Sportfish Restoration Fund – Division of Aquatic Resources

Learn & Explore/Programs & Initiatives/Sport Fish Restoration

Sport Fish Restoration

Empowering conservation and catch-ups — funding fish, habitat, and access for all anglers.

Hawai‘i’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) receives $3.5–4 million annually from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) Program.
85% of the funding supports projects that conserve and enhance fish populations, their habitats, and related sport-fishing opportunities.
The remaining 15% is dedicated to boating access projects.
The program operates on a “user pays, user benefits” model of resource management. as depicted in this diagram.
The following list highlights several DAR projects funded through the SFR Program.

Several pelagic species — such as mahimahi, tuna, ono, and billfish — are naturally attracted to floating objects, though the exact reasons differ by species.
Fisheries biologists use this behavior by deploying Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) around the Main Hawaiian Islands.
These FADs make it much easier for fishers to find and catch these pelagic species.
Locations for FADs are chosen in collaboration with local fishers.
Sites range from 2 to 29 miles offshore, in water depths from 650 to nearly 10,000 feet.

To create freshwater fishing opportunities for both residents and visitors, Hawai‘i intentionally introduced several sport fish species into select reservoirs designated as Public Fishing Areas (PFAs).
DAR raises rainbow trout from eggs to fingerlings, then ships the young fish from O‘ahu to the Koke‘e PFA on Kaua‘i for stocking.
An annual open season for trout fishing is announced early each year.
DAR also supports the Wahiawā Middle School Hatchery on O‘ahu, which raises largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish.
These fish are stocked into the Wahiawā PFA, which has a year-round open season.

Hawai‘i has a narrow band of natural coral reefs and few shallow underwater shelves, which limits recreational fishing opportunities in nearshore areas.
Artificial reef modules are placed in these areas to provide essential shelter for various fish species.
These modules also create new settlement areas for corals, coralline algae, and invertebrates where none previously existed.

Aquatic biologists conduct numerous fish and habitat surveys each year across marine managed areas and control sites statewide.
These surveys provide essential data on the status and trends of Hawai‘i’s nearshore marine environment.
The information helps resource managers determine how to sustainably manage fisheries and support long-term recreational fishing.

Estuaries — where streams meet ocean tides — are vital ecosystems that support many juvenile fish species.
These areas also supply important nutrients to nearshore reefs.
Biologists conduct surveys at multiple estuary sites statewide, monitoring water quality and using cast nets at fixed sampling stations.
Sampling provides information on the relative numbers of native versus introduced species.
DAR collaborates with community groups and partner organizations to restore estuaries, improve habitat for juvenile fish, and monitor how fish respond to environmental changes.

DAR offers technical guidance and assistance to private individuals, companies, and Federal/State/County agencies.
The team reviews project plans that could potentially harm aquatic resources.
DAR also investigates incidents such as fish kills, oil spills, and other pollution events.
They document these impacts and work to mitigate damage to marine and estuarine ecosystems.

DAR’s education section provides programs that help teachers, students, community groups, and the public understand aquatic resources and how to conserve them.
The Fishing Education program introduces adults and children to fishing, emphasizing conservation and responsible practices.
Education specialists support teacher workshops, give classroom presentations, and lead field experiences on fisheries management and conservation topics.
They also speak at fishing clubs, community groups, and participate in public events statewide.
The section creates and distributes educational materials across multiple formats, including print, web, and video.

Fishing in Hawai‘i is a popular recreational activity for residents and tourists, and also an important subsistence food source for many local families.
Despite its cultural and economic importance, only commercial fishers are required to report their catch to DAR monthly.
The overall impact of recreational fishing is greater than that of commercial fishing, making accurate data on sport-fish stocks essential for proper management.
The HMRFS program collects catch and effort data using field surveyors stationed at boat ramps and shoreline fishing sites statewide.
Data analysis helps managers create effective measures to maintain healthy, productive fisheries that support recreational fishers.