Statement On Acceptance Of Environmental Impact Statement In Hawaii
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Alexandria, Va. – July 8, 2021 – The following statement can be attributed to Robert Likins, PIJAC’s Vice President of Government Affairs:
“The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is pleased that the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resoures (BLNR) has accepted the most recent comprehensive and data-based Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that we at PIJAC, along with a group of Hawaiian fishers dedicated to responsible collection, prepared and submitted for their consideration. We commend those Board members who voted to accept the EIS, recognizing that it provided all the information they were seeking to make an informed decision on reviving ornamental fishing and issuing commercial marine licenses. Since aquarium fishing was halted in Hawaii in 2017, the fishers and their families who depend on fish collection for their livelihoods have been suffering. We are optimistic that the next step for the Board will be to issue permits to the seven fishers so that they will be able to sustainbly collect and trade limited species within the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area.”
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Media Contact:
Gwyn Donohue
PIJAC Director of Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected], 202-452-1525 x1080
About PIJAC
Founded in 1971, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) represents the experience and expertise of the responsible pet care community to legislative, regulatory, and governing bodies in order to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure the availability of healthy pets. PIJAC members include retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations.