Closed Season on ‘Ama ‘Ama Starts December 1, 2011

By Maui Now Staff

DLNR Chair William J. Aila Jr. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The closed season for ‘ama‘ama or striped mullet, will be closed from Thursday, December 1, 2011 through Saturday, March 31, 2012.

“‘Ama‘ama are about to enter their peak spawning season,” said William J. Aila, Jr., Chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).  “The annual winter closure is designed to help the fish reproduce successfully and protect the species from overfishing,” he said.

Violations of the size or season restrictions can result in fines of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, plus up to $100 for each fish taken.

Aila asked for the public’s help in complying with the closed season saying, “While it’s DLNR’s job to protect our marine resources, everyone shares in the responsibility to take care of important fish species like ‘ama‘ama to ensure their survival into the future.”

Fishing regulations can also be found on the DAR web site at hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar, or at island aquatic resources offices across the state.  To report fish catch size or net violations, call 643-DLNR (643-3567).

*** Supporting information courtesy State of Hawai’i, DLNR.