Division of Aquatic Resources

Governor David Ige approved creation of a new marine reserve at Ka‘ūpūlehu, on the west coast of Hawai‘i island. The rule took effect Friday, July 29, 2016.

The new reserve’s boundaries encompass the previously-designated Ka‘ūpūlehu Fish Replenishment Area. The rule establishes a 10-year no-take “rest period” (with limited exceptions) to allow for the recovery of reef fish stocks. Following the rest period, a fishery management plan (to be developed) will be implemented for Ka‘ūpūlehu.

The rule prohibits the take or possession of any aquatic life within the reserve boundaries, from the shoreline seaward to the 20-fathom (120-foot) depth contour. Beyond the 20-fathom depth contour, hook-and-line fishing is allowed for the following species: ‘opakapaka, kalekale, lehi, gindai, onaga, ehu, hapu‘upu‘u, uku, nabeta, aku, ahi and tombo, a‘u, ono, mahimahi, ta‘ape, toau, and roi. In addition, Kona crab may be taken by Kona crab net. (See administrative rule for species names.)

The rule also prohibits the possession or use of any fishing gear other than hook-and-line and/or Kona crab net within the reserve, and deploying any fishing gear shoreward of the 20 fathom depth contour.