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CONCLUSIONS
ABOUT
SEAFOOD FROM
HAWAII LONGLINE
FISHERIES
Hawaii longline fisheries
produce sustainable seafood.
The fishery is sustainable. It meets
the requirements for 1) science-based,
precautionary fishery management,
2) performance in managing fish popu-
lations for sustainability and 3) control-
ling fishery impacts on the ecosystem.
whale and 1 sperm whale prior to
measures that eliminated longline
fishing near shore. The implementation
of the Protected Species Zone in the
Northwest Hawaiian Islands and the
longline-prohibited zones around the
main Hawaiian Islands which prevent
longline fishing within 50 nautical miles
of the islands from Hawaii Island to
Midway Island has had positive impacts.
Since then, no further accidental inter-
actions have occurred.
NOAA has issued Biological Opinions
on the fishery impacts (NMFS 2004;
NMFS 2008) and concluded that the
Hawaii longline fishery is not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of
humpback whales, sperm whales and
Hawaiian monk seals.
There are a few records of interactions
with small cetaceans (6 Risso’s dolphins,
2 botttlenose dolphins, 2 false killer
whales, and 1 short finned pilot whale)
in the Hawaii longline fishery. No
records of fishery interactions with fin
whales, blue whales, or sei whales exist.
There are also no records of interactions
with rough-toothed dolphins, Pacific
white-sided dolphin, striped dolphins,
Bryde’s whales, melon-headed whales,
dwarf sperm whales, pygmy killer
whales or pygmy sperm whales.
The high level of fishery observer
coverage required for Hawaii longline
vessels (>20% for tuna trips, 100%
for swordfish trips) ensures that rare
interactions with marine mammals are
monitored, documented and assessed
by NOAA to be certain that appropriate
management actions are taken if they
become warranted by evidence of
significant fishery impacts.
The Hawaii fishery
management system
is exemplary.
None of the fish popula-
tions harvested are
overfished. Overfishing
is being eliminated.
Ecosystem impacts are
constantly being assessed
and managers, scientists
and the fishing sector are working
together on solutions. With every
aspect of Hawaii longline fisheries
strictly regulated, closely monitored
and tightly enforced, they are a
model for sustainable pelagic fisheries
worldwide. This management
system is based on sound science
and a transparent and inclusive fishery
management process committed
to sustainability.
Consumers can use sustainable
Hawaii Seafood with confidence.
Our fishery has achieved a high level
of compliance with FAO Code of
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries,
U.S. National Standards for sustainable
fishery management, as well as inter-
national conservation and management
measures adopted by the Western
and Central Pacific Fishery Commission
and the Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission.
Hawaii Seafood can help companies
achieve the goal of corporate
responsibility and enhance seafood
sustainability campaigns.
Photo: Ron Benner