Under current regulations, stores are not required to log who sells fish, thus making enforcement difficult,” he said.

Mr. Hocog pointed out the difficulty of setting the 1,000 feet measurement as cited under the act. He recommends a form of enforcement where the department would not be required to inspect the fishermen or market to determine illegal fishing activities.

“Observation instead of visual inspection enforcement is easier for the environment officers and to get the public to help,” he added.

HB 12-249 or 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.

According to Mr. Hocog, the piece of legislation is a significant leap towards preserving CNMI’s marine resources for the future.

“I am a strong advocate of ensuring that fishing will still take place with a reasonable chance of catching the fish traditionally harvested and that we not turn innocent people into criminals,” he said.

But the Rota-based official raised concerns a provision defining “commercial fishing” in the act is bound to limit large-scale vessels from engaging in fishing activities.

“The definition could also limit some pelagic fisheries, which may be necessary. It also creates a loophole for vessels to exploit those resources we are trying to protect by fishing with less than 3 crew,” he explained. (MM)