DAR requesting input on shark fishing permit system
The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is seeking input into development of a permit system for shark fishing. In June of 2021 House Bill (HB) 553 was signed into law making it illegal for a person to knowingly capture or kill any shark while in state marine waters. While targeting sharks in state waters is now effectively banned, HB 553 specifies that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) may issue non-commercial permits allowing the take of sharks subject to permit conditions. The nature of those conditions was not specified.
The purpose of this survey is to provide preliminary insight into how Hawai‘i’s non-commercial fishing community views this potential exception, and how those interested in such a permit would intend to use it. This preliminary survey data will help guide future discussions and decisions around shark fishing permit processes. All individual answers will be kept confidential, though a summary report of the aggregated answers will be made public at the end of the survey period.