University of Guam Sea Grant recently provided a mobile phone line to the Guam Department of Agriculture’s conservation officers in an effort to curb illegal and harmful activity to Guam’s natural resources. If anyone sees a potential violation, such as illegal hunting, fishing, or forest fires, they can call (671) 864-8652 (TOKA) to report it.

In its first weekend, the hotline has received several calls, including one to report an abandoned gill-net that has since been removed and another to report a migratory bird that has since been released.

Conservation officers have the important task of enforcing laws meant to protect the island’s flora and fauna. With the TOKA hotline, members of the community can be the extra eyes and ears to help the officers prevent or mitigate illegal activity.

“It takes a community to protect our fish and wildlife,” said Department of Agriculture Director Chelsa Muna-Brecht. “We encourage everyone to help our conservation officers by giving them a call if you see any suspicious or threatening acts to the other forms of life we are charged with protecting.”

The initiative aligns with UOG Sea Grant’s primary goals to use research, education, and outreach to address issues that compromise local ecosystems.

“We’re happy to assist the hardworking conservation officers at the Department of Agriculture, who are at the forefront of stopping violations to our fish and wildlife,” said UOG Sea Grant Director Austin J. Shelton. “We hope this new resource will form a proactive watchdog partnership between the officers and the community and lead to healthier coastal ecosystems for our people to enjoy.”