HONOLULU — Local nonprofit marine protection organizations are offering $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of dozens of Hammerhead shark pups found at Keehi Boat Harbor on June 26.
HONOLULU — Local nonprofit marine protection organizations are offering $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of dozens of Hammerhead shark pups found at Keehi Boat Harbor on June 26.
The exact cause of death remains unknown, however, illegal nets are suspected. While this case was the first to be reported in this area; there have been a number of reports across the state where sharks appear to have been intentionally tortured or killed.
The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is investigating.
“If a gill net was used, determining the method of use is important. If a gill net was used in the lay net fishing method, this would be illegal,” DOCARE Enforcement Chief Robert Farrell said. “The use of a gill net in the lay net fishing method also requires registration of the net with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources and the placement of registration tags on the net itself.
“No matter the type of use, it is important for gill net fishers to inspect their net for unwanted catch, and to release them to ensure survival,” he said. “It appears that these shark pups were discarded, likely as unwanted catch. If state fishing regulations had been followed, these deaths would have been prevented. This was completely unnecessary.”
Hawaii is home to more than 40 species of sharks who are key animals to maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems. Many of these species are threatened or endangered, primarily due to over-fishing, the illegal use of certain types of gear, such as gill nets, and marine entanglement. Hawaii enacted the nation’s first and strongest shark finning and products ban in 2010 and continues legislative efforts to increase the penalties for intentionally killing sharks or rays in Hawaii waters.
Anyone with information about this case should call the statewide DOCARE hotline at 1-855-DLNR-TIP, 643-DLNR (3567) or report online via the free DLNRTip app.
