DAR Implements Rule Changes to Commercial Fishing Licenses

The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has updated commercial marine licenses (CML) terms and conditions to reflect a full statewide ban on commercial aquarium fishing until a final environmental review, as required by a Nov. 27th First Circuit Court ruling.

While the final court order may include further details on how DAR should institute the court requirements, DAR has already updated commercial marine licenses (CML) terms and conditions.

This section, (along with related definitions), has been added:

7. It is illegal and a violation of this commercial marine license to:

a. take marine life for commercial aquarium purposes,

b. possess marine life that has been taken for commercial aquarium purposes, or

c. possess aquarium collecting gear in state marine waters for commercial aquarium purposes,

without first completing the required environmental review process under the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA), HRS Chapter 343.

The latest court ruling added the further requirements of HEPA review for all commercial aquarium fishing, regardless of the collection method.

“All CMLs issued or renewed on Nov. 27, 2020, or later will include terms and conditions that prohibit the take or possession of marine life for commercial aquarium purposes, including the possession of aquarium fishing gear for commercial aquarium purposes, without completing a HEPA review.”