by Jolene Toves

Guam - Bill 11 reeled in support for its intent of preserving the island's coral reef and marine ecosystems from people like Simon Sanchez High School teacher Melanie Blas, who said, "I am in full support of Bill 11 because any law that can be brought into place to help regulate and try to protect our environment and our resources for our future and for our children and grandchildren is a good idea."

But the legislation didn't net support from island fishermen who questioned Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz's true intentions. Tom Camacho said, "Senator, here we are once again with another flawed bill targeting our local fishermen disguised as the Guam Coral Marine and Protection Act."

Camacho, president of the Guam Organization of Saltwater Anglers, referred to a public hearing that was held in May 2011 on another bill aimed at preserving the island's coral reef. Camacho referred to testimony provided by the UOG Marine Lab's Dr. Laurie Reymondo and her response to a question from then-senator Sam Mabini, who asked what was the greatest impact on the demise of coral reefs.

"Her answer was sedimentation chemical storm run off and pollution your staff was there," recalled Camacho. "If you wan to regulate fishing, just come out and say it, and not behind the terms of Coral Reef Protection Act or the Guam Coral Marine Life Protection Act. Show your true colors or bette4r yet come out of the closet."

According to Bill 11, it provides civil penalties for those who damage the coral reef through aggravating circumstances such as recklessly operating, anchoring or mooring a vessel. But the measure also prohibits spear fishing with a scuba tank and sets restrictions and fines for angling and netting at Agana Boat Basin.

Former Department of Agriculture director Joseph Torres testified that when he showed his grandson the bill he called it stealth legislation. He said, "Let's just keep this coral protection bill; don't fringe or infringe on my livelihood my quality of life and say I cannot fish anymore. My grandson look forward to weekends they read the tide signs and they ask me to fishing; they want to know their culture, they want to experience those things."

Both Department of Agriculture director Tita Taitague as well as Bureau of Statistics and Plans director Lorilee Crisostomo agreed with the intent of the bill but added the measure needs modification and more communication from stakeholders, specifically from the island's fishermen.

Senator Rory Respicio, who chaired today's public hearing, agreed more discussion was needed and indicated a possible roundtable meeting would be held in the future.