Department of Land and Natural Resources

TWO MEN CITED FOR ILLEGAL AQUARIUM GEAR AND AQUARIUM FISH

(Kawaihae) – On Thursday, February 20, 2020, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) received information concerning the illegal harvesting of aquarium fish offshore of Kawaihae, Hawai’i County.  Acting on the information received, DOCARE Officers conducted a commercial fishing gear and catch inspection of the vessel “Masako” when it returned to the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor.  Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) personnel also responded to assist with the inspection. 

The inspection revealed aquarium fishing gear, including a small mesh net, aboard the vessel.  The vessel’s hold also contained 550 live tropical fish of various species. 

Hawai’i Administrative Rule 13-60.4-4 (3) prohibits the possession of aquarium collecting gear, or to take or possess any specimen of aquatic life for aquarium purposes within the West Hawaii Regional Fisheries Management Area without a permit.  A violation of this rule is a petty misdemeanor and can result in imprisonment and fines.  Violators may also be subject to administrative penalties. 

Two of the fishers aboard the vessel, Tyron T. Terazono of Kealakekua and Wayne T. Newman of Kailua-Kona, were cited by DOCARE Officers.  A third person was not cited. Additionally, a 2019 Force 24 Motor Vessel and trailer, and various fishing gear were seized as evidence. 

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