A bill passed by the 2021 State Legislature banning shark fishing will take effect January 1, 2022. Act 51 (House Bill 553) makes it illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill a shark in state marine waters. The new law applies to all shark species found in Hawaiian waters.
Is killing sharks illegal in Hawaii?
Knowingly capturing, entangling, and killing a shark within Hawaii’s marine waters is now a misdemeanor with hefty fines. On January 1, 2022, shark fishing became illegal in Hawaii—making it the first state to enact such a ban in the United States.
Should I worry about sharks in Hawaii?
Incidents of sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters are very rare, occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year. Fatal shark bites are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people in Hawaii’s waters. People who enter the water need to recognize that there are hidden dangers.
Why are sharks protected in Hawaii?
It’s a bid to protect the species and more broadly, marine ecosystems. The new law also aims to honor local cultural practices. The state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) confirmed sharks are now protected under Act 51 (House Bill 533).
Can you shark fish in Hawaii?
Sharks in Hawaiian waters can breathe a little easier as of January 1, 2022. The Aloha State has banned the fishing of sharks, making it illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill any species of shark in state marine waters.
Are tiger sharks protected in Hawaii?
Tiger sharks are one of the many shark species that inhabit Hawaiian waters.
Are gill nets legal in Hawaii?
Possession or use of drift gill nets prohibited in State waters.
Is Hawaii shark infested?
Shark watching, feeding, and cage diving are popular tourist activities in Hawaii—there are a whopping 40 species of sharks living in the waters around the islands, including hammerheads, blacktips, reef sharks, whale sharks, and some lesser-known species like the sponge-head catshark and the rare megamouth.
Does peeing in the ocean attract sharks?
No reaction. From a scientific standpoint, Esbaugh says that it’s “definitely not true” that sharks are attracted to urine, and he assumes the rumor got started because many animals use scent to track their prey. But he says this doesn’t hold up because humans aren’t the most common meal for sharks.
How shallow do sharks swim in Hawaii?
They tend to be found in depths of 25 feet and deeper, and can usually be spotted near coral reefs. These sharks are rarely aggressive towards humans. The Sandbar shark is rarely found at the surface, and most often found at depths of between 60 to 200 feet.
Is it illegal to eat shark in Hawaii?
A bill passed by the 2021 State Legislature banning shark fishing will take effect January 1, 2022. Act 51 (House Bill 553) makes it illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill a shark in state marine waters. The new law applies to all shark species found in Hawaiian waters.
What are the rules for fishing in Hawaii?
A Freshwater Game Fishing License is required for the taking of certain freshwater fishes. Fishermen are advised that many marine shoreline and freshwater areas of the State are private property, and that permission of the landowner is required for access.
What is illegal shark finning?
The law prohibits any person under U.S. jurisdiction from engaging in the finning of sharks, possessing shark fins aboard a fishing vessel without the corresponding carcass, and landing shark fins without the corresponding carcass.
Can you keep the fish you catch in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, anything caught while sport fishing is the property of the charter company (the commercial permit holder) to distribute as they feel appropriate. There are only a couple of sport fishing charter companies on Maui with policies stating that you can keep whatever fish you catch.
How many sharks are there in all?
SharksLower classifications
Are there sharks in Maui?
Not only does Maui have the highest number of tiger sharks in the state, the area also sees the most shark attacks, according to local scientists who have tracked and studied Hawaii sharks for decades.
Are there tiger sharks in the Pacific Ocean?
In the western Pacific Ocean, the shark has been found as far north as Japan and as far south as New Zealand. It has also been recorded in the Mediterranean, once off Spain and once off Sicily. Tiger sharks can be seen in the Gulf of Mexico, North American beaches, and parts of South America.
Are there sharks in Kihei?
Non-fatal shark attacks on Maui
Still, Kihei in general is somewhat of a tourist area. That said, one of the 2020 shark bites is reported as happening around Wailea, with a paddleboard being bitten.
Do you need a license to catch lobster in Hawaii?
However, any commercial marine dealer may sell, or any hotel, restaurant, or other public eating house may serve spiny or slipper lobster lawfully caught during the open season by first obtaining a license to do so, pursuant to section 13-74-41, Hawaii Administrative Rules.
Is chumming illegal in Hawaii?
Officers determined that the boat was in state ocean waters. Activities relating to feeding sharks in state waters are prohibited with very few exceptions. Chumming the water is a petty misdemeanor punishable by fines and jail time.
Can you catch shrimp in Hawaii?
“Hawaii has a long history in shrimp farming. Precontact, Hawaiians harvested local shrimp from coastal fishponds for hundreds of years,” says Carol Wyban in her book “Tide and Current: Fishponds of Hawaii” (yes, that’s my wife).
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.