HI HCR210

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, to determine the population of the akule (big-eye scad) species in Hawaii.

Requests the department conduct a population study including akule migration habits, reproduction patterns, and natural and unnatural predators.

Directs the department to consult with commercial and recreational akule fishermen to establish a management practice preserving the species for future generations after the population study is completed.

References the 2001 "Management Plan for Hawaii's Akule Fishery" which established fishing boundaries and bag limits but did not include a population study.

Addresses concerns from the fishing community about the declining akule population and potential depletion of the resource.