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•NtY OS <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII ,• 4 ''':.%' • STATE OF HAWAII <br /> RESOLUTION NO. 308 10 <br /> ( DRAFT 2 ) <br /> 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 /> MAINTENANCE 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, entry into this lucrative fishery is presently unlimited; and <br /> WHEREAS, as reported in the Division of Aquatic Resource's Ten Year Report to the <br /> Twenty -Fifth Legislature Regular Session of 2010: <br /> 1. Yellow tang populations in the open areas have declined over the past decade and open <br /> areas have less yellow tang as compared to the Marine Protected Areas; and <br /> 2. Over the same period of time, the number of collectors has increased by 19% and the <br /> total catch has increased by 25 %; 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 />