Dela Cruz, in an interview, said he saw how Palau is able to effectively implement conservation measures for threatened species while allowing limited human consumption.
If Palau can do it, “why not us?” he asked.
In many Asian countries, the green sea turtle and fruit bats are served as “exotic” dishes.
Both, according to Endangered Species Act, are threatened species and are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
The law states that it is unlawful for any person subject in any U.S. jurisdiction to violate any regulations pertaining to such species or any threatened species.
The federal endangered species law applies to the CNMI.
An environmentalist, who declined to be identified, said the CNMI does not have enough number of green sea turtles and fruit bats so she does not agree with the idea of allowing a seasonal catch for consumption.
“We don’t even have enough chicken to meet local demand,” she added.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife allows seasonal take for some species like the coconut crab and deer.
