mFrame Posted June 5, 2017 Share Posted June 5, 2017 As many of you know, there is a continuing fight in Hawaii regarding fish collection, even if it is done responsibly and sustainably. Hawaii SB1240 has passed the Hawaiian House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Ige’s signature. If enacted the bill will cripple one of the best-managed fisheries in the world. Please take a moment to educate yourself about the issue, and if you're inclined, to comment via the PIJAC submission form here: https://cqrcengage.com/pijac/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=359193 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted July 13, 2017 Author Share Posted July 13, 2017 Great news! Hawaii SB 1240 was vetoed by Hawaii's governor! https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2017/06/25/hawaii-governor-to-veto-aquarium-fishery-bill/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gig 'em @ NDstructible Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Woohoo! Winning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaac Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 dont count your fishes before they hatch... intent isnt actual doing. things could change... lets home they dont! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 *sigh* https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2017/10/28/breaking-hawaiis-aquarium-fishery-closed-permits-invalidated/ AIEA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A new ruling upholds a state Supreme Court ban on Hawaii's aquarium fishing industry and there's no timeline on when it will be lifted. On Friday, the First Circuit Court -- sitting as the Environmental Court -- ruled that any and all existing aquarium fish permits issued to commercial collectors to date are illegal and invalid. Randy Fernley, co-owner of Coral Fish Hawaii in Aiea, is one of more than 230 commercial fisherman affected by the ruling. "Usually we bring in anywhere between 50 to 100 fish per day," he said. Through the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, a $50 annual permit allows commercial fishermen to collect an unlimited amount of marine life for aquariums from Hawaii's coastal waters. Fernley says about 60% of his fish are caught in Hawaii and he's hoping he doesn't lose business. "We'll follow the court's direction and do a HEPA study and hopefully it won't take too terribly long," said Fernley. The court order puts the aquarium fishing industry on hold, pending a review of the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act (HEPA). Opponents including Earthjustice lawyer Summer Kupau-Odo have been challenging the state's permit system, claiming that the impact to Hawaii's reefs has never been properly studied. "DLNR has a duty to protect these resources for us today and for future generations," Kupau-Odo said. "All of the existing permits are illegal, collection under them is illegal and no one should be out collecting for commercial profits. No one should be out taking our reef resources for sale elsewhere to make a private profit." In a statement, DLNR said in part "The department continues to believe that existing aquarium fishing practices are sustainable and environmentally sound. And the department appreciates that dozens of local businesses and families depend on the industry for their livelihoods. But the department respects Judge Crabtree’s ruling and will fully comply so long as it remains in effect." "It's just unfortunate this has happened," Fernley said. "I am confident we will get through this and be successful." The aquarium fish industry in Hawaii has posted annual gross sales of $3.2 million. The ruling does not impact recreational fishing permits which authorize the collection of 1,825 aquarium fish every year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sascha D. Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 4 hours ago, mFrame said: Randy Fernley, co-owner of Coral Fish Hawaii in Aiea, is one of more than 230 commercial fisherman affected by the ruling. "Usually we bring in anywhere between 50 to 100 fish per day," he said. I've visited this store many times while I was stationed in Hawaii. He's not kidding about the fish. Any day of the week they would have 50-100 Yellow Tangs on hand and they sold them for $8 each. Once or twice a month they would get Hawaiian Dragons and that was a real treat to see. They've been fighting fish collection for as long as I can remember and I'm not surprised that it's passed. Unfortunately, that bottom export number of 1,825 aquarium fish per year will probably mean over fishing of the more expensive species. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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