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News blackout on Bird Island bust?
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Posted on Sep 30 2005
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources remains mum on the Bird Island bust since Wednesday, continuing to withhold details about the incident.
A draft press release had not been released until yesterday. Last Wednesday, DLNR Secretary Richard Seman’s office said the secretary would have to approve the press statement first before it could be released.
The Saipan Tribune followed up on the media statement on Thursday, but was told that the secretary was in Guam. This reporter called Seman’s office yesterday to follow up on the media statement, but was told that the secretary was unavailable to take the call. The DLNR sent no press release to the Saipan Tribune as requested.
Based on unconfirmed reports, a ranking government official has intervened in the case. The official, whose name is being withheld, is seeking re-election in the upcoming November polls.
Conservation officers from the Division of Fish and Wildlife caught seven persons who were allegedly illegally fishing within the Bird Island sanctuary for a local fish company earlier this week.
The fishermen reportedly harvested a huge quantity of fish—possibly more than 100 pounds—from the sanctuary, where law prohibits the taking of marine life. Public Law 14-26 declared the Bird and Forbidden islands as sanctuaries. (John Ravelo)
