Unattended Lay Net Recovered Off Lana‘i Waters

Authorities have recovered a 125-foot-long lay net in waters on the northeast side of Lana‘i.

The net was first spotted Saturday, Nov. 13, 50 yards offshore by a resident who reported to DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE). The next day, a DOCARE officer recovered the fishing equipment.

According to DLNR, the net had no registration tags as required by law. One dead fish was in the net and the officer did not see anyone in the area.

“We want to thank the person who reported this violation,” stated DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla. “Unattended lay nets can indiscriminately kill all types of marine life, including seals and turtles until it is removed from the water. This timely report prevented more marine life from getting caught in the net.”

In addition to requiring registration tags, nets cannot be used from one-half hour before sunrise or one-half hour after sunset. Click here for information on lay net rules.

Violations can be reported by calling the DOCARE hotline at 643-DLNR (3567) or via the free DLNRTip app.