It’s been five years since the National Marine Fisheries Service adopted a take reduction plan (TRP) to address the Hawai‘i longline fleet’s interactions with false killer whales (FKW). The plan required vessels to use stronger branch lines and weaker hooks … Continued
In its first few meetings, Honolulu’s new Climate Change Commission has heard from a slew of city agency heads about the status of their respective agencies’ efforts to plan for climate change effects. Some agencies have gone further than others. … Continued
The Hawai‘i shallow-set longline fishery, which reportedly provides 50 percent of the domestic swordfish catch and generates about $3 million in revenue, could soon close for the third time since 2004 because of its interactions with federally protected sea turtles. … Continued
In January 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a biological opinion (BiOp), which found that the Hawai‘i shallow-set longline fishery would not jeopardize the continued existence of loggerhead or leatherback turtles if it operated under a leatherback interaction … Continued
Neither the expansion of marine monuments nor the strict bigeye tuna quotas set by international fishing organizations have stopped Hawai‘i’s deep-set longline fleet from growing. Last year, the fishery had a record number of active vessels, 145, which together set … Continued
A new stock assessment by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) suggests that the Main Hawaiian Islands bottomfish restricted fishing areas (BRFAs) established two decades ago, when stocks were thought to be in deep peril, could be downsized — … Continued
February came and went without a vote, despite an express wish in November by Honolulu City Council member Ikaika Anderson that one would be taken. March passed, too, and Anderson’s Bill 1, to approve the Ko‘olau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan, … Continued
On July 11, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources fined Hawai‘i Superferry passengers Charlie Bright, Ralph Chun, and Victor Fonoimoana $3,050 each for the unauthorized taking of a total of 934 river stones from the Conservation District of … Continued
How close is too close to quasi-extinction? It’s a subjective question, Melissa Snover told the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council at its June meeting. But in light of the council’s recent recommendation to lift the effort limits on Hawai‘i’s shallow-set … Continued
“This is not a cheerful talk, but it’s based on the best science available,” coral reef expert John “Charlie” Veron told the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council at its June meeting in Honolulu. And while Veron’s talk stuck out like … Continued