This positive change came along with the establishment of the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s fisheries research facility, which DFW described as a landmark development in the CNMI’s marine conservation efforts that aim to scientifically monitor the fish populations surrounding the islands.
DFW fisheries research section supervisor Mike Trianni said fisheries staff have been working on a report documenting the effectiveness of the existing regulations on the use of nets to catch fish in the CNMI.
The assessment work centered on the southern part of the Saipan Lagoon, where a 2004 survey documented fish sizes and abundance immediately following the implementation of the rules restricting net use
In comparing the results of the 2004 and 2007 surveys, Trianni said they noticed a positive change in the population of some species of fish in the lagoon.
“It’s improving,” he added.
Trianni said the positive changes can be attributed in part to the rules that prohibit the use of drag net, surround net and gill net.
The only types of net that the regulations allow are the talaya or cast net, and the scoop or landing net.
But fishermen can get a license and pay a fee to fish with talaya.
Trianni said the new fisheries research facility has been a tremendous asset to the Depart ment of Lands and Natural Resources and DFW in conducting research and collecting data that will be used in resource management decisions.
Trianni said the establishment of the facility was planned as early as 10 years ago, and was completed late last year.
The fisheries and boating access staff began moving into the facility last January.
Aside from laboratories, the facility stores fisheries section boats and buoys, as well as materials related to the division’s boating access program.
Funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the fisheries research program aims to achieve fisheries management and conservation goals to ensure resource sustainability for present and future generations.
The fisheries research program obtains an annual grant under the Dingle-Johnson Sports Fishing Restoration Act.
