Aquarium fish collectors and local citizens trying to protect reef fish populations along the Kona Coast have been literally fighting it out over the past few years. Not too long ago there was an underwater altercation on one of Kona's reefs where a fish collector attacked an activist who was trying to hinder the collection of reef fish. The collector pulled the breathing regulator out of the activists mouth, depriving her of an air supply. Fortunately, she was able to recover and swim to safety.
Lawmakers have introduced a number of bills ranging from a complete ban on fish collecting to restrictions on the number of collectors and limits on their catches. The latest news is that bill HB873 in a highly modified form, is the only one to move forward for further review in the State Senate. The modified version will hand responsibility for developing rules for aquarium fishing permits and bag limits over to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. This is a major compromise that I am sure those working to protect reef fish populations will not be happy with.
Aquarium fish collectors sell to pet stores on the mainland and some say that they are reducing the diversity and populations of reef fish in a way that is not sustainable. There are some very passionate beliefs on this issue and I am sure that we have a long way to go, before this is resolved. I'll keep you updated.
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