Laws Prohibit Damaging Reefs

University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822

(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail

Contact: Priscilla Billig, (808) 956-2414

May 27, 1997

Laws Prohibit Damaging Reefs

Coral reefs are an important resource for Hawaii providing food and habitat for many fish and invertebrates.

In this International Year of the Reef, The University of Hawaii's Sea Grant Program reminds everyone that state law prohibits the intentional taking of, breaking or damaging any live stony coral in Hawaiian waters. Most stony corals grow very slowly, so damaged reefs may take years to recover.

It's also against the law to intentionally take or damage any rock or coral to which marine life is visibly attached.

The taking of non-living coral rubble is permitted. But you can't take more than a gallon per person per day, and it can only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes.

If you're caught damaging or removing coral you could be fined $500 plus up to $100 per illegally taken specimen. You could also get thirty days in jail.

This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.

-UH-



University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
Contact: Priscilla Billig, (808) 956-2414		May 27, 1997
Laws Prohibit Damaging Reefs Coral reefs are an important resource for Hawaii providing food and habitat for many fish and invertebrates. In this International Year of the Reef, The University of Hawaii's Sea Grant Program reminds everyone that state law prohibits the intentional taking of, breaking or damaging any live stony coral in Hawaiian waters. Most stony corals grow very slowly, so damaged reefs may take years to recover. It's also against the law to intentionally take or damage any rock or coral to which marine life is visibly attached. The taking of non-living coral rubble is permitted. But you can't take more than a gallon per person per day, and it can only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes. If you're caught damaging or removing coral you could be fined $500 plus up to $100 per illegally taken specimen. You could also get thirty days in jail. This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.