Hawaii FEP - Western Pacific Fishery Council

Pig-lipped uluaRudderfishOctopusParrotfishSquirrelfishInvertebratesAlgaeGoatfishSurgeon/tangsBigeye scad (akule)Mackerel scadFigure 19: MHI Top 10 Coral Reef-associated Species Catch Composition, 2000-2005 Avg.Source: WPacFIN, accessed March 2007With the exception of the FEP’s special permit requirement (see Chapter 5) there are noreporting requirements for recreational and other non-commercial catches from waters aroundthe Hawaii Archipelago, but creel surveys at Kaneohe, Hanalei, and Hilo Bays suggest that thesecatches are at least equivalent to the reported commercial catch, and may be two or three timesgreater (Friedlander 1996). The majority of these catches are believed to be from State watersand would thus not be managed by this FEP; however, the ecosystem approach would warrantconsideration of inshore fisheries and stocks as they interrelate with those in Federal waters.4.5.2 Review of BycatchAll gears used to catch coral reef species are essentially artisanal in nature. Catch rates areminimal, usually only a few pounds per man hour or other unit of effort. Large catches thusdepend on fishing methods employing a lot of people, such as driven-in-net fishing or groupspear fishing. Because of the characteristics of gear and methods, in most cases, coral reeffishing generates very little bycatch. Bycatch is further reduced because almost all reef fish takenare eaten.In the Pacific Islands, discards, where they occur, are usually due to cultural or practical reasons.In some cultures, customary taboos may still adhere. For example, people may avoid nearshorecopraphageous scavengers, such as surf perches (Theraponidae) for this reason. Taboos may alsostem from the association between a species and gender, as is the case with moorish idols(Zanclidae). Some reef fish in Hawaii state waters are also subject to minimum size and weight123