Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the duties of the Council shall include the following:
COL 2025-06-04
(a) to prepare and coordinate the implementation of the indigenous fishing rights pursuant to Public Law 29-127; (b) to coordinate and promote activities in connection with the conservation and development of Guam’s ocean, fisheries, and marine resources; (c) to develop and establish permit requirements and a schedule of fees in connection therewith, relative to the conduct of fishing vessel operations and the harvesting of fish and other marine life in the waters of Guam; (d) to oversee the expenditure and management of funds in the Guam Ocean and Fisheries Conservation and Development Fund established pursuant to § 63911 of this Article; (e) to provide advice and information to I Maga’hågan/Maga’låhen Guåhan and to I Liheslaturan Guåhan, including the legislative committee on natural resources, on matters pertaining, but not limited to, the use and harvesting of freshwater and marine resources and their management; (f) to review and provide advice on the impact of laws affecting the sustainable use of the marine and freshwater resources; (g) to develop programs to enhance and promote the sustainable use of Guam’s marine and freshwater resources; (h) to provide guidance and assist the Department of Agriculture in the expenditure of funds derived from marine activities, or federal grants, and other ocean, fisheries, and marine-related funding; (i) to provide guidance to and assist the Department of Agriculture in the administration of Article 1 (Game and Fish) of this Chapter, and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, with the exception of provisions, rules and regulations relative to non-aquatic animal life. The Council is authorized to provide guidance to and assist the Department of Agriculture under Article 1 of this Chapter, as may be provided for through cooperative agreements or other arrangements memorialized in writing and agreed to by the Council and the Director of Agriculture; (j) to coordinate and promote the sustainable use of Guam’s oceans, fisheries, marine and freshwater resources within various communities on Guam; and (k) to provide a report to I Maga’hågan/Maga’låhen Guåhan and to I Liheslaturan Guåhan within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year summarizing the activities and accomplishments of the Council over the past fiscal year.