A small group of commercial aquarium fish collectors has proposed state regulations it says is aimed at ensuring the long-term well-being of tropical species.

The proposed regulations, which include restrictions on gear, bag limits and off-limit species, will be discussed at a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Room 132, 1151 Punchbowl St.

The proposals involve marine life only around Oahu, not the neighbor islands.

Randy Fernley, owner of Coral Fish Hawaii in Aiea, said he and a few others in the tropical fish industry met with DLNR Director William Aila Jr. in recent months about their proposal. "We approached the department with hopes to instill self-imposed regulations that will satisfy both the department and the industry," Fernley said.

This is the first time the aquarium fish industry has approached the state with proposed regulations, aquatic biologist Alton Miyasaka of the Division of Aquatic Resources said.

Miyasaka said there is no need for regulations as data indicate that tropical fish are being taken sustainably, but the collectors decided to come up with proposals.

"They’re taking a step in trying to make their industry a more respectable and responsible industry," he said. "The department appreciates the effort to do that."

Fernley said he and others met with DLNR officials over the past year to discuss the issue.

"We want to make the industry stronger and the fisheries stronger," he said.

Some of the tropical fish that are highly sought after for aquarium sales are the yellow tang, kole and Potter’s angelfish.

Efforts by conservationists to impose a ban on taking tropical fish for aquarium sales failed in the last legislative session.

Fernley said he and others aren’t proposing the regulations to satisfy conservationists.