Kaupulehu Marine Reserve reopening postponed

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A 3.6 mile stretch of the Kona coastline will remain closed to fishing until later this year even though the marine-protected area was eligible to reopen in July.

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The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources Friday announced the reopening of Ka’upulehu Marine Reserve was pushed back to allow more time to finalize a fisheries management plan.

The area has been closed to fishing since 2016 to help coral reefs and fish populations recover. Surveys show some food fish populations have increased by as much as 200% during the ten-year closure.

“We want to make sure the gains from the ‘Try Wait’ period are preserved while also ensuring people are able to fish responsibly in this important place,” DAR West Hawaii Aquatic Biologist Chris Teague said in a press release. “It’s important to take the necessary time to collaborate with our partners on the best management tools to achieve those goals.”

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The Ka’upulehu Marine Reserve covers Kikaua Point to Kalaemano and extends from the shoreline to a depth of 120 feet.

“No take” rules for the area will remain in place until the new fisheries management plan is approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

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