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, check out the FMA website.
“Eat the Invaders” Invasive Fishing Tournament in Maunalua Bay
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 known 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.
In February of 2026, Mālama Maunalua hosted the Maunalua “Eat the Invaders” Fishing Tournament & Community Event. Fishers went out starting Friday, February 27th and finished off with the weigh-in, turned community event on Sunday, March 1st at Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park. The event was a call to the community to come together to fish out invasive species, learn about the new Fisheries Management Area in Maunalua Bay, and to connect with some of our amazing partners doing work to restore the Maunalua region.
Over 120 fishers across 36 teams weighed-in their catch totaling 1,256 lbs and 2,916 invasive fish. Additionally, over 600 people attended this event with nearly 200 being keiki. Local I’a served fresh fried taʻape plates and Chef Hui boasted a Peruvian style ceviche on a crispy tostada, along with a smoked taʻape fish dip. The community spent the day learning, eating, and celebrating the fishers catch with free community giveaway prizes and gyotaku fish printing stations.
Stay tuned for future events as we continue to bring the community together to “Eat the Invaders”!
Be a Maunalua Makai Watch Volunteer
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!
