Community members and fishers across the Mariana Islands will have an opportunity this month to weigh in on federal fishing regulations during a series of public meetings hosted by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.
The meetings, scheduled for mid-March in the CNMI and Guam, are part of the council’s regulatory review project aimed at identifying confusing or unnecessary rules in federal waters and exploring ways to better align them with local regulations.
The council is partnering with Lynker and The Parnin Group to host the sessions, which will gather feedback from local fishers and residents on how federal policies affect their fishing practices and livelihoods.
Organizers say the goal is to create a more coordinated and practical fisheries management system while continuing to protect marine resources for future generations.
Community members are encouraged to share their experiences, cultural knowledge and concerns about federal regulations that govern fishing in waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The first meeting will take place March 13 in Saipan from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan.
Additional meetings will follow on Guam:
March 16 in Dededo at the Dededo Village Community Center
March 17 in Sinajaña at the Sinajaña Village Community Center
March 18 in Malesso at the Malesso Village Senior Center
All meetings will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and organizers say everyone is welcome to attend.
Officials say feedback from the meetings will help guide efforts to simplify regulations while maintaining sustainable fisheries and protecting marine ecosystems throughout the region.
