Hawaii fishermen who like to use a gill, or lay net to catch nearshore fish would have to register with the state and comply with tighter rules, under a proposal to be discussed at informational meetings this month. Hearings to consider
tighter regulations
on gill net fishingA rule would require gill net
fishermen to register with the stateBy Diana Leone
dleone@starbulletin.comThe state Division of Aquatic Resources proposal would require all gill net users to have numbered tags identifying their nets so that wildlife officers could enforce rules about how long such nets can be left in the water, said Francis Oishi, program manager for recreational fisheries.
As it is, officers who see unattended nets do not know who owns them and cannot enforce the rules, he said.
"I think there's going to be a certain amount of resistance because this is something new, and it's going to be more restrictive," Oishi said. "However, there are a lot of fishermen out there who believe gill nets are too efficient and that we're taking more fish than should be taken."
Gill net users typically target species including akule, goatfishes, surgeonfishes, wrasses and squirrelfishes, Oishi said.
The net registration and other changes to the rules all are intended to reduce overall catch via gill nets, bycatch and catch of juvenile fish, and the likelihood of snagging turtles.
The proposals stem from recommendations of a gill net task force and concerns expressed by the general community.
"We would like to stress that the hearings are a public discussion on these proposals. So, they are subject to change based on these discussions," said William Devick, Division of Aquatic Resources administrator. "No decision has yet been made on these proposals, but persons wishing to change them should be prepared to give reasons why they should be changed or dropped. They are also encouraged to add proposals that have not yet been considered."
Recommended changes include how long a net may be left in the water, frequency of use and inspection, maximum lengths, hours of legal use, depth of water for use, banning of multiple nets, and guidelines to prevent damage to coral.
A free summary of the proposed changes can be obtained by calling 587-0100 or writing the Division of Aquatic Resources offices on each island. They are also available online at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dar.
Meetings begin Tuesday on Molokai and conclude with three meetings on Oahu in the first week of October. After analyzing public input, the division, which is part of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, would hold public hearings on the rule changes sometime next year, Oishi said.
Meetings will be held on:
>> Molokai: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai.Written comments can be submitted until Oct. 23 to the Division of Aquatic Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, Honolulu 96813.
>> Lanai: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Lanai Public Library meeting room.
>> Big Island (three meetings):
Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., at Kealakehe High School cafeteria, Kona.
Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., Waimea Middle School Library meeting room.
Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m., Hilo High School cafeteria.
>> Maui: Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Lihikai Elementary School cafeteria, Kahului.
>> Kauai: Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria, Lihue.
>> Oahu (three meetings):
Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m., Waianae Public Library meeting room.
Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m., Benjamin Parker Elementary School cafeteria, Kaneohe.
Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m., Ala Moana Beach Park, McCoy Pavilion.