A MAN was caught fishing on Forbidden Island late Tuesday night, according to the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.
Conservation officers from the Division of Fish and Wildlife apprehended Amando Dela Torre Osorio at around 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Osorio was allegedly fishing at the Tank Beach area, which is part of the Forbidden Island sanctuary.
According to Marianne Teregeyo, DLNR special assistant for correspondence, Osorio is the first individual caught for alleged violation of Public Law 12-46 which was enacted in April 2001.
Recovered from Osorio were 40 lbs. of fish, lobsters, crabs and an octopus.
“Mr. Osorio faces the maximum penalty of $500 and/or up to one year of imprisonment, depending on the facts of the case presented at an administrative hearing,” said Teregeyo.
An administrative hearing set for next week will be held to establish facts surrounding the case, and to reach an agreeable and fair term of penalty, she said.
Teregeyo said the case will be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for criminal prosecution should the suspect prefer not to attend the administrative hearing.
P.L. 12-46 designates Bird and Forbidden Islands as sanctuaries for marine and wildlife species.
“They are protected areas where absolutely no fishing of any type is allowed,” said Teregeyo.
The Forbidden Island sanctuary begins from the cliff line of Laulau Bay Golf Course, Chikeru to Tank Beach. This sanctuary extends 1,000 ft. from the low tide line seaward.
The Bird Island sanctuary starts at Lichan Point, extends north and includes the Grotto, Bird Island Bay and Bird Island lookout.
