[title]
Sharks in Hawaiian waters can breathe a little easier as of January 1, 2022. The Aloha State has banned the fishing of sharks, making it illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill any species of shark in state marine waters.
House Bill 553, one of several bills aimed at protecting aquatic resources, was signed into law by Governor David Ige on World Oceans Day last year. This bill is the latest in the state’s efforts to protect sharks. Hawaii was also, in 2010, the first state to ban the possession, sale, trade, and distribution of shark fins.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), responsible for incidents involving sharks and humans, is still working out some details, but the new law is an important step towards protecting the state’s native wildlife as well as local cultural practices.
Sharks are apex predators, at the top of the chain, and as such they have a major influence in the health and balance of the marine ecosystem. A decline in the shark population can lead to an explosion in populations of the sharks’ prey, which in turn can lead to a depletion of natural resources.
In addition to their key role in keeping the marine ecosystem in check, sharks are important figures in Hawaiian culture. Considered ‘aumakua, ancestral family deities, sharks are to be honored and protected in return for ocean bounty. The new law solidifies this practice of protecting sharks by outlawing the killing or capturing of sharks for reasons other than personal protection. The DLNR will maintain some exceptions, supplying special permits and authorizing shark fishing as a matter of public safety.
Violation of the new law will be a misdemeanor. Penalties include $500 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second offense, and $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense. The incidental capture and release of sharks while targeting other species is not a violation, and the DLNR recommends people avoid fishing in areas known to be frequented by sharks, especially pupping areas, and use barbless circle hooks. This year, Hawaii may also consider putting restrictions in place for fishing gear such as gill nets in areas that are known to be home to shark nurseries.
Want to know more about Hawaii? Here are the best things to do there, according to us.