Fishermen and the public in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are being offered the chance to have their say on the idea of banning the commercial fishing of marlin in the United States Pacific Islands.
The opportunity is being given at the Marlin on the Menu forum being held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on Wednesday as part of the 145th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.
The council's vice chairman Manny Duenas, from Guam, says recreational fishermen are concerned commercial fishing has left them with less fish to catch.
He says the forum will provide a platform for commercial and recreational fishermen and the public to voice their opinions.
"I believe there'll be concern from both sides of the isle. There'll be concern from different groups, environmental groups especially regarding the taking of marlin. And there'll be concern from the consumer group as to the continued taking of marlin."
Manny Duenas says the recommendations resulting from the public forum will be presented to the council to be reviewed.
