Fishing season for striped mullet in Hawaii ends Thursday, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources is warning the public that violators can be punished by fines or jail time. The fishing season for striped mullet, also known as ‘ama’ama, will resume April 1.

DLNR Director William Aila said: “The annual winter closure is designed to help the fish reproduce successfully and protect the species from overfishing.”

Violating the closure is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 30 days in jail. Each fish taken can also bring a $100 fine.

Statewide fishing regulations for ‘ama’ama and other marine species are available at the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources office at 1151 Punchbowl St., room 330 or at any of the neighbor island aquatic resources offices. Fishing regulations can also be found on the division’s website at hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar. To report fish catch size or net violations, call 643-3567.