DLNR explains lay net registration

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces an interim procedure for fishers to register their lay gill nets with the department.

New lay gill net rules announced last week require all gill nets used in lay net fishing to be registered, and to carry identification tags.

“Registration of lay gill nets is an important part of the newly adopted rules as it encourages accountability and compliance, and will assist in our enforcement to better protect and preserve near shore resources,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson, in a press release.

Lay gill nets (or “lay nets”) are set in one location and left there for a period of time, entangling fish as they swim into it. Most nets are made of monofilament nylon, with floats along one length and weights along the other.

In order to register a lay gill net, the fisher must go to a Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) office and provide a valid photo identification, along with a description of the net(s) he/she wishes to register. The description should include material (e.g. monofilament) and dimensions (mesh size and overall net size). Fishers do not need to bring their nets with them.

Note: Special rules apply to the West Hawai‘i Fishery Management Area, Hawai‘i, where fishers need to bring in their nets.

The DAR will provide the registrant with codes and temporary tags, which must be attached to nets, along with surface marker floats, as required. The user must place the tags onto each net in accordance with instructions that will be provided. Permanent (metal or other durable material) tags, to replace the temporary tags, will be mailed to the user as soon as they become available.

To register lay gill nets, visit the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources office on Kaua‘i: 3060 ‘Eiwa Street, Room 306, Lihu‘e.

For more information call 274-3344.

Rule amendments and maps are posted on the Division of Aquatic Resources Web site at: www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regs/ch75.pdf