The Northern Reefs is watched

The concern has prompted Ngarhcelong State Government and the traditional leaders of the state to keep strict watch – day patrols and night vigils – of Ebiil Conservation Area and all of the Northern Reefs within the jurisdiction of the state.According to Chief Iyechad Er a Butelbai Mathias Erbai, the chiefs’ traditional moratorium, the Ngarchelong “bul”, is still in effect; and “we have been going out each day since trochus season opened to make certain that the bul is adhered to.”In addition, Erbai said that rumors have been spread that poachers will attempt to harvest trochus in Ebiil Conservation Area; and the state government is closely monitoring the area to keep poachers out.Erbai further added anyone who violates the “bul” or enters into Ebiil Conservation Area without proper authorization will prosecuted to the full extent of applicable statutes and traditional limits.“Traditionally, there has always been people from other states could fish in Ngarchelong’s territorial waters; and mutual respect and courtesy were at the heart of any fishing trip,” Erbai said, “Nearly everyone was accorded permission to fish in Ngarchelong, provided he practiced and followed traditional conservation measures.”These days, Erbai added, it is no secret that there are those who see the reefs’ resources as money waiting to be cashed in; and they, like people who rob banks, will try almost anything to take the resources out of the reefs.“We are the guardians of the Northern Reefs,” he said, “we are protecting investments that our forefathers left for our great, great, great, grandchildren, and we will try all possible means to keep the Northern Reefs from indiscriminate exploitation.”The traditional chiefs and state employees have taken turns keeping watch – day and night – of the Northern Reefs and Ebiil Conservation Area.  Everyone is asked to keep our of designated conservation areas and to follow established statutes and traditional norms.“Anyone who has concerns about our effort,” Erbai stated, “should not hesitate to contact us or call the state office at 855-2967.  His or her concern is of value to our work.”