The state Division of Aquatic Resources has scheduled public hearings in November on a proposed rule to permanently regulate the harvesting of sea cucumbers in state waters.
Currently, all sea cucumber harvesting is prohibited under a 120-day emergency rule adopted by the Land Board in June. The emergency rule was in response to reports of overharvesting of the invertebrates off Maui and Oahu. Photos of mass harvesting circulated on social media last summer.
Officials found that 17 people had been harvesting sea cucumbers on Maui. Each person took about 200 invertebrates a day, totaling about 3,400 daily.
At the time, anonymous sources informed officials that a company had intended to ship 1 to 3 tons of dried sea cucumbers from each island to China.
Sea cucumbers are soft-bodied echinoderms like starfish and sea urchins that live on the ocean floor.
They feed on algae, minute aquatic animals and waste materials, which they gather in with tube feet that look like tentacles surrounding their mouths, according to National Geographic. The animals break down these particles into even smaller pieces, which become fodder for bacteria, a function similar to that of earthworms.
Sea cucumbers, particularly eggs and young larvae, are prey for fish and other marine animals and are also enjoyed by humans, especially in Asia, where they are considered a delicacy.
The proposed permanent rule would prohibit the commercial harvest of sea cucumbers but allow limited take for personal, noncommercial use.
The rule would establish an annual season for the commercial aquarium harvest of two sea cucumber species — Holothuria hilla and Holothuria edulis — on Oahu only. While the season is open, licensed aquarium collectors may harvest up to 20 sea cucumbers per person per day.
The season would close when the total catch reaches 3,600.
Here is the public hearing schedule:
>> Maui: 5:30 to 8 p.m Nov. 9, Lihikai Elementary, Kahului
>> Molokai: 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 10, Mitchell Pauole Center conference room, Kaunakakai
>> Oahu: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 10, Stevenson Middle School cafeteria
>> Hilo: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 10, Hawaii County Aupuni Center conference room
>> Kona: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 10, Kealakehe High School cafeteria
>> Lanai: 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 12, Lanai Public Library
>> Kauai: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria, Lihue
Those unable to attend or who wish to provide additional comments on the issue can submit written testimony to the Division of Aquatic Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, Honolulu, HI 96813; or email DLNR.aquatics@hawaii.gov.
People with a hearing impairment who would like to attend a public hearing may request a sign language interpreter seven days in advance of the hearing. Requests can be sent to the division or call 587-0100 (voice or TDD) in Honolulu.
A copy of the proposed rules is available at the division website at dlnr.hawaii.gov/DAR under the “Announcements” section.
