Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono

Hawaii Fisheries Development Program ($750,000)

The requested funding would be used to assist in development of new information and technologies for both fishery management and marine aquaculture development in Hawaii and throughout the United States.

The program focuses on development of core technologies in broodstock, live feeds, larviculture, and grow-out systems for economically significant, warm-water marine species. Research by the Oceanic Institute under this program led to the emergence of offshore aquaculture of Pacific threadfin (moi) and amberjack (kahala) in Hawaii. Current work on copepod-based hatchery technologies promises new species development, including snappers and reef ornamentals. Requested funds will be used to scale up copepod-based hatchery technologies for pilot production of reef ornamentals and other foodfish species requiring such live food items.

A rising demand for seafood and static supplies of wild stocks has created a compelling case for strengthening marine aquaculture in the United States. Over 60 percent of seafood now consumed in the U.S. is produced from aquaculture, up from only 30 percent in 1990. The emerging offshore industry in Hawaii continues to rely on the HSFD program in part for eggs and fingerlings. Preliminary success in resolving key bottlenecks to rearing species with extremely small eggs and larvae has created new opportunities to culture a broader range of marine fish.

Hawaii is uniquely positioned to take a lead role in aquaculture in the nation due to advantages in climate, geography, water, and species potential. Nearly all major fisheries in Hawaii have been depleted and the state imports over 70 percent of its seafood. The program also promises great benefits in enhancing the health of coral reefs in Hawaii and throughout the world. Between 100,000 and 300,000 wild yellow tang are exported yearly from the state, which has reduced populations of the species in waters off of Kona, Hawaii, by nearly 50 percent. Development of an aquaculture industry to grow ornamental reef fish would greatly reduce the pressure on wild populations as well as damage to coral reefs.

Recipient: Oceanic Institute
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway
Waimanalo, HI 96795

Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: There is a rising demand for seafood and static supplies of wild stocks has created a compelling case for strengthening marine aquaculture in the United States. Over 60 percent of seafood now consumed in the U.S. is produced from aquaculture, up from only 30 percent in 1990. Nearly all major fisheries in Hawaii have been depleted and the state imports over 70 percent of its seafood.