The guam division of aquatic and wildlife resources will conduct fish surveys to assess effectiveness of management actions

The Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, received a $185,681 Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The grant funds fish stock assessment surveys designed to evaluate the effectiveness of marine preserve management actions in restoring declining fishery resources in Guam and to increase public awareness of conservation efforts.

The primary deliverables include conducting visual surveys and ongoing monitoring at historically fished sites and control sites to assess the impact of Guam's recent ban on scuba fishing and other assisted breathing methods on reef fish stocks. These surveys will generate empirical data demonstrating the effectiveness of marine preserves in fishery restoration, thereby supporting evidence-based management decisions and informing public outreach regarding marine resource conservation in Guam's coastal ecosystems.

Stock assessment surveys will be conducted to demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of marine preserves in restoring a dwindling fishery and heighten public awareness. These surveys could also monitor the effect of the recent BAN on fishing with scuba and other assisted breathing methods on reef fish stocks in guam. Sites that historically experienced fishing on scuba, as well as control sites, could be visually surveyed and monitored.