MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces a fishing season closure for ‘Deep 7’ bottomfish species in State marine waters, effective Monday, July 6 through Aug 31.

During the closed season, all fishing for Deep 7 bottomfish species is prohibited in State marine waters surrounding the main Hawaiian islands. Commercial andnon-commercial Deep 7 fishing will close Monday, July 6. Deep 7 bottomfish species include onaga, opakapaka, ehu, kalekale, gindai, lehi and hapuupuu.

The closure begins on the date when the current total allowable catch of 241,000 pounds is estimated to be harvested by the fishery. The state closure complements a federal Deep 7 fishing closure, which also becomes effective Monday, July 6.

The Deep 7 and other bottomfish are managed cooperatively by the state and federal governments. Maps of the closed state marine waters, both seasonal Deep 7 closure and bottomfish restricted fishing areas, are available on the DLNR Web site http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regs/ch94rev3.pdf

For additional information call the Division of Aquatic Resources office nearest you.