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RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL <br /> RESOURCES, DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES, TO ADOPT RULES FOR THE <br /> SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE WEST HAWAII AQUARIUM FISHERY <br /> INCLUDING ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF FISH REPLENISHMENT AREAS, <br /> ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AQUARIUM FISH SPECIES' "WHITE LIST," AND THE <br /> POSSIBILITY OF A LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM. <br /> WHEREAS, the marine aquarium fishery in the State of Hawai`i is one of the most <br /> economically valuable commercial inshore fisheries and the majority of the catch and value <br /> comes from West Hawai`i; and <br /> WHEREAS, although equipment costs can be significant, entry into this lucrative fishery <br /> is presently unlimited, the required aquarium fish permit is free, and a commercial marine license <br /> is only $50 per year; and <br /> WHEREAS, as reported in the Division of Aquatic Resource's recent Five Year Report <br /> to the Legislature: <br /> 1. Over the past decade, the number of collectors has increased by 19% and the total <br /> catch has increased by 25 %; and <br /> 2. Open areas have less than 30% of the number of yellow tangs as compared to the <br /> protected areas; and <br /> WHEREAS, the recent dumping of over 600 tropical fish, mainly yellow tang, and <br /> reports of ongoing poaching prove that our marine aquarium fish industry could benefit from <br /> better management and protection from irresponsible fishers, whether legal permit holders or <br /> illegal dealers; and <br /> WHEREAS, it is believed that without ample protection and regulation, this unique and <br /> precious resource will not be sustainable; and <br /> WHEREAS, the Hawai`i County Council recognizes that the effective management of <br /> the West Hawai`i aquarium industry can be achieved through several different management <br /> approaches; and <br /> WHEREAS, the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council (WHFC) has recently submitted a <br /> number of recommended rule amendments to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, <br /> which include a variety of management proposals; and <br /> WHEREAS, possible approaches and guidelines, among others, can include: <br /> 1. The implementation of adaptive management of the Fish Replenishment Areas, which <br /> specifically allows a reef area at Pebble Beach, South Kona, to be closed to aquarium <br /> collecting while opening a similarly sized area to be determined in concert by <br />