Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
keep up with the demand and, therefore, reef fish imports from Belau and Micronesia are increasing
(Hensley and Sherwood 1993).
CNMI—Currently, very little information exists on the reef fisheries of CNMI making it difficult to assess
the total harvest of present-day coral reef fisheries due to deficiencies in fisheries statistics. There is little
information available for inshore subsistence and recreational catches of coral reef resources, but the
harvest is assumed to be substantial, especially in the more accessible areas like Saipan Lagoon
(WPRFMC 2001). The coral reef fisheries in CNMI are mostly limited to nearshore areas, especially off
the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. Finfish and invertebrates are the primary targets of the coral reef
fishery, however, small quantities of seaweed are also taken (WPRFMC 2001). Recent data for
commercial landings shows harvests of 130,000 to 175,000 lbs/year of reef fish and 2,000 to 3,000
lbs/year of spiny lobster (WPRFMC 2001). In 1994, estimated annual coastal fishery production on CNMI
was 5.9 million pounds, of which, 5.65 million pounds was from the subsistence fishery and 282,000
pounds was from the commercial fishery (Preston 1997). Shallow-water bottomfish species such as
snappers, emperors, and groupers, might also make up an unknown proportion of the coral reef fishery
on CNMI (Green 1997).
4.3.5 Ports
Apra Harbor, located on the western side of Guam’s central section, is the largest and busiest port in
Micronesia. Additionally, Apra Harbor has the only deep lagoon (60 m) in the CNMI (Paulay 2003a). Its
unique habitats host many species not found elsewhere in the archipelago. Apra Harbor contains welldeveloped
reefs and boasts some of the highest coral cover on Guam (Paulay 2003a). For all practical
purposes, this is the commercial hub of the island. It is a natural harbor, protected only by Orote
Peninsula on the south and Cabras Island on the north.
4.3.6 Fishing Areas
Popular fishing sites commonly visited by recreational anglers are known as hot spots. Hot spots usually
involve some structural features, such as shoals, rocks, and reefs (artificial and natural). Areas with
greater vertical profiles, as found near bank ledges and canyons, help fishes regulate their temperatures
by allowing them to quickly reach deep or shallow bottom habitats as needed, while maintaining close
proximity to bottom habitat. Natural and man-made features that extend over the water or out into water
are generally well-fished sites, such as piers, docks, rock and concrete jetties, and beach groins.
Hydrographic features also concentrate fish and subsequently, anglers. Anglers often target currents and
waters rich with nutrients. Potential fishing hot spots occur on all of the islands in the study area.
However, there is a lack of adequate data to specify these locations. Recreational fishing hot spots will be
most prevalent on the western side of all the study area islands.
4.3.7 Tournaments
There are few organized fishing tournaments in or around the study area. Government, organizations and
companies usually sponsor a few small tournaments. Each tournament has its own set of rules, which
include time limits and geographical boundaries. The sites fished by anglers within the tournament zones
are still dependent on several factors, including the species targeted, tournament rules, or weather.
Among the different tournaments, the level of participation varies between individual events, seasons,
and years. Although most tournaments are annual events, the list of scheduled tournaments varies.
Existing tournaments may be cancelled due to a lack of participation or support or new tournaments may
be organized. The exact dates and weigh-in locations of annual tournaments will vary slightly year to
year.
Currently, Guam has three annual fishing tournaments: the Guam Marianas International Fishing Derby
sponsored by the Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association (Calvo personal communication; NMFS
2003c); the Marianas Spearfishing Open (Calvo personal communication); and the Kid’s Catch and
Release Derby sponsored by the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, Department of Agriculture,
Government of Guam, and the Anderson Air Force Base (DAWR 2005; Calvo personal communication).
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