This was based on the regional fish data statistics from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated on Dec. 31, 2009.
The CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife estimated annual commercial landings reported a total of 555,698 pounds in 1984, including all species with a value of $689,001.
Second highest during the 28-year period was the total commercial fish landings in 1998 which posted a 552,909 pounds with a value of $777,454. The commercial landings for 2005 ranked third, with 550,824 pounds valued at $1,159,529. This is also the third in rank in terms of value for the whole 28-year period.
A slight dip was noted in 2006, with total commercial fish landings of 536,724 pounds with a value of $1,058,804.
The 523,136 pounds commercial landings for 1998 may be the fifth in volume, but it is the highest in value which totaled $1,263,867. Commercial landings for 1996 which totaled 517,879 pounds ranked sixth in terms of volume but it is the second in value, posting a total of $1,132,512. The commercial landings for 1986 ranked seventh in volume, with 509,028 pounds with a value of $686,201.
The commercial landings for all the other years during the 28-year period fell below the 500,000 pounds mark
Last year’s statistical report showed the CNMI’s $668,042 estimated commercial landing value for 313,581 pounds is the lowest compared to the value of commercial landings for Guam with $770,752, American Samoa with $10,624,905, and Hawaii with $71,168,311.
For a full report of the DFW Fisheries Data Program, visit http://www.dfw.gov.mp/Fisheries/Fisheries%20Data%20Program.html.
