The Hidden Fines Tourists Face For Taking Coral From Beaches In Guam

Guam’s beaches are stunning, with turquoise waters and coral scattered along the shore that seems perfect for a souvenir. Many visitors believe taking a piece of dead coral home is harmless, but Guam’s conservation laws tell a very different story.

The island takes marine protection seriously, and what seems like an innocent keepsake can land you in serious legal trouble. Understanding these hidden fines can save you from turning your dream vacation into a costly nightmare.

1. The Statutory Petty Misdemeanor Fine: Up To $500

Taking coral from Guam’s beaches isn’t just frowned upon, it’s a petty misdemeanor under local law. This means you’re not getting a simple parking ticket that you can pay and forget about.

The charge becomes part of your legal record, with fines reaching up to $500. Conservation officers patrol beaches and marine preserves regularly, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

What catches many visitors off guard is how seriously Guam treats this violation. Even a small piece of coral can trigger the full fine, and ignorance of the law won’t reduce your penalty or erase the consequences of your actions.

2. The 60-Day Jail Threat

Beyond the monetary fine, taking coral carries a potential jail sentence of up to 60 days. While most first-time offenders won’t see the inside of a cell, the threat remains very real for repeat violators or those caught with large quantities.

Judges have discretion in sentencing, and showing disrespect for Guam’s environmental laws can influence their decision. The possibility of imprisonment serves as a powerful deterrent, especially for tourists who never imagined a souvenir could lead to incarceration.

Even if jail time seems unlikely, facing this possibility during your vacation creates stress and complications nobody wants to experience.

3. The “No Exceptions” Rule: Dead Coral Is Still Illegal

Here’s where many tourists get caught: Guam’s law makes no distinction between living and dead coral. The common belief that bleached, weathered coral is fair game is completely wrong and can cost you dearly.

Marine preserve regulations explicitly prohibit taking coral in any condition, along with sand, shells, rocks, seagrass, and mangroves. Dead coral still plays an important role in the ecosystem, providing habitat and eventually breaking down to replenish beaches.

Officers won’t accept the excuse that you thought it was already dead. The law is crystal clear, and enforcement doesn’t bend for misunderstandings or good intentions from visitors.

4. Location-Specific Fines: The Marine Preserve Multiplier

Guam has five designated marine preserves where enforcement is particularly aggressive: Tumon Bay, Piti Bomb Holes, Sasa Bay, Achang Reef Flat, and Pati Point. These clearly marked “no-take” zones have heightened penalties and constant monitoring.

Conservation officers focus their patrols in these areas because they’re both ecologically sensitive and popular with tourists. Getting caught removing coral from a marine preserve can result in maximum fines and additional charges.

The signage is prominent, so claiming you didn’t know won’t help your case. These preserves represent Guam’s commitment to protecting its marine environment, and authorities prosecute violations aggressively to maintain that protection.

5. The Confiscation Ad Forfeiture Of Property

When you’re caught taking coral, officers won’t just write you a ticket and let you keep your illegal souvenir. They have the authority to confiscate any item used in committing the violation, which could include bags, containers, or diving equipment.

Forfeiture proceedings mean you likely won’t get those items back, regardless of their value. Expensive snorkeling gear or camera equipment used while collecting coral can be permanently seized.

This adds insult to injury, as you’re not only paying fines but also losing property. The law gives authorities broad powers to discourage violations, making the total cost much higher than the initial fine alone.

6. Seizure Of Associated Transport Or Vessel (Extreme Cases)

In cases involving significant quantities of coral or evidence of commercial harvesting, authorities can seize your vehicle or boat. This extreme measure typically applies when violations suggest intentional, large-scale collection rather than casual souvenir-taking.

Rental companies may hold you financially responsible if your rental car or boat gets impounded due to illegal activity. The process of recovering a seized vessel involves legal proceedings that can take weeks or months.

For tourists, this means extended stays, mounting legal costs, and complicated negotiations. While rare for small violations, the possibility exists and serves as a serious deterrent against thinking you can get away with larger-scale collection.

7. The Federal Customs And Border Protection Penalty

Guam is a U.S. territory, but transporting marine materials to the mainland triggers federal regulations. Customs and Border Protection officers can impose additional fines under laws like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Federal penalties are significantly steeper than local fines, potentially reaching thousands of dollars. Many tourists don’t realize that getting past local authorities doesn’t mean they’re in the clear when they try to fly home.

Airport security and customs agents actively screen for prohibited items. Getting caught with coral at this stage compounds your legal problems, adding federal charges to whatever local violations you’ve already committed during your stay.

8. The Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) Daily Fine

Guam’s Environmental Protection Agency can impose substantial daily fines for serious environmental violations, sometimes reaching $16,000 or more. While this typically doesn’t apply to tourists taking a single piece of coral, it demonstrates how seriously the government treats marine protection.

If your actions cause demonstrable environmental damage, like destroying living reef structures or removing large quantities, GEPA can get involved. These administrative penalties stack on top of criminal charges, creating enormous financial liability.

The agency’s enforcement powers send a clear message about Guam’s environmental priorities. Tourists should understand that environmental violations can escalate beyond simple misdemeanors into major legal and financial disasters.

9. The Criminal Record And Travel Impact

A petty misdemeanor conviction for taking coral creates a permanent criminal record. While this might seem minor, it can have lasting effects on your ability to travel internationally and obtain visas.

Many countries require disclosure of criminal convictions on visa applications, and even minor environmental crimes can result in denials. For non-U.S. citizens, a conviction in Guam could affect future entry to the United States.

Professional licensing boards and employers conducting background checks will also see this conviction. What seemed like an innocent souvenir can follow you for years, affecting opportunities you never anticipated when you picked up that piece of coral.

10. The Cost Of Legal Defense

Any citation for taking coral can lead to court appearances, and smart tourists hire attorneys to navigate Guam’s legal system. Legal fees quickly exceed the original fine, especially when you factor in attorney retainers and consultation costs.

As a non-resident, you may need to remain on the island for court dates or pay for your attorney to represent you in absentia. Travel costs for extended stays add up rapidly.

Court fees, administrative costs, and potential appeals create a cascade of expenses. What started as a free souvenir becomes a multi-thousand-dollar mistake, proving that respecting Guam’s coral protection laws is far cheaper than defending against violating them.