Data Collection and Tournaments Must Continue

from Spring 2021 Pacific Island Fishery News

by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

Forage Fish in the Western Pacific

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has continued to host fishing tournaments in 2021, while being respectful of local COVID-19 restrictions. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council staff and contractor collaborated with event organizers, taking these opportunities to recruit people to use Catchit Logit, the Council’s e-reporting app. As of May 2021, Catchit Logit has registered 120 fishers and seven vendors, logging 3,760 pounds from bottomfishing, 20,742 pounds from trolling and 182 pounds from spearfishing.

2021 17th Mahi Mahi Derby

On April 10, 2021, the Saipan Fishermen’s Association held its 17th Annual Mahi Mahi Derby. The event was well attended with 59 vessels with 223 fishers entering this year’s tournament. Prizes included $2,000 cash for 1st place, $1,500 for 2nd place, $1000 for 3rd place and consolation prizes for 4th and 5th places. The CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) Fishery Data Section was among the tournaments many sponsors, collecting information to later use for fishery management.

The Saipan Fishermen’s Association one of the longest running fishing organizations in the Mariana Islands. Established in 1985, it has continually promoted sports fishing events, including wahoo derbies and the longest running fishing tournament, the Saipan International Fishing Tournament, coming up on its 37th year on July 10–11, 2021.