From a ban on harvesting atuhong, minimum size limits and mandatory licensing, stricter rules and regulations on fishing are being proposed following concerns over the dwindling fish population in Guam’s reefs. 

The Guam Department of Agriculture and UOG Sea Grant are hosting three townhall meetings next week in the evening and want the community’s input. 

“Over the years, we hear comments from fishermen and other people that maybe there should be some changes in regulations to what's happening with fishing on Guam,” said Biologist Brent Tibbatts.

A ban on scuba fishing to protect vulnerable fish like the once abundant Atuhong, or bumphead parrotfish, went into effect five years ago.

“We do have anecdotal information, pictures and videos, of Atuhong sightings since that went into effect. They seem to have become more common,” said Tibbatts. 

But they still need more help.

“But the atuhong populations were so low, that even with restrictions on scuba spearing, it's  taking a long time for them to come back in any numbers,” said Tibbatts. 

Officials have also come up with a list of fish species that would limit the catch or commercial sale based on size. 

“Before you couldn’t take fish below a certain size of these species. Those species are up for review for the fishing community and we want to hear back. There’s also going to be another list of species that cannot be sold commercially. They can be harvested, but you just can’t sell them,” added Tibbatts. 

Another proposal would require a license for both subsistence and commercial fishermen. 

But Tibbatts emphasized the proposed regulations won't move forward without the community's input. 

The townhall meetings take place Monday at the Dededo Community Center, Tuesday at the Guam Museum and Wednesday at the Inalåhan Community Center, all at 5:30 p.m. 

“We don’t want to do anything without including the fishing community in the final decisions, because part of that process is giving people the chance to come in, look at what’s being proposed, hear our explanations of why they’re being considered and get the input from the public and fishing community about if it's a good idea, a bad idea or if there are alternate ideas they want to see instead,” said Tibbatts. 

Ultimately, the goal is to preserve fish now so there will be fish left for future generations.