11/26/14 – Statewide Public Meetings To Address Changes To Main Hawaiian Islands Deep-7 Bottomfish And Ahi Management

Posted on Nov 26, 2014 in Aquatic Resources, News Releases


DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR
WILLIAM J. AILA JR,
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release November 26, 2014   

STATEWIDE PUBLIC MEETINGS TO ADDRESS CHANGES TO  MAIN 
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS DEEP-7 BOTTOMFISH AND AHI MANAGEMENT
 

HONOLULU —  The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, State Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Federal NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS) will hold public meetings on potential Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Deep-7 bottomfish fishery rules and regulations and changes to minimum size limits for the sale of Ahi.

Bottomfish measure considerations will include options for non-commercial fishery daily bag limit, creating a market grace period during which seafood dealers and markets can sell deep-7 bottomfish after a fishery closure and changes to the State bottomfish restricted fishing area closures and reporting grids. 

Workshops will feature interactive booths on the following topics: 

  • State of Hawaii Bottomfish Reporting Requirements
    • Standardizing and Improving Catch and Effort reporting
    • Volunteer Non-Commercial Reporting
  • Federal Non-Commercial Bottomfish Permit and Reporting
  • Ahi Science and Minimum Size Considerations
  • Community Fish Aggregation Device Voluntary Reporting 

 
2014 Meeting Locations and Dates — City, Island Date and Time Location

Lihue, Kauai — Dec. 2, Tues., 6-9 p.m. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria, 4431 Nuhou St.

Kaunakakai, Molokai — Dec. 3, Wed., 6-9  p.m. Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria, 30 Ailoa St.

Aiea, Oahu — Dec. 4, Thurs., 6-9 p.m. Waimalu Elementary School Cafeteria, 98-825 Moanalua Rd

Paia, Maui — Dec 9, Tue., 6-9 p.m.  Paia Community Center, Social Hall, Hana Highway

Honolulu, Oahu –Dec. 10, Wed., 6-9 p.m.  Washington Middle School Cafeteria, 1633 S. King St.

Hilo, Hawaii — Dec. 12, Fri, 6-9 p.m. Hilo High School Cafeteria, 556 Waianuenue Ave.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii — Dec. 13, Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd.

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Media Contact: 
Deborah Ward 
DLNR Public Information Specialist 
(808) 587-0320