To protect one of Hawaii’s most significant fish species, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed the moi fishing season during the summer.

The department said in a release Wednesday state regulations make it unlawful to take, possess or sell any moi during June, July and August.

DLNR chair William Aila Jr. says moi at one time was reserved only for royalty.

The early Hawaiians placed a kapu or prohibition on certain fish during their spawning season as a conservation measure.

During the open season of September through May the minimum size for moi is 11 inches, and the bag limit for possession or sale is 15.

Commercial marine dealers may possess and sell more than 15 with receipts issued for the purchase.