News and Announcements
Public Meetings on NWHI Monument Expansion Area Fishing Regulations
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings to discuss non-commercial fishing in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The WPRFMC invites you to attend one of a series of public meetings to review potential fishing regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Monument Expansion Area:| Date | Island | Location | Time |
| Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 | Kauai |
Elise H. Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria 4319 Hardy St., Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766 |
6—9 p.m. |
| Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 | Maui |
UH Maui College Ka Lama Room 103 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, Maui, HI 96732 |
6—9 p.m. |
| Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 | Big Island |
Grand Naniloa Hotel 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, Hawaii Island, HI 96720 |
6—9 p.m. |
| Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 | Big Island |
Royal Kona Resort Discovery Room 75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island, HI 96740 |
10 a.m.—1 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 | Molokai |
Lanikeha Community Center 2200 Farrington Ave, Hoolehua, Molokai, HI 96729 |
6—9 p.m. |
| Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 | Oahu |
Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI, 96814 |
6—9 p.m. |
The Council has developed options and is seeking input from the fishing community, the Native Hawaiian community, and other groups on appropriate fishing regulations and definitions for non-commercial fishing. It is important for the Council to hear from the fishing community and the Native Hawaiian community to learn what is both needed and appropriate for the area. The Council would like to hear more about:
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- Historical uses of the MEA;
- Which definition of subsistence meets the needs of the community;
- The potential inclusion of customary exchange; and
- Any demand for access to the fishery resources in the MEA.
For more information on what will be discussed and a background on the issue see the following:
Meeting Agenda
Federal Register Notice
Background paper on NWHI MEA Fishing Regulations
Meeting Flyer
Comments received will be summarized and provided to the Council for its consideration at its 193rd meeting in December 2022. The Council is expected to take final action on fishing regulations for the MEA and provide those recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service for implementation.
For more information on the NWHI Fisheries, click here.