Guam Department of Agriculture Conservation Officers arrested two people last month for illegal fishing inside the Achang “Reef Flats” Marine Preserve Area, officials announced Tuesday. The arrests occurred Aug. 9 during shoreline enforcement patrols supported by Civilian Volunteer Conservation Officer Reservists.
Conservation Officers said they observed two individuals in the water near the reef margin with a ken boat and a makeshift Styrofoam end boat. Officers deployed a marine patrol vessel to conduct a compliance check and intercepted the pair and their vessel. Both were arrested for illegal fishing in a Marine Preserve Area.
Arrested were Nathan K.T. Lujan, 35, of Malesso’, and Georgianne M. Paulino, 28, of Inalåhan. Confiscated items included one ken boat, one Styrofoam end boat, six trochus shells and various fishing paraphernalia. Authorities cited local conservation laws that prohibit most forms of fishing within the Achang Reef Flat Marine Preserve except for methods specifically allowed by law or regulation.
Officials said patrols are part of ongoing efforts to protect fish habitats and conserve Guam’s natural resources for future generations. Residents are encouraged to report threats to Guam’s natural resources by emailing conservation@doag.guam.gov
or calling 864-TOKA (8652).