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ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this May 12, 2009 file photo, bigeye tuna line the floor of the United Fishing Agency’s auction house in Honolulu.
A federal judge has ruled longline fishermen in Hawaii may continue catching more bigeye tuna, or ahi, than the maximum set by international regulators.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi on Wednesday issued a ruling rejecting environmental groups’ claims that the extra fishing is illegal.
The opinion came just in time for the year-end holidays when Hawaii consumers crowd stores to buy ahi sashimi for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. A ruling adverse to the fishermen had the potential to shut down or curtail the Hawaii fishery for the rest of the calendar year.
Michael Tosatto, the Pacific Islands regional administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said Thursday the agency is happy the judge found the rules lawful.
“I think we’re just pleased that the fishery remains on a stable footing without the need for further action,” Tosatto said.
An international commission that regulates commercial fishing between Indonesia and Hawaii set a limit of about 3,500 metric tons for Hawaii longline fishermen this year. The Hawaii fishery reached the limit — set by the 26-member nation Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission — in August.
But the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service created a rule allowing additional catch limits for three U.S. Pacific territories. It then allowed the territories to allocate up to half of their catch limit to Hawaii-based longline fishing vessels.
Environmentalists sued, arguing the arrangement undermines international agreements aimed at eliminating bigeye overfishing.
Kobayashi’s ruling referred to the practice as “quota shifting.” She concluded that it wasn’t arbitrary and capricious. She said setting up the system didn’t exceed the fisheries service’s authority.
A staff attorney for one of the plaintiff groups expressed disappointment in the decision.
Bigeye tuna is being overfished in the Pacific, said Catherine Kilduff of the Center for Biological Diversity. Although bigeye tuna fishing is being managed internationally, the rules aren’t adequate to protect the fish, she said.
“We were really relying on the U.S. government to make the right decision,” said Kilduff.
Bigeye is one of two tuna varieties known as ahi. The other is yellowfin. It’s popular for sushi and fish steaks.
More supply does not mean that prices will come down. Just guaranteed to make more money for business, though.
The reason why they are preparing this fish so early in the morning is that the flies are sleeping, and have not woken up.
Just another case of the US not abiding by international agreements. Aren’t we so special. Just remember what happened to the
East Coast Cod Fisheries – overfished into disappearance.
Tragedy of the commons.
Who’s the Judge? Who ruled to extend catching more Ahi?
Hon.Leslie Kobayashi??
Ahi and Tuna are not an enexhaustible fish source.Absolutely!Over fishing will devastate the Ahi and Tuna population. Yes! I too believe restrictions will need to be implemented, to regulate the taking of this fish before it’s too LATE! The Philippines are a Perfect example.OVER FISHED! All the imported fish coming in are under size, even the Hee is too small. btw.Sold at Foodland
Who’s the Judge? In her ruling? Is the judge simply appeasing the Japanese Tradition and her’s too??…. Why?
Basically ,for this time of the year….it’s a Japanese tradition!!
Gotta get that AHI!
Not a problem for me.
If you’re not Japanese, like me (I’m Hawaiian) ..we simply eat something else! Like MOI,Kala, Manini ,Aholelhole,Ama Ama Papio.Plenty of Reef fish to eat! (Not too much on Oahu)…Besides__ AHI! And Yes! Lau Lau sounds good too! Not only for,Christmas ,New Years, Thanks giving.. anytime! IMUA