State, nonprofits to partner on fisheries enforcement

On May 26, Governor Neil Abercrombie announced a joint initiative between the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the nonprofit Conservation International and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to increase enforcement that will help sustain Hawaii’s near-shore fisheries by creating new Fisheries Enforcement Units on Maui, Hawaii and Kauai.

“Hawaii’s ecological, economic and cultural well-being depends on how well we ensure these valuable marine stocks are responsibly fished and managed,” said Abercrombie. “People all across our islands, no matter what their perspective, have told me repeatedly that the key to protecting our fisheries is effective enforcement of our laws.”

CI is an Arlington, Va.-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the long term well-being of people. It is supporting this initiative with a $2 million commitment. The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, a Kailua-based nonprofit whose mission includes restoring Hawai’i’s near-shore marine life, will provide $400,000. In addition, the Abercrombie Administration is investing $1.1 million over the next two years.

“If we take care of the ocean, the ocean will take care of us,” said Terry George, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Castle foundation. “This public-private partnership will help secure a future for Hawaii marked by abundant fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems.”