By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Uraali Refaluwasch Association wants U.S. territories in the Pacific to receive a fair and meaningful share of the economic benefits from the reopening of the marine monument to commercial fishing.
In his April 17, 2025 proclamation, President Donald Trump removed the Obama-era prohibition on commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Pacific marine monument.
URA Senior Advisor Melvin L.O. Faisao, in a letter to Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council Chairman Nathan Ilaoa, said he appreciates the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic fisheries, support seafood production, and expand economic opportunities throughout the Pacific.
At the same time, he said he believes “there is an important discussion that deserves continued attention: ensuring that Pacific communities and U.S. territories receive a fair and meaningful share of the economic benefits generated from these fisheries.”
Faisao noted that the president’s proclamation does not specifically address how the economic value derived from those resources will benefit the island communities most closely connected to them.
“For many of us in the CNMI, the question is not simply who may fish these waters, but how local residents, businesses, and future generations will participate in and benefit from the economic activity occurring in our region,” he said.
He urged WESPAC to explore opportunities that promote meaningful local participation and benefit-sharing from the reopening of the Pacific marine monument to commercial fishing. He said such opportunities may include workforce development and training programs, fisheries infrastructure investments, support for local fishing enterprises, community-based conservation initiatives, scientific partnerships, and continued consultation with Indigenous and island communities.
“The people of the CNMI have always viewed the ocean as more than an economic resource. It is part of our identity, culture, heritage, and responsibility as stewards of the Pacific. Any discussion regarding expanded commercial fishing opportunities should therefore include consideration of how the resulting benefits can strengthen the communities that have long-standing cultural and historical ties to these waters,” Faisao said.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
