#aquarium trade
State Land Board advances plan to re-open Hawaiʻi waters to aquarium pet industry
The rulemaking decision — made last week during a regular board meeting — follows a prior board vote to ban reef fish collection along with intense public opposition to the capture and sale of native reef fish, many from West Hawaiʻi waters.
All Aquarium Collection Banned in Hawai‘i Unless EIS is Completed and Approved
The Court’s ruling explains that none of the current CMLs may be used for commercial aquarium collection. The ruling does not affect other types of commercial fishing or taking of marine life.
Hawai‘i Court Rules Commercial Aquarium Collection Without Environmental Review is Illegal
Court closes loophole that environmental groups say allowed industry to illegally extract over half a million marine animals from Hawai‘i reefs since 2017.
Reef Advocates Say Penalty for Alleged Poaching Amounts to Just 36 Cents Per Fish
A $200 fine, plus court fees, was the sole penalty issued yesterday by the South Kohala Court against 1 of 2 defendants charged with poaching 550 reef fish for the aquarium pet trade.
Environmental Groups Call Aquarium Industry Assessment “Flawed”
“…can’t ignore the 800-pound gorilla that, except for bag limits for a limited number of species, nothing prohibits these collectors from taking every single fish from every singe reef in the state.” –Earthjustice
Intent to Veto List Includes Bills on Aquarium Fish, Tiny Homes, Motorcycle Safety
Governor David Ige’s intent to veto list includes measures relating to tiny homes, motorcycle safety and aquarium fish permits.
Ing’s Bill Aims to Limit Fish Collecting for Aquarium Trade
The bill was prompted by stakeholders in environmental protection agencies and the tourism industry who have noticed less colorful fish when out snorkeling.
Hawaiʻi Marine Bills Draw Nearly 4,000 Pieces of Testimony
One of the bills, HB511 seeks to prohibit the harassment of anyone who is marine or aquarium fishing, and specifically tasks conservation officers with enforcing the harassment ban.
VIDEO: Diver Attacked While Filming Reef Fish Collector
Rene Umberger was documenting an aquarium trade wildlife collection operation on Thursday, May 8, when another diver pulled the air regulator from her mouth at 50 feet below the surface.
Aquarium Fish Trade Focus of Proposed Rules
Here on Maui, the contentious issue of aquarium fishing in Hawaiian waters has drawn the attention of marine advocacy groups. The Maui-based group, For the Fishes, claims the industry had led to a drastic decline in the populations of reef fish in unprotected areas, has caused coral reef degradation, and depleted populations of some species.
