THE present “economic realities” in the CNMI have prompted Rep. Denita Kaipat Yangetmai to introduce House Bill 23-5 which proposes to allow gillnet fishing in the Saipan lagoon for non-commercial, personal or immediate family use.
The bill, which Yangetmai will introduce in the House session on Friday, would authorize the Department of Lands and Natural Resources to promulgate enforceable rules and regulations to provide for the safe and sustainable practice of gillnet fishing.
If the bill becomes law, the use of gillnets, locally known as “tekking,” will be legal in the waters inside the Saipan lagoon, but strictly for non-commercial use only.
The measure would allow DLNR to create a northern zone from Paupau Beach in San Roque to the part of the lagoon facing Cabrera Commercial Center in Garapan where fishing with gillnets will be permitted in odd-numbered months of a calendar year.
DLNR would also create a southern zone that may cover the area from the portion of the lagoon facing Cabrera Commercial Center all the way south to Pakpak Beach Park in San Antonio where fishing with gillnets will be permitted in even-numbered months of a calendar year.
“Due to the social and economic realities in the Commonwealth, it is important to find ways to supplement family subsistence living,” the bill stated.
“Historically, people in the Commonwealth have relied on traditional fishing methods as a source of food to support and sustain their families. However, fishing methods must be controlled to ensure a balance of the marine environment and the resources in our coastal waters.”
At the same time, enforcement measures “must be practical to allow for clarity and proper supervision. If done correctly, traditional fishing methods such as gillnet can be safe and sustainable.”
Denita K. Yangetmai
