Hawaii Aquarium Collecting Fishery - MMPA List of Fisheries
U.S. fisheries are classified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act according to the level of incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals.
Current Classification on the List of Fisheries
Category |
III |
Estimated Number of Participants |
None recorded |
Target Species |
Coral reef species for the aquarium trade |
Applicable Take Reduction Plans |
None |
Observer Coverage |
Not observed |
Marine Mammal Species/Stocks Killed or Injured |
None documented |
Basis for Current Classification
There are no known incidental mortalities or serious injuries of marine mammals in this fishery, and there is a remote likelihood of marine mammal interactions because the fishing method is highly selective (collection by hand or with small, attended nets).
Distribution
Primarily conducted in state waters.
Gear Description
Aquarium fish collection is generally carried out by divers equipped with some form of underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA, surface supplied air, rebreather equipment). Divers use hand collection methods, sometimes in combination with the placement of short, bottom-set barrier nets. Nets are usually less than 200 ft in length or 10 ft in height, operate in depths less than 100 ft, and are actively tended. The mesh is small, less than 1 inch, to prevent gilling the smaller aquarium fish.
Management
Managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/Division of Aquatic Resources. An annual permit to collect reef fish is required. Regional bag, slot, and species-specific bans on live harvest may apply in certain designated areas.
Historical Information
Original Category (Year added to the LOF) |
III (2015) |
Original Number of Participants |
90 |
Basis for Original Classification |
There are no known incidental mortalities or serious injuries of marine mammals in this fishery, and there is a remote likelihood of marine mammal interactions because the fishing method is highly selective (collection by hand or with small, attended nets). |
Past Names |
None |
Species/stocks historically documented as killed or injured (but not currently on the list) |
N/A |
Timeline of Changes
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|