Division of Aquatic Resources

The past few months have seen an increase in shoreline fishing effort around the state, both for recreational and subsistence purposes. At the same time, seasonal movements of fishes like halalu and sardines have resulted in fishers and swimmers sometimes being in close proximity to each other, which can create potential user conflicts.

The Division of Aquatic Resources would like to remind fishers to use caution while fishing in order to keep swimmers and others safe. Similarly, the non-fishing public should be mindful that fishers have a right to enjoy their activity, so we ask swimmers to avoid immediate areas where fishing is taking place and exercise caution as well.

Please fish and swim with aloha toward others. These are difficult times, and some people are fishing to put food on their tables. Fish which school in shallow, sandy-bottom waters will eventually move to other locations.