ALERT: TESTIMONY NEEDED! Final Step to Bring Sustainably Fished Yellow Tangs & Potters Angelfish Back to the Hobby!
After a long, drawn-out process, the fishers in West Hawaii have completed the EIS that was required by the Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. The EIS has been approved by the Land Board and the Courts. Now, the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has proposed a rules package including quotas, size limits, and other regulations to manage the sustainable fishery for aquarium fish in West Hawaii. This is the final hurdle that must be overcome, and once passed, permits will be issued and fishing can resume.
You can help to bring sustainably fished Yellow Tangs and Potters Angelfish back to the hobby by submitting your testimony to the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). It is super easy and takes less than 2 minutes to let your voice be heard! The deadline for testimony to be accepted is fast approaching, so please submit yours today through Support Hawaii Fishers!
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As a dedicated reef hobbyist and supporter of sustainable marine practices, I respectfully support the science-based reopening of Hawai‘i’s aquarium fishery under strong regulation and oversight. Responsible collection can coexist with reef conservation, local livelihoods, and education about marine ecosystems. A balanced approach that includes sustainable wild collection alongside aquaculture helps maintain genetic diversity, supports island communities, and keeps the global reef hobby connected to conservation outcomes.
Mahalo for considering public testimony on this important issue.
LFS OWNER , biota is the problem not the industry. They have created a monster by gouging retailers with forced sales of products to get the yellow tangs, picking and choosing which vendors get the best and largest amounts based on how much they spend and if they’re buddies. Open Hawaii and free the industry from the bully that is biota!