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COMMONWEALTH OF 



THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS 



Statement of Jesus C. Borja 



June 1, 1995 



Our draft amendments specifically allow the collection of 

 such revenues for the right to fish in the waters of the Pacific 

 insular areas. 



Regional and international management 



The predominant commercial species in the exclusive economic 

 zone surrounding the Pacific insular areas are tunas, swordfish 

 and other highly migratory species. Under Article 64 of the 

 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and section 102 

 of the Magnuson Act, these species are to be conserved and man- 

 aged through regional and international efforts. 



Other small Pacific island governments have energetically 

 and successfully involved themselves in these regional efforts, 

 notably through the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency. Be- 

 cause foreign affairs authority resides with the Federal Govern- 

 ment, it has been difficult for the Pacific insular areas to be- 

 come involved in regional management efforts . Yet the conser- 

 vation and management of these highly migratory species are not, 

 for the most part, diplomatic functions. Rather, they are mainly 

 commercial and environmental activities. Pacific insular areas 

 should be allowed to participate in these regional efforts. 



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