In his report to the organizers of the first Northern Islands Development Summit, Mayor Tobias DLC. Aldan said they will ask the council to provide hazard analysis critical control point training to local personnel.
The training, he said, will focus on proper seafood handling and processing as well as securing the assistance of the Bureau of Environmental Health for local food handling compliance and certification.
“These training and certifications will allow processed fish products to be exported and sold commercially on Saipan and other U.S. jurisdictions,” he added.
Aldan said his office will also secure the assistance of Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service in providing training on value-added techniques and productions which include fish drying, smoking, jerking and packaging.
In his project proposal, the mayor also envisioned the reestablishment of the Saipan Fishermen Market Association and other fish markets.
He said family members of the fishing community who are on Saipan will be able to receive fish products directly for their own subsistent needs.
In addition, he said visiting vessels to Pagan will be allowed to purchase directly from the fishing community.
He said the primary objective of the project is to initiate the development of a viable small scale economic opportunity for the island’s inhabitants through the utilization of its marine resources.
“It is my desire to start a fishing community on the island of Pagan by establishing fishing and processing operation of locally caught fresh fish,” he said.
Aldan said residents may also venture in agriculture on Pagan.
He said fruits, vegetables, betelnuts, coconut crabs, and cattle meat can be exported to Saipan.
“The project will also enhance the standard of living for the island’s residents as well as their self-sufficiency and sustainability of their settlements,” he said.
