January 1 , 2022 , was a big daytime for bitey bois as Hawaii made the commendable move to banshark fishing , realize it the first US state to do so . The bill apply the forbidding was passed by the 2021 State Legislature and renders the capture , web , and pour down of a shark as penal by law . The paperwork in favor of our finned friends isAct 51 ( House Bill 553)and it put on to all shark species find in Hawaiian piddle .
While there are still some details to be ironed out with the Department of Land and Natural Resources ( DLNR ) who oversee incident affect sharks and humans , the step is a positive one towards protecting both native wildlife and ethnic practices .
“ Our Department is well aware of how important shark are to maintain respectable marine ecosystem , ” said Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson in astatement . “ And we recognize their grandness for native Hawaiian ethnic practices and feeling . ”
As acme predators , shark are considered “ keystone specie ” as their top predator credentials mean they have a extremely significant influence on the residual of a marine ecosystem . Their removal from that ecosystem can see seismic change in the balance of prey and predators which can lead to harmful universe thunder and a depletion in natural resource .
Sharks also have a inviolable influence over the culture of Hawaii , where long held recitation have sought to protect and honor sharks . grant to theNational Wildlife Federation , shark are identified as ‘ aumakua , ancestral family deities , in Hawaii , and kahu manō – shark shielder – would protect them in return for bountiful resource .
The new law will revitalise Hawaii ’s culture of caring for sharks in restore their protected status by outlawing the purposeful capture , entanglement , and kill of sharks for reasons outside of personal protection . The DLNR will , however , retain its power to cater special activity permits , and pass shark sportfishing when it pertains to public safety .
2022 may hold further good news for sharks , as the DLNR are considering lay out restriction in place for fishing gear such asgill netsin areas that are known to be plate to shark nursery .
Anyone who should accidentally catch a shark is advised by the DLNR to keep off add it onboard and instead disregard the line as closelipped to its mouth as is safely possible . Failure to do so , and the purposeful seizure , entanglement , or killing of a shark , will result in fines swan from $ 500 to $ 10,000 for each shark harmed .
you could find out further details about Act 51 ( House Bill 553)here .
