Habitat Conservation

Fisheries Local Action Strategy (LAS)

The Fisheries LAS is one of six LAS threat areas being addressed in Hawaii. Over-fishing is a threat in the Main Hawaiian Islands with some fish stocks in the Main Hawaiian Islands decreasing by 80-85% this century. The overfishing threat is compounded by Hawaii's relative isolation, limited recruitment, and high species endemism. Hawaii has the highest percentage of endemism for warm-water fishes in theworld at about 24%. Also, the Omilumajority of Hawaii's 1.2 million residents (most are marine resource users) are concentrated within two miles off the shoreline. These impacts can have negative environmental, economical, and social consequences. The Fisheries LAS - Hawaii (FLASH) is overseen by a steering committee composed of members from NOAA, Hawaii DAR, University of Hawaii, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, and The Nature Conservancy.

Vision

The Fisheries Local Action Strategy's Steering Committee envisions a Hawai'i with a healthy nearshore marine environment that is maintained through effective management for the benefit and appreciation of present and future generations.

Mission Statement

We believe the island way of life is important to defining who we are and that most people care about the environment. To address this belief, we will develop viable coral reef fisheries management solutions by providing funding opportunities, offering technical support, and promoting outreach, engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. It is our assumption that informed decision making and proactive stewardship will lead to an improved and sustainable coral reef fishery.

Goals

Goal 1: To restore and maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems by supporting effective fishery management approaches through relevant research and pono practice.
Goal 2: To enhance collaboration and compliance through improved information exchange and communication amongst stakeholders.

2006/2007 FLAS supported projects

1. Maunalua Bay (Oahu) Fishing Effort Study
2. Review of the Use of Temporal Closures as Management Strategies for Coastal Fisheries in Hawai`i
3. Investigation of the primary nursery habitats of important resource species
4. An Examination of Life History Characteristics of Selected Fishery Species within the Hawaiian Islands

2007/2008 FLAS supported projects

1. Comparative Analysis of State Regulatory and Management Regimes for Indigenous Rights and Access Claims
2. Understanding the Scope and Intensity of Fishing Effort of Maunalua Bay
3. Comparative life history of Hawaiian reef fishes: an archipelago wide survey of age and growth in three surgeonfish species (Family Acanthuridae)
4. Assessment of reproductive status and reproductive output of three Hawaiian goatfish species, Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (yellowstripe goatfish), M. vanicolensis (yellowfin goatfish), and Parupeneus porphyreus (whitesaddle goatfish) (family Mullidae).
5. Growth, mortality and reproduction of kole, Ctenochaetus strigosus

For more information please contact:
NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office
(808) 944-2200