Bring capture of tropical fish under control

THE ISSUE Marine biologists say a decrease in ornamental fish is causing algae to suffocate coral reefs.

THE state has adopted important measures to protect the natural resources in the waters around the distant 1,200-mile stretch of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, but tropical fish and coral reefs closer to home might be in peril. Harvesting of fish destined for aquariums needs significant regulation to sustain this valuable resource.

Governor Lingle signed new rules last month that ban commercial and recreational fishing and removal of natural resources in the state waters extending three miles around the Northwestern Islands. Catching ornamental fish in the waters around most of Hawaii's main islands remains virtually unregulated.

Removal of tropical fish from their natural habitat has devastated coral reefs in places like the Philippines, and the same destruction could occur in Hawaiian waters. When populations of species plummet, the algae they normally keep in check can grow to smother coral and kill an entire reef.

Marine biologists see that phenomenon threatening Hawaii's waters, where collectors who buy a $50 permit can net as many tropical fish as they want from any location. The only notable exception is off the Kona Coast of the Big Island, where residents persuaded the Legislature to put more than one-third of the waters off limits to collectors.

Collectors netted 557,673 marine creatures statewide with a value of $1.08 million during the 2004 fiscal year, according to state figures. However, state officials believe the true value might be three to five times that amount. Hawaii is the nation's leading exporter of ornamental fish, and more than 90 percent are collected off the reefs.

"I'm into protecting the reef because I know that's my life," Randy Fenny, owner of Coral Fish Hawaii, told the Associated Press. "And I need to have that reef around the rest of my life."

Hawaii Pacific University and Oceanic Institute began a special course this year to encourage cultivation of ornamental fish aimed at restocking the population where it has been depleted. However, greater protection of the fish in their natural environment is needed to ensure their preservation.

Since the Kona Coast ban was initiated at the end of 1999, the number of yellow tang, the most collected fish species, has risen nearly 50 percent, according to Bill Walsh, an aquatic biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Walsh said the ban has not ruined the industry, as some collectors had warned.

Walsh told the AP that monthly catch reports required of fishermen are likely to be tightened, and the state is considering extending rules like those in force near the Kona Coast to other waters. Such regulation is needed, not to strangle the ornamental fish industry but to keep it thriving.