HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0333.015 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
Ccti�r� 333( i3; -11)
From: Richard Bennett [drrhbennett@konamist.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 1:28 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Ban Aquarium "fishing"
Dear Council Members.
In the 12 years I have been studying the reef areas in Honaunau and Kealakekua, we have
noticed a sharp decline in the numbers and distribution of the reef fishes. Even in no
take areas we have seen this decline. We cannot know for a scientific certainty that the
"take" of aquarium fish is the sole cause, but it certainly contributes to and exacerbates
any natural decline that may be occurring from the ongoing reef decline in these waters.
We are painfully aware of midnight poaching that is going on in these waters and without
vigorous enforcement by DNLR, which is highly unlikely in this state fiscal crisis, the
poachers will increase their take with impunity.
A county wide ban of this fishery will put the public on notice and
increase the opportunity for citizen watchfulness and enforcement.
The fiscal gain of a few does not justify the ongoing demise of this natural resource so
vital to our over all economy and way of life.
Please step up and do the right thing and think like our ancestors did about seven
generations into the future.
Respectfully,
Rick Bennett PhD, Exec Director
H20: Healthy Hawaiian Oceans
Honaunau, Hawaii
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