HI SR57

Request the Department of Land and Natural Resources to study the efficacy of prohibiting the commercial collection of Hawaii's endemic marine ornamental fish, with exceptions for propagation, educational, medical, or scientific purposes.

Cite studies showing 45% of the top 20 collected fish species in Hawaii are endemic, with over 50% of ornamental fish dying within a week of captivity.

Document that unregulated aquarium collection areas have experienced significant population declines in targeted species, including 58% decline in achilles' tang, 54% in longnose butterflyfish, 47% in yellow tang, and 46% in moorish idol.

Note that while reef tourism generates $1,000,000,000 annually for Hawaii's economy, commercial aquarium collectors contribute only $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 annually.

Require the Department to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.