HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 308 Draft 02 2008-2010 •NtY OS
COUNTY OF HAWAII ,• 4 ''':.%' • STATE OF HAWAII
RESOLUTION NO. 308 10
( DRAFT 2 )
RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL
RESOURCES, DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES, TO ADOPT RULES FOR THE
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE WEST HAWAII AQUARIUM FISHERY
INCLUDING ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF FISH REPLENISHMENT AREAS,
MAINTENANCE OF AN AQUARIUM FISH SPECIES' "WHITE LIST," AND THE
POSSIBILITY OF A LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the marine aquarium fishery in the State of Hawai`i is one of the most
economically valuable commercial inshore fisheries and the majority of the catch and value
comes from West Hawai`i; and
WHEREAS, entry into this lucrative fishery is presently unlimited; and
WHEREAS, as reported in the Division of Aquatic Resource's Ten Year Report to the
Twenty -Fifth Legislature Regular Session of 2010:
1. Yellow tang populations in the open areas have declined over the past decade and open
areas have less yellow tang as compared to the Marine Protected Areas; and
2. Over the same period of time, the number of collectors has increased by 19% and the
total catch has increased by 25 %; and
WHEREAS, the recent dumping of over 600 tropical fish, mainly yellow tang, and
reports of ongoing poaching prove that our marine aquarium fish industry could benefit from
better management and protection from irresponsible fishers, whether legal permit holders or
illegal dealers; and
WHEREAS, it is believed that without ample protection and regulation, this unique and
precious resource will not be sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the Hawai`i County Council recognizes that 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; and
WHEREAS, possible approaches and guidelines, among others, can include:
1. The implementation of adaptive management of 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 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;
2. The maintenance of a tropical fish "white list" specifying which species can be
collected for the aquarium trade, based on scientific data, subject to review, per the
administrative rule- making process;
3. The establishment of a bag limit for large ( >5 "), reproductively mature yellow tang,
in order to protect the breeder stocks and sustain the aquarium fishery; and
4. While awaiting determination of the legality of establishing Limited Entry regulations
for the aquarium industry in West Hawai`i, the feasibility of a one -year moratorium
on the issuance of commercial aquarium fish permits will be explored; and
WHEREAS, the Hawai`i County Council believes that while this industry contributes to
the economic health of the Island of Hawaii, it should not be at the expense of our island
resources and other ocean oriented businesses; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that it
hereby urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, to
adopt management approaches and guidelines listed above which include adaptive management
of Fish Replenishment Areas, a list specifying which tropical fish are allowed for collection and
trade, the establishment of a bag limit for large, reproductively mature yellow tang, and the
feasibility of a one -year moratorium on the issuance of commercial aquarium fish permits will be
explored upon adoption by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
2
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII that the County Clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to the Chairperson of the
State Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Administrator of the Division of Aquatic
Resources; the members of Hawai`i State Legislature; the members of County Council of Kaua`i,
Maui, and the City and County of Honolulu; the Honorable William P. Kenoi, Mayor, County of
Hawai`i; the Honorable Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., Mayor, County of Kaua`i; the Honorable
Charmaine Tavares, Mayor, County of Maui; and to Mr. Kirk Caldwell, Acting Mayor of the
City and County of Honolulu.
Dated at , Hawai`i, this day of , 2010.
' • ED BY:
(N
- 111111116.
Air
COUNCIL MEMBER, C Y OF HAWAI I
COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawai`i AYES NOES ABS EX
Hilo, Hawai`i ENRIQUES
FORD
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by GREENWELL
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the HOFFMANN
County of Hawai`i on
IKEDA
NAEOLE - BEASON
ATTEST: ONISHI
YAGONG
YOSHIMOTO
Reference: c .48/HSFIDC
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 308 10
( DRAFT 2 )
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