LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources has invited the public to participate in a second informational discussion regarding possible regulations for certain marine fish species, particularly parrotfish (uhu), goatfish (weke), and jacks (ulua/papio). DLNR’s purpose for holding
LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources has invited the public to participate in a second informational discussion regarding possible regulations for certain marine fish species, particularly parrotfish (uhu), goatfish (weke), and jacks (ulua/papio).
DLNR’s purpose for holding the follow-up meeting is to assimilate additional information from concerned citizens in order to adopt better management practices of shoreline resources — coral reef fisheries — which are currently declining at unsustainable rates.
“We’re all going to have to bite the bullet and tighten our belts; if for no other reason than for our children and grandchildren,” said Don Heacock, marine biologist for DLNR’s Aquatics Division on Kaua‘i, in a phone interview Thursday.
“The human population is increasing, but natural resources are finite; this is the dilemma we are facing,” he said. “We cannot keep the status quo, the resources cannot handle it.”
Parrotfish are of express concern, as they are the largest grazing fishes on Hawai‘i’s reefs that play a critical role in controlling seaweed growth which helps maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems, according to a DLNR press release.
Recreational and subsistence fishers have developed a preference for the parrotfish family, with many spearfishers considering them prized catches, says the release.
In addition, scientific information from commercial fisheries and fish survey data for goatfishes shows a decline in catch rate over time that correlates with an observed decrease in goatfish abundance, the release states.
Also, jacks are another very important species group caught by recreational fishers, according to DLNR.
Prior to opening the floor for discussion, Heacock will provide a brief PowerPoint presentation with suggested regulations, including minimum size limitations on fish, bag limits, gear and fishing method restrictions, seasonal and area closures, as well as allocation decisions and designating certain species for particular activities only.
Public comment will center on using minimum size rules to protect marine life that may be at risk of being over harvested, according to the DLNR press release.
“The whole purpose of these regulations is to allow fish to grow big enough to spawn,” Heacock said said. “If they die faster than they are being born, the population declines. But, the bigger they get, the more eggs they lay.”
DAR has not yet drafted any rule changes and are asking for continued community support and negotiation, as it remains important in determining the most efficient and cooperative practices, Heacock said.
The meeting will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at the Kaua‘i Community College, Electronics Technology building, room 114. For more information contact DAR offices at 274-3344.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
