HI SB2996

Prohibits the commercial harvesting of aquatic life for aquarium purposes in Hawaii, regardless of collection method, to protect coral reef ecosystems valued at $33.57 billion by NOAA

Climate change is projected to cause a 70% loss of Hawaii's coral reefs over the next 25 years; herbivore fish that protect reefs from algal overgrowth have been depleted by up to 80% in some areas due to the aquarium pet trade

Exempts special activity permits, recreational (non-commercial) aquarium collection permits, and captive-breeding/aquaculture operations from the prohibition

Preserves traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices, lawful fishing for consumption or bait, and fishpond management

Repeals the existing section requiring monthly reporting of aquarium fish exports and removes aquarium fish tracking requirements from commercial marine dealer receipt regulations