HB 590 - Aquarium Life Regulation Summary

• Establishes an aquarium collecting white list system for each county, prohibiting collection, possession, or sale of aquatic species for aquarium purposes unless they appear on the approved list for that county.

• Requires species on the white list to meet criteria including survival in captivity for at least 180 days, stable or increasing population trends based on historical evidence, and non-endemic status (not found only in Hawaii).

• Limits collection of approved species to average annual collection levels from 2005-2007 and prohibits removal of species that would negatively impact reef ecosystems through algae overgrowth or parasite imbalance.

• Establishes penalties of $1,000 per specimen for collecting, possessing, or selling unlisted species, plus escalating criminal penalties: first violation up to $1,000 fine or 30 days imprisonment; second violation up to $2,000 fine or 60 days imprisonment; third or subsequent violation up to $3,000 fine or 90 days imprisonment.

• Takes effect June 1, 2011, and does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before the effective date.