Collecting in Hawaii

jegel · 03-06-2002, 06:52 PM

I'm planning on going to hawaii in about a year for my honeymoon!!!
We'll definetly do some snorkling and if my fiancee is brave enough, maybe try diving.
I was wondering what kind of laws there are with collecting in hawaii or if anyone knows of websites with that kind of info.
If I do collect anything it would probably just be live rock rubble. that could be shipped home (CA) easily.
Any other thoughts are welcome.

Thanks

Doug1 · 03-06-2002, 07:21 PM

Hate to pop your balloon, but as I recall collectining is prohibited in most of Hawaii, outshipping is a definate no no and the reef hobby is prolly most regulated in all the US.
Enjoy the diving but I'm sure you'll have to leave it there. Besides after the hassle and expense to ship home overnight, I bet LFS isn't that expensive

mini mee · 03-06-2002, 07:35 PM

Hi jegel,

I don't think you can, but Hawaii was great Maui was the best IMHO Kauai was good rain never stopped while we were there though, very lush tropical jungle and water falls were great, Oahus Wikki beach was fun and the snorkling was awesome in the bay on the other side of Diamond head, well worth a visit.

The bay is famous just can't remember the name but you can't miss it.

Hang loose and have Fun

Mini

Fishaholic · 03-06-2002, 08:04 PM

I really have nothing against local collecting of non threatened speices as it has the highest survival rate.

I just like the saying when recreational diving Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles

MontanaRocknReefer · 03-06-2002, 08:21 PM

Hi! My mother-in-law who lives in Hawaii says they can collect fish for personal use but everything else must remain in the water. Johnny

fishinchick · 03-07-2002, 01:47 AM

I always wondered what was considered 'personal use' and how do you prove that, you know??

My Mother went there a year ago and brought back some black sand in a jar, some white sand in a jar, some pretty rocks, some pieces of coral from the beach.

Aside from the fact that taking back something 'wet' on an airplane is not such a good idea (this fact pointed out to me by a friend when I offered to give some of my live mysis to take home). Its probably a better idea to just order stuff from IPSF and let them goof around with the 'permits' and 'legalities' IMO.

Gary D · 03-07-2002, 09:26 AM

I've been to the islands many times and have to say that Maui is my favorite. Best snorkeling spots! Go to Ulua beach 1. If you are in Ohau, Waimea Bay is the park by Diamond Head that has TONS of fish. It can get crowded, but it's fun. The fish are pretty tame from being hand fed. Just stepping into the water I had small puffers going past my ankles in 6 inches of water. Big Naso tangs and Unicorn tangs abound. Oh, and don't take anything from the water. The Hawaiian gods from upon that. Bad Luck!! I think that's how this whole aiptasia problem started.....

PS When you get there pick up Snorkel Bob's Reality Guide to Hawaii. That will tell you all the great places to go to. You can probably even get it at your local bookstore or have them order it for you. Have fun!

S.O.S. · 03-07-2002, 01:44 PM

I just came back from Hawaii a few months ago. In most places, I wasn't even allowed to feed the fish, let alone touch anything. Collecting fish for personal use is another way of saying "fishing". You can go fishing but you can't "collect" anything there.

reefcam · 03-07-2002, 04:08 PM

Collecting coral of any type in Hawaii is prohibited. However, you can collect fish and some invert for your personal aquarium and algae only if they are not attach to a rock. Collecting live rock is also prohibited.

And collecting fish, invert and algae is only allowable in non-protected areas. So you need to find out which area is protected and which is not. You do not need to have a collectors permit for personal use, but it's recommended as not all officials may know the laws of Hawaii (i.e. police, custom, fish and wildlife, etc.) I know they should know, but remember, ignorant officials only can do so much. So I would recommend getting a permit. They are free from fish and wildlife. And while you are there, you can get a map of where you can collect.

I was in Maui last December, and I brought back 2 Sharp-nose puffers.

jegel · 03-08-2002, 02:56 AM

Wow, thanks for all the great feedback...
What about sand??? getting some nice live sand from the base of the reef would probably help my tank especially since We'll be moving into a new condo and the 80 gallon will be moving in. A little bit of starter sand could be just what it needs. Sealing a jar to ship home seems easy enough.
Anyone know where to find these types of laws???
Possibly a hawaii customs web site???

Thanks

Doug1 · 03-08-2002, 08:06 AM

Heres a site I came up with after 15 min search. Need more coffee

http://www.ehawaiigov.org/living/html/recreation.html

jegel · 03-08-2002, 04:04 PM

Thanks for the link. I finally found this one last night. http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dar/regbk/index.html
Looks like its part of the same site.
Thanks for everyones help.

platapus · 03-08-2002, 04:54 PM

You want to collect..... Try the Phillipines, of Fiju! Let me know if you go, Ill put in a order