Bill could penalize for damage to reef

By Brett Kelman

A new bill could create a legal avenue for penalizing boaters who damage coral reefs by running aground, dropping anchor or spilling chemicals.

It could also allow the government of Guam to claim millions of dollars in damages if the military moves ahead with a dredging plan.

Yesterday, Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz introduced Bill 483, or the Guam Coral Reef Protection Act.

If passed, the bill would allow the government of Guam to fine boaters who damage local reefs. The money would be used to fund government projects that restore or benefit the reefs. Federal laws collect similar fees, but that money doesn't go to GovGuam, Cruz said.

According to the bill, civil penalties can be levied if someone anchors a boat on a reef, or for "any other damage to a coral reef."

That would include dredging, Cruz said.

The Navy plans to build an aircraft carrier wharf in Apra Harbor. Both current possible wharf locations require about 70 acres of sea floor to be dredged.

When asked if fines could apply to this dredging, Cruz said Bill 483 would protect the reef from everyone, be it a single boater who is reckless with his anchor or the Navy.

"If I am going to want to protect the coral reef, then I need to protect the coral reef from everyone who is damaging it," Cruz said. "If that means commercial fishermen and everyone else, than I have to go the whole nine yards. I can't just pick on the military."

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