Annual Closure Of ‘Ama‘Ama Season: Dec. 1 – March 31

The Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds the fishing public that the season for ‘ama‘ama or striped mullet will be closed from Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, through Thursday, March 31, 2016.

“‘Ama‘ama are about to enter their peak spawning season, which increases their vulnerability to fishing pressure,” said Bruce Anderson, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources administrator in a department press release. “The annual winter closure is designed to help the fish reproduce successfully and protect the species from over fishing,” he said.

There are two kinds of penalties, criminal and civil for seasonal violations.

• Criminal penalties: are a petty misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $500 per violation and/or 30 days in jail. There is no per specimen fine.
• Civil penalties: for first offenses are up to $1,000 per specimen and $1,000 per violation.

“We ask the public’s compliance with the closed season,” Anderson said. “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.”

Copies of statewide fishing regulations for ‘ama‘ama and all other marine species are available in Honolulu at the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources office located at 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, and at all neighbor island DAR offices.

Fishing regulations can also be found on the DAR website. To report violations of fish catch size or net use, the public is asked to call the DLNR enforcement hotline at (808) 643-DLNR (643-3567).