For Immediate Release: November 14, 2005

“`Ama `ama are about to enter their peak spawning season,” said DLNR chairperson Peter Young. “The annual winter closure is designed to allow the fish to reproduce successfully and protect the species from overfishing.”

During the open season, Hawai`i fishing regulations, enforced by DLNR, call for a minimum catch size for `ama `ama of eleven inches* (measured from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail) for spearing or commercial sale. Violations of the size or season restrictions can result in fines of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, plus up to $100 for each fish taken.

“We ask the public’s kokua in complying with the closed season and the new minimum catch sizes,” said Young. “While it’s DLNR’s job to protect our marine resources, everyone shares in the responsibility to take care of important fish species like `ama `ama to ensure their survival into the future.”

Copies of statewide fishing regulations for ama`ama and all other marine species are available in Honolulu at the DLNR-Aquatics office, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, and at all neighbor island DLNR-Aquatics offices. To report fish catch size or net violations, call 587-0077 on O‘ahu. Neighbor island residents may call toll free by contacting the operator and asking for “Enterprise 5469.”

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