Introduced by Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, Senate Bill 17-53 legalizes the use of drag nets, surround nets and trap nets in the waters surrounding Tinian. It is now Public Law 17-57.
The House came up with a similar measure for Saipan earlier this year but the minority bloc opposed it because it would allow the use of a two-inch mesh size which “can destroy other forms of marine life in Saipan lagoon, particularly the coral reefs.”
Cruz’ bill, however, put the mesh size of fishing nets to three inches for Tinian.
Now that it’s a law, Cruz said his measure will “ensure that the rights of persons to engage in non-commercial net-fishing will be safeguarded, provided that such rights be restricted only for personal and family consumption.”
