86 



Statement of 



Jesus C. Borja, Lieutenant Governor, 



Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 



on 



Protection of Indigenous Fishing Rights 



in 



The Northern Mariana Islands 



On behalf of the Governor and the people of the Commonwealth 

 of the Northern Mariana Islands, I am honored to present this 

 statement to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The Commit- 

 tee is considering the role of indigenous Pacific islanders, in- 

 cluding those of the Northern Mariana Islands, in the conserva- 

 tion, management and development of western Pacific fisheries. 

 Our government appreciates the opportunity to address this impor- 

 tant topic, for it is one that has troubled us since the very 

 beginning of our Commonwealth. 



- 1 - 



