HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces a fishing season closure for “Deep 7” bottomfish species in State marine waters, effective July 6 through August 31. During the closed season, all fishing for “Deep 7” bottomfish species
HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces a fishing season closure for “Deep 7” bottomfish species in State marine waters, effective July 6 through August 31.
During the closed season, all fishing for “Deep 7” bottomfish species is prohibited in state marine waters surrounding the main Hawaiian islands. Commercial and non-commercial Deep 7 fishing will close July 6. “Deep 7” bottomfish species include onaga, opakapaka, ehu, kalekale, gindai, lehi and hapu‘upu‘u, according to a press release.
The closure begins on the date when the current total allowable catch of 241,000 pounds is estimated to be harvested by the fishery. The state closure complements a federal “Deep 7” fishing closure, which also becomes effective on July 6, the release said.
The “Deep 7” and other bottomfish are managed cooperatively by the state and federal governments. Maps of the closed State marine waters, both seasonal “Deep 7” closure and bottomfish restricted fishing areas, are available on the DLNR Web site: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regs/ch94rev3.pdf.
For additional information call the Division of Aquatic Resources office.
