A 2017 Hawaii Supreme Court ruling requiring environmental review before the taking of aquarium fish from the ocean should’ve decreased the trade. But the takings increased, not dropped, because the state continued issuing commercial marine licenses (CMLs) via a loophole in the law.

On Friday, a Circuit Court closed that loophole, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said it would not be issuing new or renewing CMLs. But current, unexpired licenses are still valid.

Regulating the trade is important, as algae-eating reef fish play a vital role in keeping coral reefs healthy. Still, despite the rulings, expect enforcement to remain a problem. Help report suspected illegal aquarium fishing activity to 643-DLNR (3567) or the DLNRTip app.