Fishing/Commercial Fishing/Rules & Regulations

Commercial Fishing Rules

Learn the rules for commercial fishing in Hawai‘i.

Licenses & Permits

Commercial Marine License (CML):

  • Needed to catch or sell marine life.
  • Fees: $100 resident, $250 nonresident.

Commercial Marine Vessel License (CMVL):

  • Optional for vessels; crew doesn’t need individual CML if vessel has CMVL.
  • Fee: $100 (vessels <22′), $200 (vessels ≥22′, non-longline), $1,500 (longline).

Special Permits & Registrations:

  • Commercial Uhu Fishing Permit and Commercial Kala Fishing Permit (required to catch or sell those species).
  • Bottomfish Vessel Registration (Deep 7: vessel BF number display, annual renewal).
  • Bait License (small mesh nets for specified bait species; reporting required).
  • Closed‑Season Sales License (e.g., spiny/slipper lobster, Kona crab lawfully caught in season but sold during closure).
  • Lay Net Permit (required for use of lay nets; includes tagging, buoy ID, and net size restrictions).

Dealer and Business Licenses & Registrations:

  • Dealer Licenses/Registrations (e.g., Commercial Marine Dealer License; Uhu/Kala Dealer registrations).

Reporting & Compliance

  • Monthly reports: Due by the 10th day of the following month, even if you did not fish.
  • Deep 7 trips: Report is due within 5 days after the end of the trip.
  • Additional requirements: Other permits or licenses may require extra reporting.
  • Report online: Through the Online Fishing Report system.
  • Non-compliance: Failure or refusal to submit reports may results in citations or license revocation.
Reporting & Compliance

Commercial Sale Sizes

‘Ahi

  • Minimum 3 lb

Ulua & Pāpio

  • Minimum size 16″

Deep 7

  • Onaga/ʻŌpakapaka ≥ 1 lb

Uhu

  • Sale only with species-specific permits
  • Always check permit conditions

Kala

  • Applies to three species: Naso unicornis, Naso brevirostris, Naso annulatus
  • Requires a Commercial Kala Fishing Permit
  • Minimum size: 14″

Commercial Gear Rules

Nets:

  • Mesh and use restrictions apply; drift nets banned.

Bottomfish:

  • No traps, trawls, longlines, or nets (except scoop nets for hooked fish); vessel registration required; seasonal closures possible.

Lobsters & Crabs:

  • No spearing; follow size, season, and female/egg protections.

Area-Based Rules

  • Some areas have extra restrictions like closures, gear limits, or species bans.
  • Always check the Regulated Areas map and HAR chapters for your fishing location.
View Managed Areas by Island

Protected Resources

  • Stony Corals: Do not take, break, or damage. Sale is mostly banned except for imported rubble.
  • Shore Access: Many areas are private property—get landowner permission.

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