Import Fish Database
Import Fish Data is collected primarily when people, and especially businesses, import fish from off-island for consumption. Wholesalers purchase fish from off-island and sell it to stores, markets, retailers and restaraunts here in Saipan. Some restaraunts and retailers also buy their fish directly from vendors off-island. Finally, some species of fish and fish products are only available by importing them from off-island. For example, the large prawns sold in restaraunts are often imported from off-island.
When shipments of fish or fish products arrive in the CNMI (usually at the airport), Division personnel enter information from the 'bill of lading' into the Import Fish Database. The information usually includes the type of fish, the number of cans or units of fish, and its corresponding wieght.
By tracking the amount of fish imported into the CNMI, the Division can determine how much fish is being consumed. When combined with the other two databases, this information can lead to a better assesment of how dependent we are on imported fish The information can also help fisheries managers determine if local fishing harvests (supply) are sustainable relative to the amount of fish being consumed on-island (demand).
Thus, having timely, accurate information on the amount and types of fish being imported into the CNMI is an important tool for the Division's fisheries managers.