Logos for the marine and animal protection organizations joining forces with DLNR to stop illegal aquarium collecting.
(BIVN) – The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources has joined forces with various marine and animal protection organizations to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state.
Many of the organizations are based out of West Hawaiʻi, where commercial aquarium fish collection has long been a subject of controversy.
The DLNR says that since the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in September 2017 ruled that aquarium collection using fine meshed traps or nets is subject to environmental review, the state not issued new or additional permits. On October 27, 2017, a circuit court found all permits to take aquatic life for aquariums using fine-meshed nets to be illegal and invalid until an environmental review could be completed.
The Hawaiʻi DLNR issued a joint news release on Wednesday.
Hawaiʻi DLNRon December 19, 2018
For the Fishes, Moana ‘Ohana, The Center for Biological Diversity, West Hawai‘i Humane Society, and DLNR have combined resources to make it easy for anyone to report suspected poaching of reef creatures. Successful prosecution of a poaching case can result in a reward of up to $5000 for the person or people who provided the tip (reporting methods detailed below).
Mike Nakachi of Kona-based Moana ‘Ohana explained, “We are asking for the public’s kokua (help) in reporting any suspected illegal reef wildlife collection. We continue to receive reports from concerned residents alleging illegal capture of our fragile and sacred reef animals. All aquarium fish collection off West Hawai‘i is against the law, regardless of gear type or net size.”
“We must all work together to ensure Hawai‘i’s rich marine life are protected from illegal poaching,” said Maxx Phillips, the Center for Biological Diversity’s Hawai‘i director. “Court orders and regulatory rulings suspending aquarium collecting is a good start, but those laws are meaningless without proper enforcement.”
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We appreciate the efforts of these organizations that are working tirelessly to support our enforcement of aquarium collection laws, and to ensure only legal and pono fishing practices are used.”
In addition to the new, 808-NO-POACH reporting hotline, where concerned people can call or text photos and images of alleged illegal activity, DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement also takes tips through its state-wide telephone hotline or free, online application.
To report suspected illegal take of reef wildlife:
- Call or text (including images/video): 808-NO-POACH (808-667-6224)
- Call: 808-643-DLNR (808-643-3567)
- Free download: DLNRTip on android and Apple devices
- Images of illegal methods and more at FortheFishes.org/reward
by Big Island Video News
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STORY SUMMARY
HAWAIʻI - The state and marine protection organizations are working to make it easier to report illegal aquarium fish collecting across Hawaiʻi.