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Lawmakers pass bill for natural resources regulation for Rota
Members of the Rota Legislative Delegation unanimously passed Senate local bills 19-61 and 19-06 aiming to introduce regulations for Rota’s natural resources.
Both bills were passed on first and final reading.
SLB 19-61 seeks to establish fishing licenses for Rota, particularly fishing for commercial purposes.
According to Sen. Steve Mesngon (R-Rota), who introduced the bill, there is now a huge number of fishermen on Rota, which prompted him to file the bill.
He said this necessitate licensing regulations, not just to protect Rota marine resources but also to generate income.
Mesngon clarified that by “commercial fishing,” the bill details certain quantities of fish catch that will be regulated. He said the Department of Lands and Natural Resources is being eyed as the authority for the licensing.
Mesngon is also the author of SLB 19-06, which seeks to regulate the harvesting of trees, plants, fruits, nuts, and other natural resources on public land on Rota.
He said there have been rampant cases of individuals illegally harvesting these resources and selling them in the local market.
The Rota lawmakers also adopted House Local Bill 19-13, which among other things, allocates funds for the Rota Casino Commission.
The amount was not specified, but will be sourced from a local budget allocation of $20,000, as proposed in HLB 19-13.
According to Senate President Victor B. Hocog (Ind-Rota), the funding will assist the Rota gaming commission now that business activity is picking up on Rota.
He did not give specifics but said several investors have expressed interest in Rota’s gaming industry.
