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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0862.043 2008-2010 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: Peggy Andersen [peggycpa @hawaiiantel.net] Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 10:39 AM To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us Cc: Donna Goodale Subject: Resolution 363 -10 Attachments: Andersen Testimony 363- 10.doc Our written testimony supporting Resolution 363 -10 Ban on Reef Fish Collection around Hawaii Island is attached. We are unable to attend the Council Meeting and personally testify. Aloha, Peggy J. Andersen, CPA Laura Andersen, Senior, Hualalai Academy 75 -5773 tuna Place Kailua -Kona HI 96740 (808) 329 -9404 peggycpa @hawaiiantel.net Imta@hawaiiantel.net r-- c '■•• . U �LJ 2- • 1 43 Ref. To: W /HS.EbC Ref. Date, JUL 2 n 7018 7/19/2010 Resolution 363 -10: Ban Collection of Reef Fish in West Hawaii Submitted by: Peggy Andersen, CPA Laura Andersen, Senior, Hualalai Academy 75 -5773 Iuna Place Kailua -Kona HI 96740 peggycpa @hawaiiantel.net lmta @hawaiiantel.net We support Hawaii County Council Resolution 363 -10, submitted by Councilman Kelly Greenwell, recommending that the DLNR ban the collection of reef fish for export in the waters surrounding Hawaii Island. We have lived on the Island of Hawaii for 20+ years (Laura 17 years) and have personally observed the reduction in the number and variety of reef fish in West Hawaii, particularly yellow tangs and butterfly fish. We paddle outrigger canoes (Keauhou Canoe Club & Hualalai Academy), swim and snorkel in West Hawaii Waters regularly. Laura was a member of the West Hawaii Youth Fisheries Council that initiated a ban on smoking at Kahalu'u Beach, so we have followed with interest the development of rules and areas for reef fish collection on Hawaii Island. Some collectors may religiously follow the "rules" as far as locations and reporting, but we have seen aquarium fish collectors setting and collecting fish in nets that were unattended and in the wrong locations. And, it is evident that the number of reef fish collected is grossly underreported. It has been documented on Maui that the reduction in the numbers of algae- eating reef fish favored by reef fish collectors results in excess algae growth on the reef. Thus the over - collection of algae- eating reef fish degrades our coral reefs, at a time when the coral reefs around Hawaii are already under pressure due to runoff from human development, such as sewage and fertilizer. Reef fish collected for aquarium use have an average mortality rate of around 50 %. This means that at least half the fish collected die and are totally wasted. We have all seen the pictures in WHT of yellow tangs dumped at the harbor. We find this to be unacceptable from an environmental and personal standpoint. The collection of reef fish financially benefits only a few residents of Hawaii, but tourism and healthy coral reefs with abundant reef fish benefit us all, at least indirectly. The current "limits" are not working, are not adequately enforced and are not sustainable. Reef fish collecting should be totally banned!