Public Meetings on NWHI Monument Expansion Area Fishing Regulations

Hawaii Archipelago, News and Updates

 
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council held public meetings to discuss non-commercial fishing in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The WPRFMC invited the public to attend one of a series of public meetings to review potential fishing regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Monument Expansion Area (see locations below).
 
Date Island Location Time
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 Kauai

Elise H. Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria

4319 Hardy St., Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766

 6—9 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 Maui

UH Maui College Ka Lama Room 103

310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, Maui, HI 96732

 6—9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 Big Island

Grand Naniloa Hotel

93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, Hawaii Island, HI 96720

 6—9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 Big Island

Royal Kona Resort Discovery Room

75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island, HI 96740

 10 a.m.—1 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 Molokai

Lanikeha Community Center

2200 Farrington Ave, Hoolehua, Molokai, HI 96729

 6—9 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 Oahu

Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom

410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI, 96814

 6—9 p.m.

The Council had developed options and sought input from the fishing community, the Native Hawaiian community, and other groups on appropriate fishing regulations and definitions for non-commercial fishing. It is important for the Council to hear from the fishing community and the Native Hawaiian community to learn what is both needed and appropriate for the area.  The Council requested to hear more about:

    • Historical uses of the MEA;
    • Which definition of subsistence meets the needs of the community;
    • The potential inclusion of customary exchange; and
    • Any demand for access to the fishery resources in the MEA.

The Council took final action on fishing regulations for the MEA and provide those recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service for implementation.

For more information on the NWHI Fisheries, click here.