Bonefishes in Hawai‘i are highly valued for their subsistence and recreational value and are targeted by both noncommercial and commercial fisheries. They are often challenging to distinguish, but Hawai‘i has the endemic sharp jaw (Albula virgata) and the Indo-Pacific round jaw (A. glossodonta). Noncommercial fisheries data in Hawai‘i is often sparse and disparate compared to commercial datasets and noncommercial data around the nation. The shortage of this data makes fisheries management challenging and reinforces the disconnect between stakeholders and natural resource managers. We surveyed 277 local fishers to characterize the noncommercial fishery and highlight the preferences and motivations of anglers who catch bonefish. A majority of respondents who choose to keep bonefishes for food prefer to keep fish that are at least four to five pounds, often due to the unique preparation required before consumption. This size class is larger than the L50 for bonefish in Hawai‘i, and 86% of anglers prefer fish larger than the L50. Bonefish are also sought after for their sport value, creating competing demands. However, 92% of anglers indicated they will release some of their catch. Including the fishing community in the fisheries management process can help account for values and preferences. Information on fish disposition and angler preferences are critical in updating management tools, such as minimum sizes.
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16 May 2025
Angler Motivations and Preferences When Targeting Bonefishes in Hawai‘i
Keith Kamikawa,
Kimberly Peyton,
Kirsten Oleson
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Pacific Science
Vol. 78 • No. 3
July 2024
Vol. 78 • No. 3
July 2024
angler preference
Bonefish
fish disposition
Hawai‘i
noncommercial