Hawaii’s moi fishing season closes June 1, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said Friday. State regulations make it unlawful for any person to take, possess, or sell any moi during the months of June, July and August.
“Moi is one of Hawaii’s most significant fish species, from a cultural perspective,” said Suzanne Case, DLNR chairperson. “At one time it was reserved only for royalty. Today, we still value it as one of our most sought-after reef fishes.”
The closure, Case said, helps to sustain moi populations by “protecting them during the critical summer spawning period.”
During the open season, which runs from September through May, the minimum size for moi is 11 inches, and the bag limit for possession and/or sale is 15. However, a commercial marine dealer may possess and sell more than 15 moi during the open season with receipts issued for the purchase.
Copies of Hawaii’s fishing regulations are available at DLNR’s Aquatic Resources offices, most fishing supply stores, and online at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/.