New Fishing Rule Ensures Sashimi Supply Through the Holidays

Koiso sashimi combo. File photo by Vanessa Wolf

By Maui Now Staff

A new fishing rule will ensure a fresh sashimi supply through the holidays, according to an announcement issued today by US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaiʻi.

Under the current rules, the state’s longline fisheries would likely exhaust its own ʻahi tuna quota in November, just before the holidays, when demand spikes, Schatz said.

Under the new framework though, Schatz said,  Hawaiʻi’s longline fleet could contract with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to use a portion of that area’s unused ʻahi quota.

“For many years, the threat of a shortage during the holidays has caused higher prices for families and less productivity for our fishermen.  That is why I am so pleased we were able to work with both NOAA and the Hawaiʻi longliners on a solution to increase our ʻahi catch, ensuring Hawaiʻi families won’t experience any shortages of sashimi when ringing in the New Year,” said Senator Schatz in a press release statement.

Kampachi with osetra caviar, uni, preserved lemon and blossoms, prepared by Chef Mourad Lahlou at the Kāʻanapali Kitchen Stadium. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Under the new rule proposed by the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, and approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a framework was set for management that ensures fish caught are specified, and measures for accountability are employed, Schatz said.