HONOLULU (18 March 2025) “Having a voice is one thing, but making real change is another.” This sentiment resonated at recent community meetings in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, where fishers shared concerns about shifting ocean conditions, regulatory challenges and increasing competition affecting their way of life.

Warmer waters, altered currents and unpredictable fishing seasons have disrupted traditional fishing practices. “We’re seeing warmer water temperatures now; it used to be cooler, around 78°F, but now it’s different,” said one fisher. Changing currents and the presence of invasive species like taߵape (blue-lined snapper) and toau (blacktail snapper) are further stressing local fisheries. The decline of limu (seaweed) due to reduced freshwater flow also raised alarms. “Freshwater is critical for the health of our fishponds, and now, with so many people taking from the groundwater, our reefs are suffering,” said a Hilo fisher.

“Fish are harder to catch, and we have to use lighter lines and adapt to changing conditions,” said one long-time Kona fisherman. “The size of the fish on average is smaller. We don’t see those big 130 to 200-pound ߵahi anymore. It’s becoming harder to compete with sharks and changing regulations.”

Shark depredation has reached a crisis point, particularly in Kona, where fishers struggle to land their catches. “The sharks are smarter now—they target our fish, and it’s taking a toll on our efforts,” one fisher explained, noting that some sharks are learning to bite through fishing lines. With the shark population growing and no clear management solutions, fishers fear for the future of their livelihoods. “We can’t compete against scientists, new rules and sharks,” one participant said. “It’s becoming impossible to make a living.”

Beyond environmental pressures, fishers voiced frustrations over stagnant permit costs and the lack of meaningful enforcement of existing regulations. “Rules don’t matter unless they’re enforced,” one fisher stated. Others questioned whether current policies truly reflect the realities they face, emphasizing the need for more local input in decision-making.

Marketplace struggles were another key topic, with concerns over charter boats selling fish at market and undercutting commercial fishers. “The prices for licenses and permits haven’t changed, but everything else has gone up,” a participant noted. Fishers also expressed worries about flooding the market with catch, affecting pricing and demand.

“We need to take care of our own and find ways to keep the fishing industry alive. If things continue like this, we won’t have a future,” said a participant who has been fishing in Kona for decades.

The Council plans to hold additional fishing community engagement meetings in late April across the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and in late May in American Samoa. These meetings aim to gather input on how changing ecosystems impact fisheries to improve governance. For more information, check the Council’s website at www.wpcouncil.org/meetings-calendars.

Upcoming Council Meeting: March 25-27, 2025

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet to address these and other fishery issues in Hawaiߵi, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It will consider advice and recommendations from its advisory groups and input from the public on domestic and international issues such as catch limits for North Pacific striped marlin; revisions to American Samoa’s managed bottomfish species list; and annual catch limits for MHI uku (gray jobfish/blue-green snapper), deepwater shrimp and precious corals.

📍 In-Person: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom (2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI)
💻 Online: Join remotely via web conference: https://tinyurl.com/202CouncilMtg
📜 Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/202nd-council-meeting

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam) (vice chair); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture; and Archie Soliai, American Samoa Government (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Brian Peck, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.