Akule Fishing Damages Reef in West Hawaii

Last week, an attempt to net a school of akule (bigeye scad) off Keauhou in West Hawaii resulted in damage to the reef, as was reported in the West Hawaii Today newspaper.  Several community members were there to get photos and document the incident, which is currently under investigation.

This is an opportunity to highlight Hawaii's Fishing Regulations, particularly HAR 13-95 "Coral and Live Rocks:"

Stony coral
Unlawful to take, break or damage, with any implement, any stony coral from the waters of the State, including any reef or mushroom coral.
Unlawful to sell or offer for sale any stony coral.
HAR 13-95

This incident also demonstrates the value of community participation in the monitoring, reporting and enforcement process.

Here are a few additional photos of the incident courtesy of photographer Bo Pardau: