Welcome to the official blog of the CNMI "Size Matters" Campaign, which aims to promote sustainable fishing by catching or eating fish only after they have reached their L50 size, or the size at which they begin to reproduce. This is one way we can work to ensure there will be enough fish for all of us tomorrow.

What is L50?

Technically, L50 is the length at which 50% of the females of a particular species have reached reproductive size; essentially meaning that once a fish has reached it's L50 size it most likely has had a chance to spawn (i.e. make babies).  As such, it would also be true to say that a fish caught below its L50 size would most likely not have had a chance to reproduce.  Only catching fish that have grow to L50 size is one way to help ensure more fish on our reefs

We are hoping that these tools will provide fishermen and fish consumers with an opportunity to become familiar with these sizes.

Below you can find larger copies of the tools.  Click on any of the photos to get a larger view.

You can pick up you own copy of the poster or the measurement guide at the offices of DEQ, CRM, DFW, NOAA, or at most of the local fishing stores.



The L50 Poster


The poster shows some of the most commonly caught reef fish in the CNMI painted to their L50 size, meaning that the full sized poster shows the actual size at which it is thought the fish reach sexual maturity.  By catching fish over this size, we can ensure that they have had a chance to reproduce and replenish the reef before they are caught.


 The L50 Brochure

The two sided, water proof brochure shows 22 of the most commonly caught reef fish in the CNMI along with their L50 size written underneath in inches.  The brochure also includes directions on how to measure your caught fish using the built in ruler, as well as demarcates CNMIs marine protected areas and details other relevant fishing laws in the NMI.
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