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V.I. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE | |||
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Monique Clendinen Watson (202) 226-7973 | |||
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| (Washington, DC, October 22, 2004)—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen has written a letter to the Chairman of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council opposing the group’s plans to close fisheries in federal waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands for 15 to 30 years. The plan would ban the harvesting of Nassau and Goliath grouper and queen conch. “I question the wisdom in closing the fisheries around the U.S. Virgin Islands because of the impact that it will have on fishermen who depend upon the use of these areas for their livelihood,” Delegate Christensen said. Christensen cited the position of local biologists that there is no reason for “draconian measures” such as the one being proposed. Christensen pointed out that with the closings already taking place due to the establishment of the National Monuments, the Virgin Islands Marine Park and the British Virgin Islands waters, there will be few if any areas around the Virgin Islands left to fish. Christensen urged the council to utilize their authority to explore alternatives other than complete closures to maintain healthy fisheries. “I urge you to choose an alternative that will lessen the impact on my already beleaguered constituents so that they can continue to make a living,” the Delegate concluded. | |||
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