Court ruling closes loophole for commercial aquarium collection
The state says it is taking immediate steps to comply with a court order shutting a loophole that allowed for continued commercial aquarium fish collection despite a 2017 high court ruling that halted the practice pending environmental review.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources said Monday afternoon it will cease renewal and issuance of new commercial marine licenses under Hawaii Revised Statues 189-2 without a condition prohibiting the take of marine life for aquarium fishing purposes until Chapter 343 environmental review ordered by the Hawaii Supreme Court is complete.
Court ruling closes loophole for commercial aquarium collection
