COM 0730.043 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 9, 2010 Page 2 4. Amending WHEREAS clauses four through nine to read: "WHEREAS, as reported in the Division of Aquatic Resource's recent Five Year Report to the Legislature: [ 1. Yellow tang populations in the open areas have declined 47% over the past decade;] [2] L Over the [same period of time,] past decade, the number of collectors has increased by 19% and the total catch has increased by 25 %; and [3-.1 2. Open areas have less than 30% of the number of yellow tangs as compared to the protected areas; and WHEREAS, the recent dumping of over 600 tropical fish, mainly yellow tang, and reports of ongoing poaching prove that [the] our marine aquarium fish industry [needs] could benefit from better management and protection from irresponsible fishers, whether legal permit holders or illegal dealers; and WHEREAS, it is believed that [this unique and precious resource cannot sustain such growth] without ample protection and regulation, this unique and precious resource will not be sustainable; and WHEREAS, the Hawai`i County Council recognizes that [there is a need-to-mere effectively manage] the effective management of the West Hawai`i aquarium industry can be achieved through several different management approaches; and WHEREAS, the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council (WHFC) has recently submitted a number of recommended rule amendments to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which include a variety of management proposals [that will protect the tropical fish resource without unduly restricting the tropical fish trade business]; and WHEREAS, [these rule amendments] possible approaches and guidelines, among others, can include: 1. The implementation of adaptive management of the Fish Replenishment Areas, which specifically allows a reef area at Pebble Beach, South Kona, to be closed to aquarium collecting while opening a similarly sized area [at K auhou for limited collecting (by lottery)] to be determined in concert by representatives of the Big Island Association of Aquarium Fishermen and the WHFC, thus maintaining a balanced proportion of open -to- closed fish collection areas; or 2. The creation of a tropical fish "white list" specifying which species can be collected for the aquarium trade, subject to review on an annual basis [and a bag limit for large - . . - • :]; [and] or 3. [ - .... . • .. -- - - ....`' . -- . -