Flores, who just attended the Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Workshop in Hawaii, said fish auction is very feasible on Saipan.
There are lots of fishermen on Saipan and the government is always willing to improve their livelihood, he said.
With former Speaker Arnold I. Palacios at the helm of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and Richard Seman as aquatic education specialist at the Division of Fish & Wildlife, the project is possible, the mayor said.
“I am looking forward to working together so this project will become a reality,” he added.
In Honolulu, he said fishermen meet in one place during the weekend to auction their catch.
Flores said the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, of which Seman is a member, can help Saipan implement the project.
“This agency has so much grants and all we have to do is tap them,” he added.
At the workshop in Hawaii, which was conducted by the council, Flores said they discussed the preservation and management of natural resources, human uses and the impact on people and culture.
“It opens up your mind, what you like to have and what you think must be done,” he said, referring to the workshop discussions.
He said they also talked about problems and issues regarding the lagoon on Saipan, including possible solutions to runoff pollution, sewer sedimentation and the impact of marine sports and recreational boats.
“Our goal is to have pristine natural resources, a sustainable fish population and more attractions for tourists,” Flores said.
The workshop, he added, was attended by marine experts and other government officials from various Pacific islands.
He said the programs presented at the workshop are helpful but without the collaboration of various government agencies and the private sector they will not be effective.
“This can’t be done by one person. We must put together all agencies concerned and come up a plan that can be implemented,” he said.
