Aquatic Resources

HONOLULU --- Enforcement officers of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) today towed a piece of sperm whale remnant several miles out to sea before releasing it for currents to take it away from the islands. Earlier this morning, the remnant weighing several tons was found about 200 yards offshore from Kalanianaole Beach Park (formerly Nanakuli Beach Park). At least one shark was seen feeding on the remains throughout the morning.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources has posted shark warning signs this afternoon on the west Maui coastline from Lone Pine (milepost 13 on Honoapi‘ilani Highway) to the Olowalu Recycling Center, following a report received just before 2 p.m. today that 46-year old female visitor was bitten on the fin by a shark. The woman was snorkeling in the late morning with a tour group a half-mile off Olowalu. She was in 18 feet of murky water when she felt a tug on her fin, and looked back to see a gray-colored shark swimming away. She was treated on the boat for a minor injury to her foot.

NANAKULI, O‘AHU --- Following the arrival on shore this afternoon about 2 p.m. of a 25’ section of decomposed sperm whale at Nanakuli Beach Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is currently looking at extraction options to remove the carcass.

WAIMANALO -- Department of Land and Natural Resources Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers cited a man today for violations relating to his use of a gill net in waters offshore of Kaiona Beach Park. Officers responded to reports that a gill net had been laid in the water, and contacted a male, John Edwards, 39. Through investigation, the officers learned that Edwards had laid a gill net overnight, and had retrieved it just prior to the officers' arrival. The investigation also revealed that the net used was not registered and tagged as required by law.

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has received grant funding to pilot an innovative Resources Enforcement Educating Fishers (REEF) project, starting this spring. The funding is provided by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

HONOLULU — Hawaii Environmental Court Judge David W. Lo issued a $2,000 criminal fine last Friday to an Oahu seafood retailer who was caught offering undersized Ahi for sale.

(Kahului, Maui) - Enforcement Officers with the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit (CFEU) will be at the Maui Mall on February 27, 2016 from 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to help educate fishers about Hawaii’s fishing laws. Information on Maui specific rules for uhu or parrot fish species and goat fish species such as kumu, moano kea, and weke will be available.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release February 11, 2016 (Click on image to watch video) NEW ...
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KAILUA-KONA -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a combined public information meeting and formal public rulemaking hearing in West Hawai‘i to amend Hawaii Administrative Rules (“HAR”) Title 13, chapter 60.4, to establish the Ka‘ūpūlehu Marine Reserve.

(HONOLULU) - NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) has informed the State of Hawaii of its decision to continue the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary as it was first designated by Congress – as a sanctuary to protect humpback whales and their habitat.