Call to Action: Reopening Hawaii’s Aquarium Fishery Requires Public Testimony

The aquarium fishery in Hawaii is currently facing a critical juncture: it has been closed for several years, and efforts are underway to reopen it under a new regulatory framework. To move forward, public input is essential. The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has put forth administrative rules, Chapter 13-60.5, Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), proposing a new system for the take and possession of marine aquarium fish.

Key components of these proposed rules include:

* **Science-Based Collection Limits:** The new framework integrates data from the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources' **Marine Recreational Fishing Survey (MRFSS)** and the **Biological & Ecological Monitoring Program (BEMP)**. These programs provide vital scientific data to establish sustainable collection limits, ensuring the long-term health of fish populations. * **Adaptive Management:** The proposed rules incorporate an adaptive management approach, allowing for adjustments to collection limits and regulations as new scientific information becomes available or as environmental conditions change. This flexibility is crucial for responding to dynamic marine ecosystems. * **Accountability and Monitoring:** A robust monitoring system is planned to track collections and assess their impacts, promoting transparency and accountability within the fishery. This includes enhanced reporting requirements for collectors.

The current situation stems from a 2017 State Supreme Court ruling that necessitated **Chapter 343 Environmental Review (HRS)**, effectively halting the issuance of new aquarium fish permits. Since then, the fishery has remained closed. The new administrative rules are designed to meet all necessary legal and scientific requirements to allow for the responsible reopening of the fishery.

Supporters argue that a well-regulated fishery, informed by science, is a sustainable practice that can support local economies and provide animals for the aquarium trade while minimizing ecological impact. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on wild populations and advocate for stricter protection measures.

Written testimony is currently being accepted, and virtual hearings are scheduled across different islands. This is a critical opportunity for aquarists, conservationists, and concerned citizens to provide their perspectives. Information on how to submit testimony and participate in virtual hearings can be found on CORAL Magazine's website, as highlighted by their alert asking for public support to reopen the fishery.

--- *Based on research from [CORAL Magazine](https://www.coralmagazine.com)*