Sparse turnout highlights CNMI fisheries outreach challenges

A federal effort to reduce red tape in adjacent federal waters in the CNMI drew only a handful of fishermen last March 13, underscoring the very participation gap regulators say they are trying to address.

The public meeting, held at the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council office in Garapan, was intended to gather feedback on streamlining federal fishing regulations. But only a few attendees identified as active fishermen, raising concerns about whether current outreach methods are reaching those most affected.

Presenter Brett Weidoff acknowledged the challenge and emphasized the need for broader engagement. “They need to hear from you, so this is an opportunity, and we want to gather as many voices as we can,” he said, noting that input can still be submitted after the meeting and that additional outreach rounds are planned through 2026.

Fishermen and stakeholders said confusion over overlapping rules remains a major barrier. John Gurley, of Micronesian Environment, pointed to inconsistent terminology, saying, “The regulatory confusion is a problem here… I have seen essential fish habitat used in a non-federal way, and it has the same confusion as critical habitat.”

Council member Anthony Guerrero, speaking from experience, said the lack of outreach has contributed to both misunderstanding and hesitation among fishermen.

“There was just not enough education out there, not enough outreach to these guys to really explain what the whole process was about,” he said, adding that many fishermen remain unclear about permitting and reporting requirements. “Half these guys I know don’t even have the permits… and none of these guys report.”

Participants repeatedly stressed that the issue is not just regulation—but access and trust.

Department of Lands and Natural Resources fisheries official Michael Tenorio said the meeting itself reflected the problem. “By looking at this, I think you’re getting good feedback, but you’re getting limited feedback,” he said, urging agencies to rethink engagement strategies.

Fisherman Jordan Suel suggested a more direct, community-based approach, saying regulators should not rely solely on centralized meetings.

“The village here has a community center… I think it’s best to go out to them instead of requiring them to come to you and talk to you. Maybe go to them and listen to them. Not everybody has the means to make it to these meetings.”

He added that trust remains a key barrier, “Management and regulations intimidate the fishermen here… I think it’s all about trust.”

Meanwhile, Gene Weaver, a longtime fishing advocate, pointed to existing community events as missed opportunities for engagement.

“We have about 10 derbies a year… you could probably throw a couple questions in each derby on a survey, and at the end of the year you collect them all and you have your answers. And it’s coming from the fishermen themselves.”

He emphasized that fishing derbies naturally gather the target audience.

“That’s the best place to capture a lot of this information… by the end of the year, you got all your input from all your fishermen.”

Trust emerged as a recurring concern, with some fishermen wary that sharing information could lead to tighter restrictions. Weidoff acknowledged that sentiment, noting it is a nationwide issue.

“One fisherman showed up, and we know there’s actually 50 people that are fishing. So one voice is not enough,” he said, stressing the need for broader participation to avoid decisions being made with limited input.

The project, which runs through December 2026, aims to identify gaps and overlaps in federal fisheries regulations and recommend ways to simplify compliance, including potentially aligning federal and local permitting systems.