HONOLULU » A group of marine conservationists is calling on Gov. Neil Abercrombie to bar collecting exotic fish from Hawaii’s reefs for sale in the aquarium trade.

Groups including the Humane Society, Hawaii Reef Wildlife Advocates, The Snorkel Bob Foundation and For the Fishes said Monday that Abercrombie should issue an executive order declaring the reefs off-limits.

They said they’re turning to Abercrombie because legislative efforts to prevent reef fishing have fallen short.

A bill that would have prohibited the selling of aquatic life for aquarium purposes was significantly changed earlier this month to remove the ban.

Instead, the measure now calls for establishing two new marine life conservation districts on Maui.