Decision Making Set on New Rules for Maui Fishing Bag and Size Limits

Prohibitions are proposed on the take of blue male uhu for the two large species–uhu ʻuliʻuli (top) and uhu ʻeleʻele (bottom). Photos courtesy DLNR Powerpoint. Credit: Dr. John E. Randall.

By Wendy Osher

The state will consider approval of new fishing rules that would establish bag and size limits for uhu or parrotfish and kūmū or goatfish caught in Maui waters.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources will take up the issue on Friday, Sept. 26, for decision making.

The proposed rules include a bag limit of no more than two large uhu (uhu ʻahuʻula and palukaluka), and prohibitions on the take of blue male uhu for the two large species–uhu ʻuliʻuli and uhu ʻeleʻele.

The size limit for uhu is a minimum of 14 inches for the large species and a minimum of 10 inches for the small species.

Bag limits are also proposed for the popular goatfish or kūmū of no more than one; and moano kea and munu of no more than two.

The size limit for goatfish is a minimum of 12 inches for the large species and a minimum of 8 inches for the small species.

“The Division of Aquatic Resources strongly supports this rule

Kūmū (top left), moano kea (top right), munu (bottom left), wekeʻa (bottom right). Photos courtesy DLNR Powerpoint. Credit: Dr. John E. Randall.

package. It is based on more than five years’ research on the biology and ecology of these fishes, and population data that indicate management is required now,” said Frazer McGilvray, Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator in a department press release.

Public hearings on the draft rules were held on Maui and Lānaʻi in November last year.

Department officials say draft rules for jacks and other fishes, and proposed rule changes for Lānaʻi were removed from the proposed amendments.

The Division of Aquatic Resources officials say they will work with the Lānaʻi community to develop rule changes for that island in the near future.