Three panels composed of representatives from Guam and the CNMI will meet this weekend at the Fiesta Resort & Spa to discuss, among other things, various issues concerning the region’s eco-system.
Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Ignacio Dela Cruz said the three groups that will meet are the Marianas Archipelago advisory panel, the Marianas Archipelago planning team and the regional ecosystem advisory committee.
The CNMI representatives are Joaquin Villagomez, Agriculture Director Richard Seman, Pete Itibus, George Moses, Mike Fleming, John Gourley, Herman Tudela and Lino Olopai.
Those who are on the planning team are Mike Tenorio and Ray Roberto.
The regional ecosystem advisory committee is composed of Melvin Faisao, Frank Rabauliman and their counterparts from Guam.
The advisory panel, Dela Cruz, said will tackle emerging fishery issues and the Pacific Marine National Monument.
The plan team will talk about annual catch limits, bottom fish management, coral reef ecosystem management, marine education and training program and cooperative research.
The ecosystem advisory committee will discuss updates on the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, the community marine management forum, community consultations and federal fishery management actions.
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s CNMI coordinator, Jack Ogumoro, said all the discussions should be reflective of the concept of an archipelago-based approach in managing the islands’ ecosystem.
