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Plan for fisherman’s wharf firms up
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Posted on Mar 16 2005
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has finalized the lease agreement with a local company seeking to build a fisherman’s wharf at the Port of Saipan.
Marianas Fishing Inc. was given authorization to use three land parcels at the dock area, including a 5,700-sq.ft. berthing lot and the CPA Maintenance Shop lot. The company also received approval to use a third lot—a 2,300 sq.ft. mangrove area—subject to the approval of the Coastal Resources Management.
CPA plans to charge Marianas Fishing a berthing fee plus $5 per 100 lbs of fish processed at the area.
Marianas Fishing is planning to build a fisherman’s wharf at the Charlie Dock port of entry, with a mini fish market, ice plant, storage facilities, eatery, and a shopping facility.
The company previously received authorization from CPA to berth at least two fishing vessels at the CPA-2 port facility, also at Charlie Dock.
Earlier, Marianas Shipping president Prudencio A. Manglona Jr. said the lease would allow the company to start upgrading infrastructure at Charlie Dock by building new facilities and making necessary renovations to make existing ones compliant with safety and building codes.
The facility will serve as a storage area for fresh fish caught in nearby waters, prior to shipment to Japan and other international markets.
Manglona expressed hope that the wharf, once complete, will provide locals and visitors a venue to avail of fresh fish, as well as a new dining and entertainment center.
“Needless to say, tourists and residents have long yearned for a fisherman’s wharf that is somewhat akin to the one in San Francisco, California or [many places] in Asia,” Manglona said.
