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Posted: Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 9:08 AM HST

Reef fish proposal would outlaw scuba spearfishing

By Associated Press

KONA, Hawaii (AP) — The public is being asked to weigh in on a Big Island proposal that would create a Kaohe Bay fish replacement area outlawing scuba spearfishing. West Hawaii Today says the proposed scuba spearfishing ban would make West Hawaii the lone area in the state to ban the practice. A list of 40 species on a so-called "white list" would designate fish that aquarium collectors may remove within the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area — an area that spans 147 miles between Upola and South points. The idea is to reduce the threat to rare fish species, as well as ones that could be over-fished and not sustainable for home aquariums. Residents can provide input on the list during a Dec. 5 public hearing at Kealakehe High School.