THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1240

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that, except for limited protected areas, state law allows an unlimited number of permits to collect aquarium fish to be issued, and there is no limit on the amount collected for many species.  The legislature further finds that "sustainable" as it relates to aquatic life remains undefined, and sustainability is not a factor that is considered by the State when issuing licenses for commercial collection of aquatic life.

     The legislature finds that herbivorous fish play a significant role in maintaining the resiliency of coral reefs as they exert strong top-down pressure on macro algae growth on the reef, and the decline in wild herbivore populations is a known stressor to coral reefs.  Scientists estimate in "Recovery Potential of the World's Coral Reef Fishes", MacNeil et al., Nature, April 2015, that the time needed for a moderately fished coral reef to recover is approximately thirty-five years and as many as fifty-nine years for more depleted reefs.  Their findings demonstrate that a range of fisheries restrictions can help reefs recover.

     The legislature finds that it is critical that the State leave healthy aquatic life on the reefs.  The State's economy is inextricably tied to its marine environment, and the economic and environmental benefits of reef protection go far beyond tourist dollars that currently drive the economy.  Herbivore populations that have declined or disappeared in Hawaii must be restored to promote reef recovery and the socioeconomic well-being of our people.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to define "sustainable" and establish sustainable collection practices and limits, for legislative adoption, to ensure the sustainability of Hawaii's native near shore aquatic life.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall submit proposed legislation to the legislature including a definition of "sustainable", a policy for sustainable collection practices of near shore aquatic life, and limits on the total number of species and sustainable rates of collection no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2019.

     (b)  The department of land and natural resources shall promote research and education on the State's near shore aquatic life and work to increase aquatic life health and numbers to historical levels.

     (c)  For purposes of this section:

     "Aquatic life" has the same meaning as defined in section 187A-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     "Near shore" means up to three miles from the shoreline.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 


 


 

Report Title:

Hawaii Aquatic Life Protection; Sustainability

 

Description:

Requires DLNR to submit proposed legislation to the legislature by the 2019 regular session including a definition of "sustainable", a policy for sustainable collection practices of near shore aquatic life, and limits on collection.  (SD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.