DAR Proposed Maui and Lana’i Fisheries New Bag and Size Limits

The current state bag and size limits are not restrictive enough to effectively sustain our fish populations. The broad statewide rules are not specific enough to address the individual needs of the islands and have proven difficult to enforce.

The proposed rule would establish new, more protective fisheries regulations for Maui and Lana’i Islands.  The changes will consist of bag and size limits for several popular nearshore fish including goatfish, parrotfish (uhu), and jacks (ulua/papio). In addition to the various bag and size limits, the proposed rules will also include a bag limit of no more than two uhu and prohibitions on the take of blue male uhu for the two large species, and slot limits for ‘omilu.

Download DAR Proposed Rules Package

Sign the petition to show your support and encourage decision makers to do the same.

DAR has been working since 2009 to get public input on the concerns regarding many popular species of near-shore fish. DAR staff reviewed the results of these meetings and developed a specific set of proposed regulated species updates for Maui and Lana’i.  These new rules were derived from public concerns, scientific information regarding the reproductive lifecycles of the regulated species, and input from DOCARE officers.
Russell Sparks, DAR Maui aquatic biologist, will explain the new rules at several public information meetings in Maui County:
Oct. 10, 2013, in Hana at Helene Hall from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Oct.15, 2013, in Lanai City at the Lanai Senior Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Oct. 16, 2013, in Kahului at Maui Waena School Cafe from 5:30 to 8 p.m.