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6 boats take part in Tinian bottom-fish derby
A total of 32 fish species with a combined weight of 466.27 lbs were measured and weighed during the 2014 San Jose Fiesta Bottom-fish Derby last May 2 on Tinian. (Contributed Photo)
Tinian hosted the 2014 San Jose Fiesta Bottom-fish Derby last May 2 with a total of six boats and their respective captains and crew taking the plunge.
Through efforts of the Department of Land and Natural Resources-Tinian, Tinian Mayor’s Office, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife, a total of 32 fish species with a combined weight of 466.27 lbs were measured and weighed.
One of the most unique fish landed at this year’s event was a deepwater goatfish tentatively identified as a Redspot Goatfish (Parupeneus heptacanthus). This rarely seen goatfish, caught at depths of 100-350 meters, has never been recorded by DFW since their exhaustive species checklist of fish from the CNMI was started in the early 1990s.
In addition to the various fish caught and gratifying derby experience, the finding of this rare fish species only amplifies the success of the event. Therefore, the organizers have decided to make this an annual event.
Although a variety of fish were caught, only those that weighed 1 lb or more were taken into consideration when placing.
As for the category winners, the Marlin Chaser topped the Most Variety with 14, followed by the KatieAnn and Alex with 10 varieties of fish apiece.
In the Biggest Fish category, Isa took the plum after catching a 39.05-pounder. Tako and St. Christopher came in second and third with fish that weighed 23.66 lbs and 14.72 lbs, respectively.
St. Christopher (80.08 lbs), Marlin Chaser (65.16 lbs), and Tako (47.92 lbs) took first, second, and third in the Total Weight category.
The Tinian’s Fishermen’s Association and Tinian Mayor’s Office organized the 12-hour event that was held at the Tinian Marina from 6am to 6pm.
For more information, contact DFW aquatic education specialist Emma Itibus at 664-6006 or email emma.itibus@gmail.com or resident department head for Tinian DLNR, Richard Farrell, at 433-1400 or email tiniandlnr@gmail.com. (PR)
