PUHI — Does size matter? Absolutely, according to Don Heacock, marine biologist for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Aquatics Division on Kaua‘i. When it comes to fishing, the smaller the size of the fish caught, the more
PUHI — Does size matter? Absolutely, according to Don Heacock, marine biologist for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Aquatics Division on Kaua‘i.
When it comes to fishing, the smaller the size of the fish caught, the more likely its population will face rapid depletion, he said on Friday at Kaua‘i Community College.
“If you catch them all before they reproduce, they’re all gone,” he said.
Size limits to protect reproduction was just one of the many topics discussed at last week’s public information meeting. Local fishermen and DLNR’s representative attended in hopes of finding better ways to help regulate marine fish species.
This has been an ongoing problem for the past 60 years, Heacock said, as marine fish have suffered dramatic declines in population, coinciding with increasing human population, exporting and accessibility.
Shoreline fishing is especially taking a toll on fish populations due to smaller fish being more readily available close to the coast, as opposed to larger adults that swim in deeper waters, he said. Juvenile fish caught near the shore never have the opportunity to spawn, thus restricting potential population growth.
The three main fish families that the DLNR believes need immediate regulations are the parrotfish (uhu), goatfish (weke), and jacks (ulua/papio).
Of particular concern is the role these fish play in helping to maintain healthy coral reefs, a DLNR news release states. Parrotfish, the largest grazing fishes on Hawai‘i’s reefs, play a critical role in controlling seaweed growth and thereby help to maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems.
The Division of Aquatic Resources will be drafting rule changes, but first wish to hear from the community. Heacock said he strongly believes special conservation efforts need to be taken, but will require the community’s cooperation.
“I work for you,” he told the crowd participating in the evening discussion. “We all have to work together because it’s not working right now. What types of rules will you support?”
Kawika Cutcher, a Hawaiian fisherman, said conservation is a matter of common sense and knowledge — taking only what one needs and leaving the rest behind.
“I know I’m not that smart, but what makes me smart is I’m an ancestral man,” he said, explaining that he learned the ways of keeping nature in balance passed through many generations.
Heacock said about 500 years ago, ancient Hawaiians had a system that worked — catching only what they needed for family and friends during a time where exporting was still unheard of.
“Fish will only benefit us if we use them wisely,” said Heacock.
Other fishermen in attendance, who prefered to remain anonymous, agreed that it isn’t recreational fishing that is necessarily depleting the resources, rather it is commercial fishing, large ships and companies that empty toxic waste into the ocean that harms Hawai‘i’s reefs.
Heacock agrees that other factors besides fishing are impacting the fish, but he also believes that an improved management system pursued by DLNR must be implemented.
“If all rules and regulations were enforced, fishing would be better,” said a fisherman, who noted that he frequently witnesses people participating in illegal fishing activities.
Another resident said enforcement is “never around when you need them.”
According to a DLNR survey conducted in 1998, 73 percent of those who responded felt there should be more enforcement.
Many fishermen said the same rules which apply to heavily populated areas, such as O‘ahu, should not necessarily be taken into consideration for rural communities like Kaua‘i, already overburdened with a multitude of laws.
Heacock said in a phone interview Monday that he hopes to “focus on community-based fishery management.”
“Cutcher gave some very good testimony Friday and we need more people like him to share their opinions,” he said.
The Division of Aquatic Resources plans to hold similar meetings on the other islands.
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
