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Guam's Marine Preserves
transcribed from a brochure by the Guam Department of Agriculture's Aquatic & Wildlife Resources
Figure 1: Guam's Marine Preserves
The names of the preserves are illustrated with bold letters.
The side boundaries of the preserves will be marked with reflective signs mounted on anchored post. (See Figure 2 - Range markers)
The seaward boundaries of the preserves extend to the 600 foot contour and the inland boundaries of the preserves extend in 10 meters from the mean high tide mark or the nearest edge of a public right-of-way, whichever comes first. (Does not include the Sasa Bay Preserve - see figure 6.
What are marine preserves?
Marine preserves are areas in which certain activities such as fishing are restricted to protect coral reef habitats and aquatic animals such as fish. Preserves help restore reef fish stocks. On May 16, 1997, Public Law 24-21 was implemented creating 5 marine preserves and making changes to Guam's fishing regulations. The names of the preserves are the Pati Point Preserve, the Tumon Bay Preserve, the Piti Bomb Hole Preserve, the Sasa Bay Preserve, and the Achang Reef Flat Preserve.
Where are the preserves located?
The locations and boundaries of the preserves are illustrated on maps located in this brochure. (below)
What is prohibited in a preserve?
Within a marine preserve, the taking of aquatic animals is restricted. Unless specifically authorized, all types of fishing, shell collecting, the use of gaffs, and the removal of sand and rocks are prohibited in a preserve.
What is allowed in a preserve?
Limited inshore fishing is allowed within the Pati Point Preserve and Tumon Bay Preserve. Within the Pati Point Preserve, hook and line from shore is allowed for all species of fish. Within the Tumon Bay Preserve, hook and line from shore, cast net from shore, and cast net along the reef margin are allowed, but only for certain species of fish. Rabbitfish (Sesjun, manahak), juvenile goatfish (Ti'ao), juvenile jacks (I'e') and the convict tank (Kichu) are the only species that can be caught with hook and line from shore and cast net from shore within the Tumon Bay Preserve. Rabbitfish and convict tangs are the only species that can be caught with a cast net along the reef margin within the Tumon Bay Preserve.
Limited offshore fishing is also allowed in all the preserves. Bottom fishing is allowed only in the Tumon Bay Preserve but from the 100 foot contour seaward. Trolling is allowed in all the preserved from the reef margin seaward but only for pelagic fish which includes all billfishes, mahi mahi, bonita, kawa kawa, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, rainbow runner, or any other tuna or migratory ocean going fish.
Are the preserves being enforced?
Yes, beginning on January 1, 2001, all offenders violating the marine preserve regulations could be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned up to 90 days. Implementation of the preserves had been delayed due to legal conflicts, which have been corrected. The Department of Agriculture is educating the public about the new fishing regulations. Informational signs and boundary markers have been installed at the preserves.
Who do we call for more information or if someone is violating the regulations?
Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Contact the Department of Agriculture's Aquatic and Wildlife Resources at 735-3955/56 or Law Enforcement Section at 735-3989/734-3930
Monday-Friday after 5:00 P.M. and weekends. Contact the Guam Police Department at 472-8911. Ask for the TOC unit.
