Bottomfish Regulations

There are seven species of bottomfish which are known popularly as the Deep Seven.  Most of these fish are found in deep waters (100 fathoms).  They are are some of the most delicious fish in Hawaii and therefore, are greatly sought.  Over the years the stocks have become fragile, causing the state, in conjunction with federal fishing rules for federal waters, to put extensive regulations in place so we will continue to enjoy these delicious fish for years to come.

The fish that are covered by these regulations are:

deep71a)  ‘Ula’ula koa’e  also known as  onaga

b) ‘Ula’ula   also known as ehu

c) Kalekale

d) ‘Opakapaka

e)  ‘Ukikiki   also known as gindai

f) Hapu’u

g) Lehi

Size Limits: 

For commercial sale of ‘opakapaka or onaga the minimum size is one pound.

Bag Limits:

For any fisher not holding a commercial marine license, the bag limit is a combined total for any of these species is five animals, (i.e. two onaga and three ehu, max.).

Seasonal Closures:
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Seasonal closures can be announced at any time.  Closures are determined by a quota of poundage and when that quota is reached, the fishery is closed until the following year.

Gear Restrictions:

No fisher, whether commercial or recreational, may catch bottomfish using any trap, trawl, bottomfish longline or net.  Additionally, you will be in violation if you are on a vessel holding both bottomfish and any of the prohibited gear aboard, except for scoop nets and Kona crab nets.   Scoop nets may be used to bring a  hooked bottomfish on board a vessel.  Kona crab nets may be used to take Kona crabs.

Bottomfish Vessel Identification:

Any vessel used to take bottomfish, whether commercial or recreational, must be registered with the Division of Aquatic Resources and must display its bottomfish number.

The bottomfish number is the state- or federally-issued number consisting of HA plus four numbers, followed by the letters “BF” as a suffix.  These letters  must be at least six inches high and three inches wide, in a solid color either black on in contrasting color to the vessel.  This bottomfish ID must be placed on both sides of the hull or superstructure.

The bottomfish vessel ID is valid from Sep 1 to Aug 31 and must be renewed annually.

Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas (BRFAs)

Most of these areas are outside of the West Hawaii Regional Fisheries Management Area.  Maps and coordinates for these areas can be found at the Division of Aquatic Resources  website at:   http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/bottom-fishing/

 

Text and Photos from Hawaii State Division of Aquatic Resources website.