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In recent news, Guam has passed proposed a bill banning scuba spearfishing on the island. Needless to say, many locals are upset.
The argument is that scuba spearfishing is not sustainable and that this ban will allow the fish populations to replenish. Spearfishing with scuba gear allows fishermen to remain underwater longer and thus catch more fish than breath-hold spearfishing.
I’m not the biggest fan of spearfishing, and prefer not to dive with anybody who is spearfishing. Nevertheless, I find a bill like this a little surprising given the nature of island nations like Guam.
If you’re planning a trip to Guam in the future, keep an eye out in the future for whether or not you should leave your speargun at home.
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I'm David Harmon, PADI Divemaster and all-around scuba enthusiast. I started this site to share with you what I learn as I gain experience, see the world, and become a certified instructor.
July 15th, 2010 at 2:09 am
thank you for this update.. But I do not really get what is the difference of spearfishing from the normal way of fishing..
July 18th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Hafa adai from Guam,
Hmm, not sure where you got your information from, but Guam still allows spearfishing, and the forecast is that there will always be spearfishing on Guam.
However, the Guam legislature is considering a ban SCUBA spearfishing, because commercial interests here have used this technique to rapidly deplete local fish stocks. But so far, even SCUBA spearfishing is still legal.
So if youre coming to Guam, you can still bring your speargun!
Cheers,
Alex
July 18th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the clarification. I updated the article to reflect that the bill has only been PROPOSED, but not passed, as detailed in the article.
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May 15th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Very good site, thank you very much for your effort in writing the post.
May 15th, 2011 at 8:50 am
Very good blog, thank you very much for your effort in writing the post.
June 8th, 2011 at 9:54 am
They need to ban spearfishing with dive tanks…..keep in mind as a native of the island. many families rely on survival off fishing. Us Skin divers feel that tanks are more for harvesting. Some consider it CHEATING if you may say. as far as scuba divers feel about people spearfishing. You need to take into considerating that this is our island built on tradition and culture. Keep that in mind and remember just cause you dont like spearfishing it is part of our tradition here on guam minus the tanks. So for all you SKIN DIVERS…..DIVE SAFE……and keep our custom alive.
November 25th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Comments like this are what drive wedges in groups of spearfishermen around the world. Try freeshafting an 80lb carbo in 200ft and see how sporty you feel. It would be very easy for me to say how unsporty it would be, like to bait fish that never see divers with chum and flashers only to take a ten foot shot with a five band wood bazooka (with what I’ve seen little regard for shot placement) hooked to a rope and a bouy. Don’t generalize my prefered method and I’ll return the favor and support you. I’ve free dove for years (without leashes) so I’ve been on both sides of the fence. I’ll take deep water freeshafting and wrestling hand to fin any day. I’m sure in the end Hawaii will ban the evil bubble blowers with little opposition form anyone, esspecially freedivers. But remember the next year when they come after you, the ex-bubblers will remember the support that given or not gave…and believe me there is more of them then you..