RES 130 Draft 01 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

EXHIBIT B JUSTIFICATION SHEET PROPOSER: Hawai`i State Association of Counties TITLE: RELATING TO PROHIBITION TO SALE AQUATIC LIFE FOR AQUARIUM PURPOSES PURPOSE: To preserve our fishery resources in our coastal marine water, it shall be unlawful for any person at any time to knowingly or intentionally sell or offer to sell for aquarium purposes, aquatic life taken from any of the waters within the jurisdiction of the State. This section does not apply to gathering rights, traditional, cultural, or religious practices, or for taking of aquatic life for the purpose of human consumption, including bait. Special permits for bona fide purposes of scientific research or in an aquarium operated for the benefit of public education may be provided by the department of land and natural resources. MEANS: Amendment of chapter 188, Hawai`i Revised Statutes to preclude aquarium fish collection for the sale of aquatic life to be held in captivity as pets or for exhibition, except as defined above, eliminate the inhumane capture of aquatic life, protecting our reefs and its aquatic life for the benefit of residents and tourists. Designates the West Hawai`i regional fishery management area as the area from northernmost point of the west coast to the southernmost point of the west coast of the Island of Hawai`i, and out from the high water line to 1500 meters depth. JUSTIFICATION: Collection of our reef fish, even endangered species, has devastated our marine resources. Aquatic life lives in balance with the reef finding sustenance, keeping the reef healthy, providing a living laboratory for scientists and marine water enthusiasts, and providing sustenance for humans and aquatic life. Scientific studies have shown that many species of fish are not recovering from the heavy collection of aquatic life even though 30% of the reef in West Hawai`i is in Fish Replenishment Areas. The inhumane method of capture and bringing such aquatic to the surface needs to be stopped.