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The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources are considering allowing aquarium collecting.
The Hawaii tour boat industry generates approximately $200 million in revenue and employs more than 2,000 people. This does not count tourists who could easily go to places where they better care for ocean wildlife.
I have heard visitors complain about how few fish there are here compared to what they used to see.
DLNR estimates the aquarium fish trade generates less than $25,000 for the government and costs the taxpayers $500,000 per year to manage.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has calculated the total value of Hawaiian coral reef ecosystems at $37.57 billion. The sold fish are algae-eating fish that protect coral reefs. The aquarium trade has already eliminated an estimated 80% of the reef fish in Hawaii.
Coral reefs and fish are extremely important to Hawaii’s people and way of life. Snorkeling and diving also benefit mental health.
Charlotte McLaughlin
Kihei, Maui
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