JIC: Marine preserves remain closed, special permits only

May 17, 2020

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The Director of The Department of Agriculture, in accordance with Section 63123 of Title 5, Guam Code Annotated (GCA) is issuing a special permit to allow the harvest of juvenile rabbitfish (Manahak), juvenile fusiliers (Achemson), juvenile goatfish (Ti’ao), juvenile jacks (I’e), and scad mackerel (Atulai), within the Åchang Bay Preserve and Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve, for food security during this public health emergency declaration as well as for cultural educational purposes to ensure this traditional fishing practice continues for future generations.

The special permit will only be issued for Åchang Bay Marine Preserve and Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve.
The special permit is only for Manahak, Ti’ao, I’e, Atulai, and Achemson.
Only hook-and-line and talaya are allowed.
No other fish, seaweed, shellfish, or other marine life may be taken.

The harvest of these species is dependent on conditions specified below:

All social distancing measures must be followed. The purpose of focusing on the use of talåya and hook-and-line is to protect our community by limiting fishing to a single-person activity. Please keep a distance of six feet or more between yourself and anyone else.
Only the use of talåya nets (cast nets) or hook-and-line for the harvest of Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, and I’e is allowed from shore for a period from May 14, 2020 – May 31, 2020.
I’e and tiao harvested shall not be longer than 4-inches long.
Manahak shall not be longer than 3-inches long.
While fishing for Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, and I’e under this permit, entry into the water is only allowed to retrieve the talåya after casting the net.
The harvest of any marine species other than Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, I’e, and Atulai, in the preserve is prohibited.
Immediate removal and release of non-target species from the net is required.
The use of talåya (cast nets) or hook-and-line for Manahak, Achemson, Ti’ao, and I’e is limited to the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Hook-and-line from boat for Atulai has no time limit.
Net dimension of talåya nets (cast nets): small enough to prevent gilling of fish. The use of gill nets and other nets are prohibited.
The Piti and Merizo Mayors’ Offices will educate the public about these traditional fishing practices.
The use of motorized watercraft to transport gear is prohibited for harvest Achemson, and Manahak using talåya.
The Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Officers will fully enforce all laws and regulations in the preserve.
Fishermen may view the permit at the Piti and Merizo Mayors’ Offices or at the Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources (DAWR).