Saving Seafood

Hawaii fishermen and scientists team up tagging ahi tuna

July 24, 2024 — Tuna researcher Molly Lutcavage has been working with fishermen for over two decades. “We were criticized for working with commercial fishermen. But how could you not work with commercial fishermen? They’re the experts,” she says. A veteran tuna researcher, Lutcavage is helping a team of fishermen and scientists in Hawaii to employ new tagging technology for ahi (yellowfin) tuna.

Nathan Abe, who fishes for ahi and other tuna species in the waters west of the Hawaii’s Big Island has been tagging the ahi tuna with a new HI tag, a small strip of plastic bearing an RFID chip. Developed by Tim Lam and Lutcavage, the HI tag in combination with a smartphone app will help fishermen and scientists learn more about the travels of the ahi tuna.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

HAWAII: Kaua‘i and Big Island fishermen to trial new tuna tagging technology

July 8, 2024 — It’s summertime in Hawai‘i: ‘Ahi season, when Pacific yellowfin tuna traditionally run at their greatest numbers in island waters.

A cadre of Kaua‘i and Big Island fishermen are set this year to do more than simply catch ‘ahi – an iconic, torpedolike tuna important to local culture and cuisine. They will trial first-of-their-kind tags intended to change how fish are studied.

Lifelong Kaua‘i fisherman Cory Nakamura has caught at least one ‘ahi per year since first stepping foot on a boat at the age of 5. He is participating because he wants to ensure future generations can grow up doing the same.

“We would like to continue this culture and lifestyle … We always celebrate having some fresh fish around,” said Nakamura, the principal of Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary in Līhu‘e, who worked as a part-time commercial fisherman during his early teaching days. “It’s going to take some science and some good habits to sustain the availability of fish in the future.”

The Hawai‘i ‘ahi fishery is neither overfished nor subject to overfishing, according to NOAA Fisheries. But there is much to learn about the species in Hawai‘i waters. Its annual migration routes, spawning grounds and connectivity to tuna elsewhere in the Pacific are not well documented.

Read the full article at Big Island Now

Hawai‘i Longline Fishery Sees Revenue Decline in 2023 Due to Drop in Fish Prices at Honolulu Fish Auction

June 10, 2024 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

A report prepared for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council highlights a nearly 8% decline in revenue for the Hawai‘i longline fishery due to a drop in average fish prices at the first point of landing in Honolulu Harbor. The 2023 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Report, which monitors fish catch and revenue, will be presented to scientists and advisors of the Council’s 152nd Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting from June 11-13, 2024, for advice on shaping the future of fisheries management in the Western Pacific Region.

The report indicates that while the Hawai‘i longline fishery landed slightly more fish in 2023, greater yields did not lead to higher revenue. Industry representatives confirmed better catch rates towards the end of 2023, but overall it was a very tough year for the fleet. It was further noted that the volume and price of subsidized foreign imports, coupled with all-time high operational costs, are causing severe economic impacts on the fleet, which is the State’s largest food producer. The Hawai‘i longline fleet consists of 150 U.S.-flagged vessels operating out of Honolulu Harbor. The SSC will discuss this information to provide scientific advice on management of this fishery.

Electronic monitoring is in the planning stages for tracking protected species interactions with the Hawai‘i longline fisheries. SSC discussions will address delays due to funding shortfalls, the reduction in human observer coverage and potential pathways for phasing in electronic monitoring to meet regulatory obligations.

The SSC will also advise the Council on catch limits for the main Hawaiian Islands deep-seven bottomfish fishery. The 2023 report showed recent bottomfish catch has been well-below current limits, and the fishery is neither overfished nor experiencing overfishing. A new stock assessment will help the SSC quantify the risk of overfishing and uncertainty.

A recent national focus on climate change and environmental justice requires the Council to look at ways to manage fisheries for resiliency. To support this effort, the SSC will review revisions and suggestions from various advisory groups on research priorities that promote climate change resiliency, equity and environmental justice, and regulatory efficiency in fisheries management.

The SSC meeting is open for both in-person and remote participation via web conference. Attendees can access the full agenda, background documents and instructions for connecting to the meeting and providing oral public comments at www.wpcouncil.org/event/152ssc-meeting.

Recommendations made by the SSC on these and other matters will be considered by the Council when it meets June 24-26 at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom in Honolulu. Instructions on connecting to the web conference, agendas and briefing documents are posted at www.wpcouncil.org/event/199th-council-meeting.

HAWAII: Proponents Look To Create A New Hawaii Marine Sanctuary ASAP In Case Of A Trump Return

April 14, 2024 —  A proposed national marine sanctuary is on pace to take shape in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands by early 2025, and supporters hope that timeline will make it harder to roll back the environmental protections there if former President Donald Trump retakes office next year.

Federal fisheries officials are gathering public comment at meetings across Hawaii for the proposed Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Sanctuary, which would have the same boundaries as the existing national monument that covers a vast ocean area. Unlike the monument, the sanctuary would not include the islands, only the water.

Once the public comment period ends, in early May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will prepare the final documents to designate the new sanctuary. NOAA expects to have those documents completed this winter, according to the agency’s timeline.

The monument is already one of the largest so-called marine protected areas on the planet, prohibiting commercial fishing, oil drilling and other impacts within a more than 582,000-square-mile area.

However, in 2017 Papahanaumokuakea was among the more than two dozen national monuments that came under review during the Trump administration to be potentially shrunk, changed or even eliminated altogether.

Ultimately, Papahanaumokuakea did not see any changes under Trump.

Read the full article at the Civil Beat

HAWAII: Aloha Harvest casts a line for a fish expert to help break down donations

April 10, 2024 — Ever wonder what happens to unsold fish at the Honolulu Fish Auction? The nonprofit Aloha Harvest recently began rescuing that fish through a new partnership with the United Fishing Agency, which runs the auction, and the Hawaii Longline Association.

“One thing that we kind of knew was going to be an issue is, of course, these fish are coming straight from the auction. So they’re whole fish, you know, generally going to be probably about 50 pounds. But these fish have the head and tail on, you know, they’re gutted, but there’s some work that has to go into getting it ready for prep,” said Aloha Harvest Executive Director Brandon Tomita.

Read the full article at Hawaii Public Radio

HAWAII: United Fishing Agency and Hawaii Longline Association Join Forces with Aloha Harvest

March 12, 2024 — The following was released by Aloha Harvest:

United Fishing Agency (UFA), Hawaii Longline Association (HLA), and Aloha Harvest have established a fish donation and distribution program for social service agencies feeding local people and families in need. To jumpstart the program, HLA will donate $10,000 to Aloha Harvest. The monetary and in-kind donations will go toward Aloha Harvest’s ongoing mission to fight hunger in Hawaii.

“Mahalo to United Fishing Agency and Hawaii Longline Association for the generous donation and ongoing partnership,” said Brandon Tomita, executive director at Aloha Harvest. “Fresh fish is a staple in many local diets. This is a great opportunity to provide a nutritious protein option to those in need on a regular basis.”

Aloha Harvest is the largest food rescue and redistribution organization in Hawaii. Free of charge to both food donors and recipient agencies, Aloha Harvest is a key logistical partner coordinating difficult, often same day, deliveries of prepared foods and stock items. Now entering its 25th year of operation, Aloha Harvest has curated a network of over 1,000 collaborators looking to Waste Less, Feed More.

“Aloha Harvest is aligned with the local fishing industry’s mission to nourish and sustain the people of Hawaii,” said Mike Goto, vice president at UFA. “We’ve been supplying fresh and sustainably caught fish to local residents, restaurants and businesses since 1952. We’re fortunate to be in a position to give back to the community that has supported us for over 70 years.”

HLA is comprised of 150 locally owned fishing boats that supply premium quality fresh fish to many of Hawaii’s famous poke shops, sushi restaurants, retailers and more. The Hawaii longline fleet is federally managed, comprehensively regulated and highly monitored. The fishery is also independently certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.

“The Hawaii longline fishery is the largest food producer in Hawaii and we work really hard in dangerous conditions to produce high quality fish for local consumers and visitors,” said Eric Kingma, executive director of HLA. “Seafood is a healthy food choice and we’re thrilled to work with Aloha Harvest to get more fresh fish to local people in need.”

UFA and HLA are committed to the long-term health and strength of Hawaii’s people, culture and economy. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Fishing Agency formed a strong working relationship with Hawaii Foodbank through the Fish to Dish program, which supported Hawaii’s longline fishing industry and provided over 350,000 servings of locally sourced fish fillets to Hawaii Foodbank and partners. In 2022, to celebrate its 70th anniversary, UFA donated approximately 4,000 pounds or over $10,000 worth of local fish to Hawaii Foodbank to support the redistribution of food to vulnerable members of the local community.

About United Fishing AgencyUnited Fishing Agency owns and operates the Honolulu Fish Auction located at Pier 38, which is an essential part of Hawaii’s food security and economy. The Honolulu Fish Auction is the only fish auction between Tokyo and Maine and the only fresh tuna auction of its kind in the United States. Since 1952, it has supported local commercial fishers, while providing fresh, high-quality, and nutritious fish for the state’s residents and visitors. To learn more, visit www.unitedfishingagency.com.

About Hawaii Longline Association
Established in 2000, HLA represents the Hawaii-based longline fleet and associated seafood businesses. The Hawaii longline fishery — which started in Hawaii in 1917 and is now comprised of 150 locally owned active vessels — is the largest food producer in the State of Hawaii. The dockside landed value of the fishery is around $120 million annually, ranking Honolulu Harbor in the nation’s top ten ports in terms of fisheries economic value. The longline fishery represents approximately 85% of commercial fishing landings  in Hawaii. To learn more, visit www.hawaiilongline.org

About Aloha Harvest
Founded in 1999 by the Hau’oli Mau Loa Foundation, Aloha Harvest is the largest food rescue and redistribution organization in Hawaii. Providing its services free of charge, Aloha Harvest rescues quality food before it enters the waste stream and delivers it to community partners that feed the hungry. In January 2024, Aloha Harvest reached a milestone when it hit 35 million pounds of food rescued.

NOAA talks new proposal for Papahanaumokuakea

March 12, 2024 — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing a national marine sanctuary in the marine portions of the existing Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which is a protected area to the northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands.

According to NOAA, Papahanaumokuakea is the “largest contiguous fully protected conservation area under the U.S. flag and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. It encompasses 582,578 square miles of the Pacific Ocean (1,508,870 square kilometers) – an area larger than all the country’s national parks combined.”

NOAA’s superintendent of Papahanaumokuakea, Eric Roberts, joined Take2 Friday morning to explain the importance of the proposal and what the benefits could be.

Read the full article at KHON

Efforts to take Hawaiian monk seals off the endangered species list

February 24, 2024 — Throughout 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducted multiple Hawaiian monk seal research camps in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. NOAA researchers said the total population size is between 1,512 and 1,743. After decades of declining numbers, the number of monk seals has increased on average by 2 percent per year since 2013.

During NOAA’s last assessment and recovery camp, they documented 170 Hawaiian monk seal pups born last year at the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

“A lot of the important work that we do is being out at the field sites during the reproductive season, so that we have a chance to catch situations that may come up that would cause a seal to not survive,” said Thea Johanos, the supervisory research biologist for NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program.

Read the full article at KITV

Now is the time to create a robust aquaculture industry to ensure food security and support our economy

January 18, 2024 — America’s seafood industry has long been a vital contributor to our economy, with the seafood supply chain supporting more than 1.8 million jobs nationwide, but you may be surprised to learn that the U.S. currently imports far more seafood than it produces. This Congress, our colleagues have the power to change that by joining with us to support the expansion of offshore aquaculture.

Here in the U.S., the farming of fish and other aquatic species, also known as aquaculture, is a thriving industry in many states — including our home states of Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, and Mississippi and is being done in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. Offshore aquaculture has an important role to play in the open ocean for producing sustainable protein that supplements our wild-capture fisheries and strengthens our working waterfronts and coastal economies.

With nearly half of all seafood consumed globally coming from fish farms, marine aquaculture produces many of the seafood that we eat and enjoy, including shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels, as well as fish such as salmon, black sea bass and yellowtail, as well as seaweeds. But the lack of a clear and efficient permitting process for offshore aquaculture here in the U.S. has hindered the full potential of an American industry because it deters investment in offshore waters. Many investors simply take their capital overseas — bringing the jobs and revenue it produces with them, which is why we have joined together to propose a legislative solution to correct his problem and position the U.S. as a leader in sustainable seafood production.

Read the full article at The Hill

HAWAII: Increased fishing quota translates to abundant supply of New Year’s ahi

December 31, 2023 — New Year’s means fresh fish on the table for many Hawaii families.

Dozens of people flocked to Pier 38 at Honolulu Harbor Thursday morning to grab some sashimi and ahi ahead of the New Year’s festivities.

While prices vary, Michael Goto of the United Fishing Agency says there’s an abundant supply of bigeye tuna.

That’s because the Hawaii Longline Association got their quota limit increased by an international commission by up to 85%.

Read the full article at Hawaii News Now