Statement On Illegal Marine Ornamental Fish Collection Arrest From Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Vice President Of Government Affairs Bob Likins

“The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has learned that the Hawaii Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has made an arrest for the illegal collection of marine ornamental fish. We applaud Hawaiian law enforcement’s diligent monitoring of the fishery and swift enforcement action against all violators of current laws.

PIJAC supports the efforts of DOCARE and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and continues to advocate for increased training and resources for law enforcement, both in Hawaii and around the United States. We also strongly believe, and have repeatedly testified, that a black market in fish collection is the inevitable and harmful result of banning the legal fishery. To that end, we have always worked towards, and validated with scientific data, a sustainable, well regulated, and strictly enforced fishery.

PIJAC condemns any illegal taking of, or trading in, aquarium fish. There is no place for illegal activity within the responsible pet trade, and we will support authorities by sharing any information that we become aware of regarding illegal activities with the state.”