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Resident urges support for coconut‑crab population project as economic and cultural opportunity
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Summary
A resident described plans to increase coconut‑crab populations to boost local revenue and job opportunities, urging the delegation to support the initiative and avoid outside influence on indigenous practices.
Lawrence Fleming, speaking as a community advocate, asked members of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation to consider supporting a project to increase the local coconut‑crab population and to create local economic opportunities tied to harvesting and sales.
Fleming said he is not a scientist but described local knowledge and community commitment to conserve and grow the species. He argued the project could expand jobs and revenue, provide indigenous people with additional livelihoods, and reduce pressure on private properties and natural habitats used by the species.
Fleming asked for the delegation's support and said he and his group are prepared to dedicate time and resources to the project. His remarks were made during the public‑comment period; he did not present a specific appropriation request or project budget during the session.
