Western Fisheries Council discusses funding and fishing quota for CNMI

The Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the Commonwealth's participation in the Western Fisheries Council and its implications for local fisheries management.

During the meeting, legislators sought clarity on the status of revenues generated from the Commonwealth's involvement in the council, which is designed to create fishery management policies. It was confirmed that the Commonwealth is an active member of this council, which includes neighboring islands in the region. The council operates under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which provides a framework for sustainable fisheries management.

A significant point of discussion was the Commonwealth's quota for fish, which was noted to be between 2,000 to 3,000 tons. However, it was revealed that the ability to sell this quota ended in 2023, prompting officials to explore alternative avenues for generating revenue from fisheries. The governor has tasked representatives with engaging federal partners to seek new opportunities for the Commonwealth's fisheries industry.

Legislators also discussed the potential for foreign fishing vessels to operate in Commonwealth waters, contingent upon interest and appropriate agreements. The process for allowing foreign fishing would require a formal communication from the governor to the U.S. State Department, as outlined by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Commonwealth's ongoing commitment to managing its fisheries resources effectively while seeking new funding sources to address budgetary challenges. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration with federal partners and the need for strategic planning to enhance the local fisheries sector.