DAWR calls dead atulai along southern shoreline a ‘Localized Incident’

A release from the Department of Agriculture's Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources or DAWR addressed a viral video which showed a "large number of dead atulai or mackerel along Guam's southern shoreline calling it a "localized incident."

The release issued on Sept. 30 said the incident appears to not be a natural occurrence of fish strandings previously witnessed during period of "extreme low tides and environmental conditional associated with El Niño."

DAWR stressed that not all fish strandings have the same cause noting extreme low tides, elevated water temperatures and reduced oxygen conditions can cause fish to become stressed, suffocate and eventually wash ashore. DAWR reported such an instance occurring in late July on its Facebook page.

"The recent atulai incident appears to be different. The mortality involved a large concentration of one schooling species, in a localized area, and the circumstances are more consistent with a fishing-related mortality event," DAWR said.

DAWR said it is possible the deceased school of fish was part of a fisherman's catch.

"One possible explanation is that atulai were harvested and remained in fishing gear (such as nets) or otherwise in the fisher's possession for an extended period. Fish that subsequently become unsuitable for sale or consumption may be discarded," DAWR said.

According to DAWR when this occurs and fish are discarded in one location it could look like a natural fish mortality event.

"DAWR has not identified an individual responsible for this incident and is not making an allegation against a specific fisher. Rather, this incident provides an opportunity to educate the public about the different causes of fish mortality and responsible fishing practices," DAWR said.

The video recording provided to GNN by DAWR shows atulai scattered along the shore of Nimitz Beach in Hagat.

DAWR said that understanding what caused the event matters.

"A localized event involving primarily one schooling species can have a different explanation from a broader environmental event affecting multiple species. For this reason, DAWR encourages the public to report unusual concentrations of dead fish rather than assuming every fish stranding has the same cause," DAWR said.

DAWR advised the community to not eat dead fish found on the beach as it may not be safe for consumption.

"If you did not catch the fish yourself and it is already dead on the shoreline, do not eat it," DAWR said. "DAWR encourages everyone who fishes in Guam to follow applicable fishing regulations, properly handle their catch, and never intentionally discard dead fish along the shoreline."

If dead fish are found on shore take a photo or video, note the location, date and approximate time and report the event to DAWR by emailing fisheries@doag.guam.gov or call 671-735-0286.

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