by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Lawmakers were back in session today discussing several bills, including Bill 44, which would prohibit the possession, selling, offering, trade or distribution of shark fins and ray parts. The bill was met with opposition from organizations like the Guam Fishermen's Co-op during the bill's public hearing.

Today, however, the fishing community is now supporting the legislation. In a joint release from the Guam Fishermen's Co-Op, the Marianas Underwater Fishing Federation and the Guam Organization of Saltwater Anglers, the groups have been working with the Guam Legislature's Committee on Natural Resources chaired by Senator Rory Respicio.

President of the Guam Organization of Saltwater Anglers Tom Camacho told KUAM News, "We always will support the ban and the practice of shark finning. We do believe and I agree everyone agrees that it is an inhumane activity. It's very cruel and very bad practice especially for an animal who patrols the water and does nothing to you. To do that to an animal is just cruel." Camacho adds the issue is now tailored to the internal fisheries, some of which are known to take part in such practices around the world.