Protecting Hawaii's Reefs
- Thread starter andynyc
- Start date
One part of article is wrong, Governor Lingle banned all LONG-LINE fishing in waters up to 3 miles off shore...not ALL fishing. They proposed a bill to ban Deep-Sea fishing also, just several days ago.
As a Hawai resident, I do not agree with many of the laws regulating the saltwater fish industry here. Many of them are done frivilously because they think that SOMETHING must be done about the depleting fish populations in Hawaiian waters.
Now the problem is that they are not reading the true numbers. Now a report says that since 1990, the fish populations of the coast of Kona have dropped by over 40%. Now I admit that is a cause for alarm. However, what they do not mention, is that in between 1990-1995, the fish population in the same area dropped over 80%, and have been on a steady incline since. The reason for the sudden drop was in 1991 Hurricane Iniki hit, effective destroying our reefs. Reefs=fish habitats, and the fish populations declined because of that. Ever since that Hurricane, damaged reefs have shown significant signs of improvement and fish populations have been booming. Every year that passes, you can see a significant increase in populations of certain fish.
However, because of the drop in fish populations since 1990, their is much finger-pointing. They first targetted fishermen, but because of the overwhelming support against the regulations, the state regulated saltwater fish collecting, in the form of licensing and regulations. The licensing was good in my opinion, but not enforced. Not until very recently has the State been taking action against the fishermen also.
But to add insult to injury, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has proposed a bill that would BAN all saltwater fish collecting in Hawaiian waters. Now I am strictly opposed to this, as I do not blame fish collectors for any decline of fish populations. However, the DLNR is not responding to ANY comments or suggestions by saltwater fish communities.
Further more, the State still allows limestone extraction from Hawaiian reefs. This involves the use of dynamite to blast portions of the reef off to remove the limestone for use in construction of buildings. I believe this industry should be regulated more than the Saltwater fish collection industry.
However, all this that I am speaking of is the regulations around the southern Hawaiian islands that does not really pertain to this article.
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands SHOULD be made into a protected habitat. For those of you who don't have a weak stomach, I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend checking out the book Archipelago, which is a picture account of what has been happening to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is very sad, as debris from the Southern, inhabited Islands have been floating up to the Norther Islands polluting a killing the birds and fish. Plus the lost nets from the fishing vessels out there are dragging on the reef, destroying the reefs.
Sorry for the long post, I had to vent a little.
As a Hawai resident, I do not agree with many of the laws regulating the saltwater fish industry here. Many of them are done frivilously because they think that SOMETHING must be done about the depleting fish populations in Hawaiian waters.
Now the problem is that they are not reading the true numbers. Now a report says that since 1990, the fish populations of the coast of Kona have dropped by over 40%. Now I admit that is a cause for alarm. However, what they do not mention, is that in between 1990-1995, the fish population in the same area dropped over 80%, and have been on a steady incline since. The reason for the sudden drop was in 1991 Hurricane Iniki hit, effective destroying our reefs. Reefs=fish habitats, and the fish populations declined because of that. Ever since that Hurricane, damaged reefs have shown significant signs of improvement and fish populations have been booming. Every year that passes, you can see a significant increase in populations of certain fish.
However, because of the drop in fish populations since 1990, their is much finger-pointing. They first targetted fishermen, but because of the overwhelming support against the regulations, the state regulated saltwater fish collecting, in the form of licensing and regulations. The licensing was good in my opinion, but not enforced. Not until very recently has the State been taking action against the fishermen also.
But to add insult to injury, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has proposed a bill that would BAN all saltwater fish collecting in Hawaiian waters. Now I am strictly opposed to this, as I do not blame fish collectors for any decline of fish populations. However, the DLNR is not responding to ANY comments or suggestions by saltwater fish communities.
Further more, the State still allows limestone extraction from Hawaiian reefs. This involves the use of dynamite to blast portions of the reef off to remove the limestone for use in construction of buildings. I believe this industry should be regulated more than the Saltwater fish collection industry.
However, all this that I am speaking of is the regulations around the southern Hawaiian islands that does not really pertain to this article.
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands SHOULD be made into a protected habitat. For those of you who don't have a weak stomach, I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend checking out the book Archipelago, which is a picture account of what has been happening to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is very sad, as debris from the Southern, inhabited Islands have been floating up to the Norther Islands polluting a killing the birds and fish. Plus the lost nets from the fishing vessels out there are dragging on the reef, destroying the reefs.
Sorry for the long post, I had to vent a little.
Pandora
Premium Member
TheHedge, great post.
To you and others familiar with Hawaii, how do you feel about Hanama Bay? I lived on Oahu a few months as a medical student doing my rotations there (and considered a residency there). While there, I got to frequent quite a few snorkling spots on the islands, sad that the south shore is so polluted. So now, at Hanama, they charge $5 for admission and make you watch an educational movie about conservation, and stuff like why you shouldn't step on live rock when you snorkle, etc. And I know that these fees add up and that they all go towards supporting conservation efforts, etc. But it was sad how the place still ends up getting somewhat trashed by tourists, with so many people coming to this "hotspot" now. I understand it was pristine years before that, now if you go, you can barely see anything. I couldn't help but think that maybe they should at least close it off to tourism for a few years and let it build itself up again at least since it is in a protected cove, it wouldn't be that hard to enforce. Am I missing something here? Maybe it's just like fighting the tide, or at least the ongoing march of population booms & tourism...if it weren't for laws, it would only be a matter of time before the same issues started creeping towards the northern and less populated islands...
To you and others familiar with Hawaii, how do you feel about Hanama Bay? I lived on Oahu a few months as a medical student doing my rotations there (and considered a residency there). While there, I got to frequent quite a few snorkling spots on the islands, sad that the south shore is so polluted. So now, at Hanama, they charge $5 for admission and make you watch an educational movie about conservation, and stuff like why you shouldn't step on live rock when you snorkle, etc. And I know that these fees add up and that they all go towards supporting conservation efforts, etc. But it was sad how the place still ends up getting somewhat trashed by tourists, with so many people coming to this "hotspot" now. I understand it was pristine years before that, now if you go, you can barely see anything. I couldn't help but think that maybe they should at least close it off to tourism for a few years and let it build itself up again at least since it is in a protected cove, it wouldn't be that hard to enforce. Am I missing something here? Maybe it's just like fighting the tide, or at least the ongoing march of population booms & tourism...if it weren't for laws, it would only be a matter of time before the same issues started creeping towards the northern and less populated islands...
Thanks for the positive comment.
I am actually not too sure what I think about Hanauma Bay. From a Conservation aspect, it would definately be better for the park to be off-limits to any people...so that the fish can live in peace. However, people are sneaking in food like peas and bread to feed the fish...as the State charges $5 for a small handful of food. I believe the health of the fish are at risk from eating non-marine foods.
At the same time, from an economical stand-point, Hanuama Bay is one of the few places in Hawaii that tourists and locals alike can enjoy a beautiful area with beautiful fish...plus many businesses in the area of Hawaii Kai are solely based on Hanauma Bay visitors...it would completely devastate the economy in that area to shut down the park.
In addition, I dont like the idea of the fee...if Hanauma Bay is going to remain open, I think it should be free so that all can view it and enjoy it as what it is, nature, and not some hokey tourist attraction like Luau's and Waikiki Beach now. The video I am kind of so-so about, it is a good video, but making it mandatory for all visitors?? I dont know about that.
Without going into a huge debate, Hawaii MUST do something to conserve the reefs, I am a huge advocate here and am in touch with all my Congressmen and officials trying to get the RIGHT laws up. Your idea of closing Hanauma Bay for a few years every so often is a GREAT idea...there are several coastal areas with alternating years of conservation and it has really worked well for wildlife populations. However, sadly, the state will never close their biggest moneymaker in the tourism industry for the sake of conservation.
I am actually not too sure what I think about Hanauma Bay. From a Conservation aspect, it would definately be better for the park to be off-limits to any people...so that the fish can live in peace. However, people are sneaking in food like peas and bread to feed the fish...as the State charges $5 for a small handful of food. I believe the health of the fish are at risk from eating non-marine foods.
At the same time, from an economical stand-point, Hanuama Bay is one of the few places in Hawaii that tourists and locals alike can enjoy a beautiful area with beautiful fish...plus many businesses in the area of Hawaii Kai are solely based on Hanauma Bay visitors...it would completely devastate the economy in that area to shut down the park.
In addition, I dont like the idea of the fee...if Hanauma Bay is going to remain open, I think it should be free so that all can view it and enjoy it as what it is, nature, and not some hokey tourist attraction like Luau's and Waikiki Beach now. The video I am kind of so-so about, it is a good video, but making it mandatory for all visitors?? I dont know about that.
Without going into a huge debate, Hawaii MUST do something to conserve the reefs, I am a huge advocate here and am in touch with all my Congressmen and officials trying to get the RIGHT laws up. Your idea of closing Hanauma Bay for a few years every so often is a GREAT idea...there are several coastal areas with alternating years of conservation and it has really worked well for wildlife populations. However, sadly, the state will never close their biggest moneymaker in the tourism industry for the sake of conservation.
Zoos are all over the place. Do you go diving, even snorkeling? I think just about any area on the North, West, or East shore have them in abundance...for some reason, I dont find much on the south shore unless you go out to the outer reef areas on a boat.
If you are an experienced diver, Lanai Lookout has some of the most beautiful zoos I have ever seen, even compared to pictures I see online, like one zoo, a quite large colony, you can see from like 15 feet away, with its lime green rim and bright red middle. However I have not collected this one yet, because I personally have an issue with ripping them off the rock. I only collect the zoos that I find loose.
Most of the nicer zoos are found in shallower waters like 5-10 feet deep, and as you go out deeper, you will find more drab, "faded" colors...as I would call it. However, I know after putting them in my MH lighting, they turn bright pink and purple after several months.
The place I usually dive is on private property, a friends property, so I cannot suggest this place to dive.
Also for some reason, I find more during Winter, so right about now is the best time to dive, but I haven't been out for over a month now...so I cannot say for sure that this year is the same.
In addition, you canfind some unusual zoos reef walking on the North Shore, there is this Pitch Black zoo that is darker than lava rock with these fluorescent green dots in the center...I haven't seen another one like it...and I find it in little crevices in the rock. Bring a flashlight with you, even in the day time, as they are very hard to see without it.
If you are an experienced diver, Lanai Lookout has some of the most beautiful zoos I have ever seen, even compared to pictures I see online, like one zoo, a quite large colony, you can see from like 15 feet away, with its lime green rim and bright red middle. However I have not collected this one yet, because I personally have an issue with ripping them off the rock. I only collect the zoos that I find loose.
Most of the nicer zoos are found in shallower waters like 5-10 feet deep, and as you go out deeper, you will find more drab, "faded" colors...as I would call it. However, I know after putting them in my MH lighting, they turn bright pink and purple after several months.
The place I usually dive is on private property, a friends property, so I cannot suggest this place to dive.
Also for some reason, I find more during Winter, so right about now is the best time to dive, but I haven't been out for over a month now...so I cannot say for sure that this year is the same.
In addition, you canfind some unusual zoos reef walking on the North Shore, there is this Pitch Black zoo that is darker than lava rock with these fluorescent green dots in the center...I haven't seen another one like it...and I find it in little crevices in the rock. Bring a flashlight with you, even in the day time, as they are very hard to see without it.
Nice to see many from Hawaii around here.
Could you please give more detail info about the sites to collect the zoas? Where at North Shore? I would love to see the black one and many others. ItÃ"šÃ‚´s really hard to find them around South Shore.
Do you have pictures of them? It would be great to see legal Hawaiian reef tanks!
Could you let us know how to get the "Molokai Live Rock". It would be great if we could ge some instead having to make cement rocks for future tanks.
Aloha,
Grandis.
Could you please give more detail info about the sites to collect the zoas? Where at North Shore? I would love to see the black one and many others. ItÃ"šÃ‚´s really hard to find them around South Shore.
Do you have pictures of them? It would be great to see legal Hawaiian reef tanks!
Could you let us know how to get the "Molokai Live Rock". It would be great if we could ge some instead having to make cement rocks for future tanks.
Aloha,
Grandis.
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Zoanthids are very common in shallow water all around the island. Try snorkeling in 2-6 feet of water and see what you can spot - I find they're most plentiful in areas of heavy wave action.
Never tried collecting zoas myself, though - it's not my area of interest.
Sinularia leather coral might also be fun to try keeping, and I imagine it's legal to harvest if you can remove it from the rock. Has anybody tried this?
Never tried collecting zoas myself, though - it's not my area of interest.
Sinularia leather coral might also be fun to try keeping, and I imagine it's legal to harvest if you can remove it from the rock. Has anybody tried this?
Finally some fellow reefers in Hawaii. I will be moving to Oahu in July and was getting discouraged because no-one had any info for me. I have been reading some of the local laws and I know fish is okay and even sand collecting (limited to daily quantities) is okay. The biggest problem is the locals don't take to kind to people who take stuff from the waters of Hawaii.
Was wondering if there were any fish stores available to the public you can recommend in Oahu or internet companies that will ship to Hawaii.
I agree with you as well in reference to Hanauma...I go every year to vist my parents for vacation and it seems that the sea life becomes more and more scarce every couple years. They should close it to the public for a little while.
Was wondering if there were any fish stores available to the public you can recommend in Oahu or internet companies that will ship to Hawaii.
I agree with you as well in reference to Hanauma...I go every year to vist my parents for vacation and it seems that the sea life becomes more and more scarce every couple years. They should close it to the public for a little while.
RGBMatt: I read the article in the Honolulu Advertiser regarding the fish collecting limitations that the DLNR is proposing. I am fully against this Bill, and it is set t enter the State Senate for the 2007 Legislative session from what I have heard. I am going to fight it...I was hoping to eventually put together a petition, but until it gets into Bill format, I cannot put together a petition. Because State law requires that any signers of a petition must receive a copy of the Bill they are signing against in order for it to be valid. I expect them to formally announce the Bill sometime in October.
Also, where are you finding this Sinularia? Are you sure it is Sinularia you see? I am not aware of any spots on Oahu with Sinularia.
Grandis: Sent you a PM with a few tips on finding them. RGBMatt described it pretty well. The majority of the nice ones are in shallower than 10ft.
mcontemp: There are many people who don't like people collecting from the ocean. However, if you show respect for them and the land, then they are usually ok with it. One of my dive spots is at a park where many Hawaiians (mostly the ones who get upset about collecting) have picnics and such. Just make sure you dont take a lot at a time, as they will get upset because you would obviously be taking more than you need. And also be friendly. Eventhough it is public land, you must show that you understand that they have respect for the land and that you respect thier opinions. They are very nice people and have even invited me and friends to some of their picnics to eat after a long days of diving.
dwiseman: Modern Pet Center is the ONLY LFS that I could recommend...as they do not practice nor support "destructive reef collectors". You know, as for leaving the island with things you buy, it is really up in the air. Technically, as long as the state you are traveling to doesnt have any regulations against it, you should be allowed to. However, Hawaii Agriculture has been known to confiscate animals leaving the state. So its really a risk.
Also, where are you finding this Sinularia? Are you sure it is Sinularia you see? I am not aware of any spots on Oahu with Sinularia.
Grandis: Sent you a PM with a few tips on finding them. RGBMatt described it pretty well. The majority of the nice ones are in shallower than 10ft.
mcontemp: There are many people who don't like people collecting from the ocean. However, if you show respect for them and the land, then they are usually ok with it. One of my dive spots is at a park where many Hawaiians (mostly the ones who get upset about collecting) have picnics and such. Just make sure you dont take a lot at a time, as they will get upset because you would obviously be taking more than you need. And also be friendly. Eventhough it is public land, you must show that you understand that they have respect for the land and that you respect thier opinions. They are very nice people and have even invited me and friends to some of their picnics to eat after a long days of diving.
dwiseman: Modern Pet Center is the ONLY LFS that I could recommend...as they do not practice nor support "destructive reef collectors". You know, as for leaving the island with things you buy, it is really up in the air. Technically, as long as the state you are traveling to doesnt have any regulations against it, you should be allowed to. However, Hawaii Agriculture has been known to confiscate animals leaving the state. So its really a risk.
CorbetJackson50
New member
am i reading this post correctly that you may collect zoa's in hawaii, if so do you need a permit? I know they must be unatatched to rock.
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