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nomic Zone (EEZ) of a non-self governing territory. Thus, the issue of fisheries pol- 

 icy cannot be separated from resource rights. 



As you are aware, Guam's EEZ has been established for over 14 years under Pub- 

 lic Law 15-114. The utilization of the near and off-shore areas of our ocean re- 

 sources predates the Magna Carta and even contact with Europeans. A compilation 

 of fishing practices was done in a 1989 report entitled, "Native Fishing Rights and 

 Limited Entry on Guam" (which is submitted under separate cover), where it is esti- 

 mated that the prehistoric human settlement of Guam occurred 2,500 years ago. 



Moreover, international convention clearly establishes the principles whicn pro- 

 scribe the exploitation of resources of colonial peoples by colonial administrations. 

 And, if we are to honestly address the issues which are being discussed today, we 

 must recognize that these are not technical matters but political issues. These is- 

 sues involve culture rights and the resources of indigenous people who are under 

 the administering power of the United States. The resolution of what we believe to 

 be a misstated, and exploitative, U.S. claim to our resources require the U.S. gov- 

 ernment to genuinely readdress its current position. 



One issue that should also be addressed in support of indigenous fishing rights 

 in the territories is the recent signing by the U.S. of the United Nations Convention 

 on the Law of the sea, and its implications on the provisions of the Magnuson Act. 

 With respect to territories that are not self-governing, the UNCLOS declares in 

 Final Act, Annex I, Resolution III,l(a) that, "In the case of a territory whose people 

 have not attained full independence or other self-governing status recognized by the 

 United Nations, or a territory under colonial domination, the provisions concerning 

 rights or interests under the Convention shall be implemented for the benefit of the 

 territory with a view to promoting their well-being and development". In order to 

 bring U.S. fisheries policies contained within the MFCMA in line with the U.S. must 

 ensure that its domestic fisheries policies are not in conflict with any international 

 agreements. 



As an island micro-state, every resource is needed in order for Guam's people to 

 survive. The MFCMA affects the island's greatest natural potential for economic self 

 sufficiency — its marine resources. And it is the people of Guam who are best suited 

 to, and vested with the inherent right to implement necessary policies which will 

 promote the best interests of the well-being and development of the people of Guam. 



Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. 



