A Sustainable Fishery

HTFA members understand that Hawai‘i’s aquarium fish are a valuable natural resource. As fishermen and industry participants, we depend upon the ocean for our livelihood, and work hard every day to conserve our resources for the future. Here are some quick facts about our fishery (bolded in the text below):

According to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, the aquarium fishery is currently the most economically significant nearshore fishery in the state, generating more income than even bottomfish, akule, and lobster (Dierking 2002).

Although Hawai‘i provides only a small percentage of the world’s marine aquarium fish, we are renowned for our sustainable, humane, and environmentally-friendly fishing methods (Wood 1985). Hawaii leads the world in using responsible collection methods and providing the highest quality fish to aquarists worldwide. By law, Hawaiian aquarium fishes can be captured using only small-mesh fence and hand nets, which does not harm the marine environment, ensures that the fish stay healthy, and allows us to release any unwanted fish unharmed.

Because fish suitable for aquariums are small, abundant, and reproduce quickly, the aquarium fishery in Hawai‘i has proven to be sustainable. The fishery is regulated and monitored by the state, and research conducted since 1997 by DLNR has shown that aquarium fish have not declined in numbers over the past ten years.  The same studies have shown that our fishery does not harm coral or otherwise affect the health of the reef.