Survey: Fishing tournaments help stimulate local economy

A recent survey conducted by Tasi to Table showed that the 2019 Saipan International Fishing Tournament and both 2020 and 2021 Wahoo in the Marianas fishing tournaments served as economic drivers in the CNMI economy.

The survey claims that the Saipan International Fishing Tournament in 2019, where off-island participants from Guam and CNMI anglers competed in the two-day event, circulated approximately $150,000 in the economy—car rentals, hotel accommodations, fuel, food and drinks, entertainment, and more.

A similar ripple effect was also observed in the 2nd Annual Wahoo in the Marianas last March 6, the survey states, circulating just over $35,000 in the single-day tournament.

Factors of economic activity include the bulk cost going to fuel purchases for vessels. Food, drinks, and ice also added to the total funds circulated. Fishing equipment servicing, lures, lines, swivels, hooks, sleeves, skirts, etc. directly added to the overall cost spent by each angler. The survey adds that events within the lagoon or offshore fishing account for a good amount of business activity for the Commonwealth.

Mobil and Shell fuel stations pumped out approximately 2,800 gallons of fuel in total, according to the survey—not all of them purchased in one day as most vessels would already have some fuel in their tanks, but possibly over the course of several days to a week. According to TTT’s calculations, fuel alone translated to an expense totaling approximately over $12,000 for the one-day tournament.

“WIM 2021 was a great success and it gave back to the community as an economic driver, while also instilling great values with the students who led the tournament. Organizational skills, leadership skills, Marketing & PR and, most importantly, the effort made to work with one another in unity. Will there be a 3rd Annual WIM in 2022? You can be sure that the students, [advisers] and TTT, alongside its sponsors, Mobil Oil Marianas and IT&E, will have it once again!” said TTT spokesman and vice president Wayne Pangelinan.

Students from Marianas High School, Da’ok Academy, Saipan Southern High School, and Kagman High School wish to extend their appreciation to all companies that responded to their solicitation requests. These include Bank of Saipan, Robert T. Torres Law Firm, Pacific Trading Co., Roil Soil Clothing, 4EVER CNMI, Pacific Engineering Group & Services, GR Construction, Fishing Tackle and Sporting Goods, Mercury Marine, Coral Reef Marine Center, Advance Marine Saipan, MARPAC Distributors, Chongs Corp., McDonald’s Saipan Corp., EFC Services Group, and JC Development.