LIHUE — The 2013 Sanctuary Classic — a free, nationwide youth and family fishing photo contest — kicked off Saturday on World Oceans Day and continues through Labor Day, Sept. 2. Hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
LIHUE — The 2013 Sanctuary Classic — a free, nationwide youth and family fishing photo contest — kicked off Saturday on World Oceans Day and continues through Labor Day, Sept. 2.
Hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Conservation International’s Hawaii Fish Trust, in partnership with the Sportfishing Conservancy, the contest is designed to “promote recreational opportunities and reward sustainable fishing in America’s National Marine Sanctuaries,” according to a release.
“We are proud to host this event and look forward to seeing our sanctuary represented in this year’s contest,” Sanctuary Superintendent Malia Chow said. “The Sanctuary Classic gives the community a way to experience the sanctuary and learn about how we are part of nature, and also fosters a sense of responsibility for our environment.”
As part of the contest, a Fishing Fair will be held June 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei.
“The Fishing Fair is an educational, hands-on learning event to promote sustainable and traditional fishing practices,” states a release. “Fun, educational booths will promote the Sanctuary Classic, fishing regulations and ocean safety.”
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about fish spawning cycles, how to identify fish and how to make barbless circle hooks and marine knots.
The free event coincides with the North Shore Fishing Tournament Weigh-In at Hanalei Pier and the Tai Hook Canoe Regatta on Hanalei Bay.
While the primary purpose of the National Marine Sanctuary System is to protect resources, sanctuaries also facilitate compatible uses, including all types of recreation.
Ninety-eight percent of marine sanctuary waters are open to recreational fishing.
“The Sanctuary Classic in Hawaii promotes safe and pono fishing practices that can help sustain our marine resources from generation to generation,” Sanctuary Co-manager Elia Herman said.
The Sportfishing Conservancy will award 10 $100 weekly prizes for the best photos from across the country that show fishing in a national marine sanctuary or adjacent waters, according to the release.
At the end of the summer, additional $1,000 prize scholarships will be awarded for the four pictures that best exemplify youth fishing, family fishing or conservation in a sanctuary.
This is the second year for the Sanctuary Classic fishing photo contest.
All participants are required to follow best fishing guidelines, as well as federal, state and local regulations.
“This is a great opportunity for families to go out fishing together and experience the bounty that Hawaii’s ocean has to offer, while strengthening the culture of sustainable fishing,” said Jason Philibotte, director of the Hawaii Fish Trust for Conservation International.
For more information and how to enter, visit www.sanctuaryclassic.org.
