loud no to gill nets!

Hi folks, it’s me again, CoCo. And have I got an interesting story for you! Last week we talked about overfishing, and the dangers that it poses to our coral reefs and our welfare. Well, I’m not sure everyone was paying attention to that article, because I just found out that the legislature is considering a bill which would revoke the gill net ban. Just to refresh your memory, in 2003 then DLNR Secretary Tom Pangelinan declared a moratorium on the use of gill nets anywhere in CNMI’s waters. Before that, gill nets were allowed, if fishermen had a permit. However, data collected by scientists at the Division of Fish and Wildlife showed that quantities and sizes of fish were declining, and reef fish imports had been increasing. Not only that, but the conservation officers noticed that more and larger gill nets were being used. DFW decided that they had to take action to protect our valuable fish species. But what action to take?

In other regions, a commonly-used method of regulating fish catches is to impose size restrictions on various species of fish. Usually only fish over a minimum size are allowed to be caught, but occasionally a maximum size limit is mandated in order to reduce fishing pressure on large adults that produce proportionally more offspring than their smaller relatives. However, size limits are very difficult to manage and enforce, especially considering the high diversity of reef fish species here in the CNMI. So, DFW decided instead to regulate the fishing method. Gill nets were an obvious choice. Unlike hook and line or free-dive spear fishing, gill netting is indiscriminate (non-selective). All species of fish are entangled in gill nets, regardless of whether or not they are actually desired by the fishermen. Not only that, the nets are also very destructive to the habitat. They get caught on corals, and can damage the delicate reef ecosystem.

After the gill net ban was imposed, DFW heard many anecdotal reports of larger and more diverse fish being found in the lagoon. However, in order to truly evaluate the effectiveness of their management strategy, DFW scientists need time to carry out long term studies of the fish populations. If House Bill 14-274 passes, they will not get that chance.

Proper fisheries management is extremely important in order for us to be able to enjoy our bountiful seas for generations to come. We must give this ban the chance to work, and DFW scientists the chance to prove that it has. If you are concerned, discuss the matter with your representative. In the meantime, enjoy your fishing, but stay away from those gill nets. Not only are they bad for the environment, but the fine for violating the ban is $1,000! That’s a pretty expensive load of fish!

CoCoA