APASEEM presentation: Let’s talk fish

How much fish harvesting is “too much”? Can a fishery be “under harvested”? The Commonwealth’s fishery resources are publicly shared property. By definition, what exactly is a “fishery”? How do we, as individuals-how does our government-decide what species to catch/spear, how much, and when? What size of fish is “too small to shoot”; what length makes it a “thrower-backer”? Alternatively, since studies show large, mature fish reproduce many, many more offspring, is there such a thing as a “maximum fish size”? Did our government (both CNMI and federal) establish a fundamental difference regarding how we manage our “offshore species”-caught by boats with hooks and lines, as compared to our “within-reef species”-caught by throw nets and spear guns? Is that former difference going away, and why?

The Asia-Pacific Academy of Sciences, Science Education, and Environmental Management, the CNMI’s science-focused nonprofit organization, will host a public presentation this Thursday evening by three visiting scientists prepared to address these questions. Date is March 1, location at the American Memorial Park Auditorium, scheduled from 6pm to 8pm. Space is limited and interested members of the public are encouraged to arrive early for good seating.

As background, three months ago APASEEM hosted a series of talks; one of which-the very last on the academy agenda-particularly generated a lot of discussion and questions. This concerned the current comprehensive monitoring of nearshore reef fish take; by species, quantity, and size measuring-and questions regarding the relatively newly introduced principle of “ACL’s” for within-reef species.

Under its mandate to “sustainably manage” our fisheries, regional authorities have developed new “annual catch limits,” or ACL’s for fishes caught within our nearshore waters, not just for those caught far out at sea. These limits are especially tailored for each Pacific island jurisdiction. Island groups throughout the Pacific Basin are presently being challenged by these new “standards and rules.” The participation and understanding of each area’s populace is critical to the region’s effort toward fishing sustainability.

Generally speaking, it is difficult to discuss any type of environmental management regulation without having a certain advocacy point of view, pro- or against. Since 2004, APASEEM has strived to be advocacy-neutral and to encourage the application of best-sciences toward the development of sound resource management decisions. APASEEM encourages visiting scientists, resource managers, and other persons conducting research within our island group to share their topics and findings with the public. The Academy recognizes the ongoing support of the US National Park Service in this regard. For more information on Thursday evening’s talk, contact Academy cice president Michael Trianni at 285-0014 or via email at mtrianni@ymail.com. (APASEEM)