How much fish can be sustainably caught in the Marianas?

Reprinted from Congressman Kilili's e-Newsletter, Friday, March 17, 2011:

How much fish can be sustainably caught in the Marianas? WESPAC will set limits - The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is preparing to amend its fisher ecosystem plans for the Mariana Archipelago. The plans establish a method for specifying annual catch limits with the goal of preventing overfishing. In the same way that irresponsible government spending saddles our children and grandchildren with debt, fishing beyond sustainable levels steals from future generations. The area WESPAC manages includes all waters and associated near shore marine resources within the exclusive economic zone surrounding the Mariana Islands. The management plan contains conservation and management measures for harvesting bottomfish and seamount groundfish; snapper, atulai and other coral reef ecosystem species; crustaceans such as lobsters; and precious corals. Public comments are due by May 16, 2011. For more information see http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-6151.pdf.