August 2016 PDF
August 2016
‘Worst-Case Scenario’ Plays Out
‘Worst-Case Scenario’ Plays Out: In April, we reported that fishing industry experts speculated the Hawai`i longline fleet might reach its annual catch quota for bigeye tuna in the Western and Central Pacific as early as June. Then, as we report … Continued
A clarification on fish exports
Our cover story attempting to clarify issues surrounding the proposed expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument unfortunately includes some rather confusing language. With regard to the debate over the percentage of fish caught by the Hawaii longline fleet that actually stays within the state, … Continued
Former Guam Council Member Lashes Out at Environmentalists
In the press release it issued at the conclusion of its June meeting, the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council led off with comments from former council chair Manny Duenas. For years, Duenas represented Guam on the council. When he stepped … Continued
New & Noteworthy: Save the Date, Hu Honua, DBEDT PR
Save the Date: Robin Baird, the foremost expert on Hawai`i’s false killer whales and other resident cetaceans, will be the special guest speaker at the annual Environment Hawai`i dinner. Date: August 21, Sunday. Time: 6-8:30 pm Place: `Imiloa Astronomy Center, … Continued
NWHI Advisory Council Supports Plan To Keep Middle Bank Open to Fishing
On June 16, Sen. Brian Schatz sent President Barack Obama a proposal to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). It was similar to one floated earlier in the month by the group of native … Continued
Wespac Members, Staff Fulminate Against Expanded Marine Monument
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council had its 166th meeting last month on Saipan and Guam. While council actions were generally limited in scope – for example, requesting council staff to convey its sentiments to various federal agencies on a … Continued
Debate Heats Up Over Potential Impacts Of Expanded Monument on Longliners
(This article has been corrected to clarify Mike Goto’s estimate of the percentage of fish exported.) When it comes to the arguments that supporters and opponents of the proposed expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument have put forth about the … Continued
Some Council Family Members Omit Financial Interests on Disclosure Form
The Magnuson-Stevens Act gives wide leeway to members of the eight regional fishery management councils when it comes to voting on matters in which they, their spouses, or their minor children might have a financial interest. It does, however, … Continued
Proponents Argue NWHI Monument Expansion Would Protect Sea Bed, Cultural Resources
The debate over the proposed expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument has so far focused mainly on potential impacts to Hawai`i’s longline fishery. But at last month’s meeting of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council, William Aila … Continued