KAHULUI — New state fishing rules regulating the take and possession of uhu (parrotfish) and kumu (goatfish) on Maui island take effect this Saturday, November 1, 2014, following signature into law by Governor Neil Abercrombie.
SAFE GOATS – Diver Dave Fleetham captured the image of the kumu (goatfish). The Hawaii BLNR has finally declared limits on actually “capturing” the species. Click to enlarge. (Photo Courtesy Dave Fleetham)
Hawaii Administrative Rules chapter 13-95.1 sets new bag and size limits for several popular nearshore fish including kumu and uhu. The new rules will include a bag limit of no more than two uhu per person per day and prohibitions on the take of blue male uhu for the two large species (uhu ‘ele‘ele, and uhu uliuli). There will also be bag limits for these popular goatfish: kumu (no more than one), and moana kea and munu (no more than two).
The rules also set new minimum size limits for the two large uhu species (14 inches), all other uhu species (10 inches), the three large goatfish species: kumu, moano kea, and weke nono (12 inches), and all other goatfish species (8 inches), provided that the take of ‘oama (juvenile weke‘a less than 5 inches in length) is allowed by hook-and-line only.
“The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supports this rule change to better manage these fish species. This decision is based on many years of research on the biology and ecology of these fishes, as well as evidence of decreased numbers on Maui’s nearshore coral reefs,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.
The Board of Land and Natural Resources adopted the rule changes on Friday, September 26, 2014. Public hearings on the draft rules were held on Maui and Lanai between November 19-21, 2013.
The new rule HAR 13-95.1 may be viewed online here.
For more information on the rules contact the Maui office of the Division of Aquatic Resources at (808)243-5294.