FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 30, 2019
Governor Leon Guerrero Signs Executive Order to Create Guam Aquacultural Task Force
Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero today signed Executive Order 2019-12, which
establishes the Guam Aquacultural Task Force. This task force will lead efforts for planning as
well as business development.
Guam currently imports an estimated 10 million dollars of seafood products annually.
“For decades I have been passionate about growing the aquaculture industry on Guam,
most especially during my tenure as a senator. As Governor, I am honored to join Lt.
Governor Josh in creating the task force to further develop and truly invest in this
industry. Our ancestors lived off the land and sea and I strongly believe that this is a
sustainable path for our community. My vision for our island is that we become a center for
aquaculture in the region. The interest is there, and so is the demand. We can provide food
security, generate revenue, and create local jobs. The time to act is now,” said Governor
Leon Guerrero.
The University of Guam has developed Pathogen-Free Shrimp at its bio-secure facility and is
poised, through a public-private partnership, to produce pathogen-free shrimp and other
aquaculture products for local consumption and export. UOG is currently working to secure
grant funding to develop a state plan for aquaculture. Financial support is also possible through
the Qualifying Certificate Program, which is administered by the Guam Economic Development
Authority.
The Guam Aquacultural Task Force will be co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture and the
Guam Economic Development Authority. Members will include representatives from the
University of Guam, the Guam Community College, the Guam Department of Education, and
other stakeholders and partners.
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For media inquiries, please contact Krystal Paco, Press Secretary, at 475-9314 or
krystal.paco@guam.gov.
PDF:
AQUACULTURE PRESS RELEASE EDITED
