Coral Reef Fish Bill

[Kapohocat]

I received the following and it makes sense. It's one of those bills that on the surface seems like a good idea but the ramifications make it a not so good idea.



DISCLAIMER: The following communication, although prepared by a University of Hawai'i at Hilo graduate student, is expressed solely by the individual and is not approved as an official statement by the University.



Aloha,



On January 23, 2008, Senate Bill 3225 was introduced by Senator Clayton Hee to the Hawai'i State Legislature to impose bag limits as well as complete bans on the collection of several species of coral reef fishes commonly exported from the Hawaiian Islands for the aquarium trade. The mandates outlined by this hastily-proposed legislation are clearly intended to destabilize the Hawaiian aquarium fishery and the livelihoods of associated stakeholders rather than to produce helpful resource management solutions. The bill, in its entirety, as well as its current status in the State Legislature can be found at the following URL:

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs...lno=SB3225



In its current form, Senate Bill 3225:

Essentially would bring the most valuable nearshore fishery in Hawai'i to a standstill.
Undermines over a decade of painstaking legislation and scientific research conducted to ensure a sustainable fishery.
Suggests aquarium fishing is the sole cause of adverse fluctuations in reef fish populations, and thus does not recognize the inherent complexity in coral reef environments.
Restricts collection of specific species without evidence or necessary research, which undercuts state initiatives to manage coastal resources based on the best scientific information available.
Provides no criteria for fishes identified as "no-take" species, and ignores current efforts to establish those criteria.
Presumes that bag limits are the most effective means of fishery management and does not take into consideration other tools which may be far more effective in addressing concerns.
Does not anticipate limitations for enforcement while the responsible agency may lack the manpower and resources necessary to implement this law.
I urge all resource users, industry participants, scientists, conservationists, and concerned citizens alike to actively voice their opposition to this bill, as it would be an irresponsible and ineffective policy that could potentially harm coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. A detailed supporting statement is attached to this e-mail along with contact information for Senator Hee. As of January 31st, the bill has been passed on to the Ways and Means Committee (Chair: Rosalyn Baker, senbaker@Capitol.hawaii.gov) as well as the Committee on Water and Land (Chair: Clayton Hee). Information on these committees as well as corresponding contact information can be found online at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/sena...m/comm.asp



Guidelines for testimony:

http://capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/info/gui...ress1=info&press2=guide



PLEASE ACT NOW TO STOP THIS HARMFUL BILL!!!!!



Mahalo,



Brandon Cody Chapin

Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science Master's Candidate

University of Hawai'i at Hilo

[jdirgo]

I'm not sure that I do oppose this. Maybe it needs some refining, but in general, the intent is good and right. There needs to be a provision for people like me that catch for my own aquarium (although my aquarium is stocked right now and I don't need any more). If I get the proper license from DLNR to capture for my aquarium (which I do whenever I plan to add to my fishies in the aquarium) and follow the seasonal, size and species restrictions, I should be able to do it. Of course, I'm definitely not catching 20 or more fish at a time. Yellow tangs, however, do not do well in aquariums in groups of less than 4 or so. They are a fish that, by nature, prefers and thrives better when in a small school in an aquarium.

I would agree that commercial capture for sale to the worldwide aquarium trade needs better controls -- especially for the yellow tangs that were pretty much decimated by the aquarium trade in Kapoho.

We only have to look at the well documented improvements in the fish stocks in places like Kapoho since it became a marine conservation district to see that more controls are needed (note to anyone thinking about fishing for dinner -- there are parts of Kapoho that were specifically designated for fishing for food and those fisherman follow the size restrictions, allowing the young fish to be unharmed and breed until they are large enough to be really tasty).

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com

[Kapohocat]

John - I am sending a copy of the email with full info.

-Cat

Excerpt -
"We must consider that, if we continue to ensure the sustainable use of our coastal resources through appropriate management action, the marine aquarium fishery in the Hawaiian Islands will serve as
a model to the greater Pacific region where collection of ornamental species is practiced. Since Hawaiian aquarium fishes are captured using small-mesh fence and hand nets rather than harmful explosives or chemicals, a high survival rate is generally ensured for the collected animals when compared with tropical fisheries that employ destructive methods such as cyanide fishing. If years of progress were dismissed and a complete shut down of the fishery were to occur, a great shift in demand would follow, supporting Indo-
Pacific nations whose policies continue to allow the employment of unsustainable fishing practices. This would only accelerate the destruction of coral reefs worldwide."

[oink]

What does it say about the taking of live rock?

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[gtill]

Another example of Ban Happy jerks!
No consideration of others or even facts. Certainly some controls are necessary, but rarely is a ban the answer!

[jdirgo]

If I remember properly (I don't have my "what you can take, and what you can't" pamphlets with me), coral is very prohibited and live rock may be.

What I would encourage (and UHH is taking a good lead on this) is working to captive-breed desirable aquarium fish. It provides revenue to the University (and eventually to private breeders), takes the strain off the native wild-bred fish stocks. Personally, I'd prefer captive-bred fish for purely practical reasons -- they are more likely to both survive and thrive in a tank.

A few years ago, UHH announced that their attempts at captive-breeding of yellow tangs was somewhat successful. They had managed to get some to breed and to raise some yellow tangs. It wasn't enough yet to start supplying the aquarium trade, but since it was the first time anyone had been able to do even a moderately successful breeding program for that fish species, it was a huge leap forward. I hope that UHH is continuing that program and looking to expand it to other species. One of the reasons they started with the yellow tang (techically, yellow surgeonfish or in Hawaiian, la'ipala) is that it is endemic to the Hawaiian island chain (meaning: does not occur anywhere else) and its wildly popular for aquariums. This is a fish in danger of being reduced to the point where wild-breeding will not be enough to restore the balance.

Some restrictions are needed. For example, I know that Moorish Idols are prohibited from capture by people like me (catching for their own personal aquariums), but I am not sure that commercial fisherman are prohibited from capturing them for the aquarium trade. If they are not, it should be -- Moorish Idols WILL NOT survive in an aquarium. I have seen people that I suspect were capturing for the aquarium trade taking Moorish Idols. Sad, because someone is going to pay a fortune for that fish, only to have it die a few weeks later.

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com

[oink]

How big is the aquarium fishing industry in Hawaii? I wouldn't think a very large industry of this type would be sustainable. I would think that a ban would be easier and cheaper to enforce than just controls.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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Originally posted by oink

How big is the aquarium fishing industry in Hawaii? I wouldn't think a very large industry of this type would be sustainable. I would think that a ban would be easier and cheaper to enforce than just controls.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

---

It is estimated to be a over $3 million a year industry in Hawaii in 2004. (per Cody's research). It is a relatively small industry when compared to tourism.

Oh just a note - the person who originally got the bill in progress is the owner of Snorkel Bob's (Robert Whitner). He put a take limit in on the yellow tang and then an assessment - the number he picked for the yellow tang may not be low enough. But the assessment is need before you pick a number out of the sky.

He has an agenda because of his tourist operation - he is not addressing the issues that show that snorkeling and diving (from his industry) degrade the environment (coral reefs) to a zillion times more than the aquarium collectors.

The bans will create a black market in other countries. Thats the bottom line. If the ban was enacted across the globe, maybe.

[oink]

It would be interesting to hear an opinion on this from the Hawaii Fish and Game Officer who posts on occasion. I don't remember exactly what they are called in Hawaii. DNLR Officers? In Fl we sometimes call them Grouper Troopers, but they don't like that much. He could possibly give some insight on the practicalities of trying to enforce controls or a ban. Kat, if you think a Hawaiian ban would result in a worldwide tropical reef disaster, perhaps you should advocate for a national ban on the importation of all saltwater tropical fish that can't be certified as farm raised. I know I would hate to see the reefs denuded of their beautiful fish. I wouldn't want to see any reefs in Hawaii go the way of Hanauma Bay http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facil...elcome.htm from any type of exploitation or over use.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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...if you think a Hawaiian ban would result in a worldwide tropical reef disaster, perhaps you should advocate for a national ban on the importation of all saltwater tropical fish that can't be certified as farm raised...

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Thats an not a bad idea too. Banning importing.

Question: How will that affect bans on importing in other countries when we can even get everyone to agree on gloabl warming issues?

The person who is the advocate is Cody Chapin who is doing his master's thesis here at UH-Hilo on this exact problem with potter's angel fish and works closely with the DLNR. They had to review his letter before he could even send it out. Much of his thesis info on this subject came from aquarium collector's with correlating data. Cody has some real concrete ideas on what might work.

Yellow tang do not breed well in an aquarium so that is why take limits on it are a good idea but an assessment on what is the limit is a good idea or what size to ban like lobsters. The mortality rate on yellow tang 2-3" in the open ocean is very high. (Wow- see Cody I do listen to you when you talk!!)

(Me - I am just his hanai mom who believes in this particular mission because we have listened to the trials and tribulations of him collecting info on this issue for the last 3 years! Soon to grad in June!!!)