DLNR Secretary Ignacio Dela Cruz, in an interview yesterday, said the department has yet to submit its written comment regarding the proposed Recreational Fishing License Fee Act, but added that they do not support it.
House Bill 16-98 was offered by Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb, R-Saipan.
According to the bill, the increase in the CNMI’s population and the subsequent increase in the number of people fishing “provide an opportunity to assist in conservation efforts” of the islands’ natural resources.
Tebuteb wants recreational fishers to pay a $10 annual license fee. Exempted are those under 16 years old.
The collected fees will be deposited into the Fish & Game Conservation Fund.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea at this time when everybody is suffering from economic distress,” Dela Cruz said. “Our people need to supplement their subsistence by fishing and we need to help them.”
He said it would be hard to identify recreational fishers.
“If they find fishing enjoyable and as a form of recreation I don’t think we should force them to pay a fee,” he added. “How about those who are unemployed and want to catch for their family’s consumption — are we going to add to their burden?”
Tebuteb invited DLNR and the Division of Fish and Wildlife officials to a meeting next week of the House Committee on Natural Resources, which he chairs.
He said the panel will also discuss House Bill 16-20 which proposes to authorize the licensing of drag and surround nets for a limited period of time every year.
Offered by Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, H.B. 16-20 will help subsistence fishermen and local families.
The limitation on the use of drag and surround nets will prevent the depletion of the fish in the Saipan lagoon.
Quitugua wants DFW to issue licenses for the use of these materials from June 1 to Sept. 30 every year for subsistence purposes only.
According to the bill, “The fish caught with a drag or surround net shall be limited to a total of 50 pounds monthly and the catch shall be reported to DFW.”
