Fish & Fishing in the COVID Age

Schooling akule in Waikiki, crystal clear water in Hanauma Bay, and spinner dolphins (nai‘a) swimming along the landing at Napo‘opo‘o at Kealakekua Bay: these are just some of the observations that have been reported to the Department of Land and Natural Resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been quite a bit of interest recently among fishers about the state of our marine resources while popular tourist beaches, typically filled with sunbathers and swimmers, sat empty. Many Hawai‘i residents who were unable to work took to fishing to fill their days and to put food on their tables.

The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), like many state agencies and divisions, shut down offices, boat, and scuba diving operations, following the governor’s Emergency Proclamations. DAR staff quickly adapted field protocols to incorporate health and safety guidelines in order to document aquatic resources and fishing activity, while following Hawai‘i Department of Health and Centers for Disease