After years of hard work, hundreds of meetings, countless community conversations, and collaboration across fishers, cultural practitioners, government, scientists, and local leaders, Maunalua Bay is now officially a Fisheries Management Area (FMA). This community-led effort reflects a shared vision: that fish and invertebrate populations in our bay can thrive through improved, locally informed management.
Photo Credit: Laura Bailes
Through a partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the proposal was formally advanced to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR), and signed by the governor early this year.
Key components of the proposed FMA include:
- No-take regulations on specific invertebrate species important to the reef ecosystem
- A ban on nighttime spearfishing
- Adaptive management, ensuring that rules evolve based on the best available science and community knowledge
- Creation of an Advisory Panel made up of local stakeholders to help guide decision-making
- Expanded data collection, incorporating both scientific monitoring and fisher-led knowledge and observations
This effort honors both traditional practices and modern science, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the cultural, ecological, and economic benefits of a healthy Maunalua Bay.
To learn more or get involved, follow us on Facebook or contact the community team at MaunaluaFMA@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events
“Eat the Invaders” Fishing Tournament
In the 1950s taʻape, toʻau, and roi were introduced to Hawaiʻi. Initially intended as a fishery opportunity, they have struggled to encourage much fishing pressure and have quickly been deemed as invasive amongst many fishers. Yet, taʻape and toʻau are excellent sources of seafood and are growing in popularity with chefs and fishers. While roi has been know to have higher concentrations of ciguatera in certain areas around Hawaiʻi, taʻape and toʻau pose fewer risks and are in fact a great opportunity for sustainable seafood.
This tournament is a call to the community to not only help mitigate numbers of these reef fish, but to also bring people together as a way to spread awareness of taʻape and toʻau as really delicious fish that can be a source of sustainable seafood in Hawaiʻi. Together, we can “eat ʻem to beat ʻem”!
This tournament is hosted in part by Mālama Maunalua – A non-profit organization committed to restoring the health of Maunalua Bay through habitat restoration, science and planning, and education and outreach.
Fishers are encouraged to invite their friends and family to the Eat the Invaders Community Event that will be happening in conjunction with the weigh-in on March 1st at Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park!
Community Event
FREE & OPEN FOR EVERYONE!
Join Mālama Maunalua and some amazing partners that will be putting on the “Eat the Invaders” Community Event! Set for Sunday, March 1st at Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park from 10am-3pm, come join us for a day of fun and learning for everyone.
Come check out the Maunalua “Eat the Invaders Fishing Tournament” Weigh-In at 12:00pm to see the fishers’ catch and the prize announcements.
Learn about the new Maunalua Fisheries Management Area and how it pertains to local fishing practices and community.
Chef Hui and Local Iʻa will be cheffing up some taʻape and toʻau pupus along with some friend fish plates. We will also have gyotaku fish printing for the keiki as well as several community and government partners that will have educational booths that the whole family can learn from!
Patagonia gear giveaway for a few lucky attendees! All who come will be entered in a “lucky number” giveaway. Must be present to win!
Volunteer to Monitor Fish in Maunalua Bay
Join us for a hands-on citizen science opportunity in Maunalua Bay! Volunteers will help monitor fish populations, contributing valuable data to support the restoration and protection of our coastal ecosystems. No prior experience is necessary! Just a love for the ocean and a willingness to learn. Be part of the effort to care for and understand our marine environment!
