In an interview, he said the CNMI can harvest four marine species for export — the skip jack tuna, the big-eyed scad and two varieties of shrimp.
Dela Cruz said Gov. Benigno Fitial has already instructed DLNR to start working on proposals for large-scale fishing activities in the CNMI.
“The governor has been very supportive of the farmers and fishermen and receptive to their needs,” Dela Cruz said.
An investor is already inquiring about long line fishing in the CNMI, he said.
Last year, the Northern Marianas Fisheries Inc., expressed interest in a commercial fisheries project on Rota and Saipan.
The firm which also plans to work closely with the local fishermen’s cooperative, will bring two federally approved fishing vessels to the CNMI.
The local marine conservation plan recently approved by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will pave the way for the development of a CNMI fishing industry, which will include the Northern Islands’ remote fishing station project, Dela Cruz said.
This project involves the installation of a solar-powered storage system on Alamagan and Agrigan for the fish that will be harvested in the waters surrounding these islands.
This project will allow residents of the Northern Islands to continue using their traditional fishing techniques, preserve their catch and bring it to Saipan.
The project will likewise provide local fishermen logistical support to promote and enhance subsistence and commercial fishing.
The construction of infrastructure for docking facilities and transportation is required by this project.
Dela Cruz said DLNR, with the help of Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, is now working on the formulation of a comprehensive CNMI Fisheries Act.
