HONOLULU — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources invites the public to participate in continuing information meetings to discuss possible regulations for certain marine fish species. The public discussion will center on using minimum size rules to protect
HONOLULU — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources invites the public to participate in continuing information meetings to discuss possible regulations for certain marine fish species.
The public discussion will center on using minimum size rules to protect marine life that may be at risk of being over harvested, a news release states. The meetings will focus on at least three main fish families that the DLNR feels may be in need of updated regulations: parrotfish (uhu), goatfish (weke), and jacks (ulua/papio).
The Division of Aquatic Resources would also like to discuss other methods to manage fisheries, including the use of daily bag limits. The division has not yet drafted any rule changes.
A public meeting will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m., June 26, at the Kaua‘i Community College, Electronics Technology building, Room 114.
Recreational and subsistence fishers have developed a preference for the parrotfish family (uhu), with many spearfishers considering them prized catches.
Commercial harvesting supplies uhu to various markets throughout the state. Recent changes in uhu commercial harvesting using specialized and highly effective net- and trap-based fisheries operating in deeper water can remove large amounts of uhu. These trends have resulted in increased concern over uhu stocks.
Of particular concern is the role of these fish in helping to maintain healthy coral reefs. Parrotfish are the largest grazing fishes on Hawai‘i’s reefs, and play a critical role in controlling seaweed growth and helping to maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems.
Scientific information from commercial fisheries and fish survey data for goatfishes (moano kali and weke nono) shows a decline in catch rate over time that correlates with an observed decrease in goatfish abundance.
Ulua/papio is another very important species group caught by recreational fishers.
The Division of Aquatic Resources plans to hold similar meetings on other islands.
For more information contact DAR offices at: Maui (808) 243-5294; Hilo (808) 974-6201, Kona (808) 327-6226, Kaua‘i (808) 274-3344; Honolulu (808) 587-0100; Moloka‘i/Lana‘i (808) 553-3778.
