Honolulu weighs tougher limits on aquarium fish trade to keep yellow tang on reefs

Honolulu is considering tougher limits on the commercial aquarium trade for native reef fish, including yellow tang. Two measures before the Honolulu City Council—Resolutions 26-159 and 26-160—will face final hearings on August 12. Wildlife advocate Tyler Dos Santos-Tam urged residents to submit testimony, arguing that reef fish belong in Hawai‘i’s reefs rather than being collected and sold globally. He said yellow tang helps control algae on coral reefs. The proposals, if approved, would support stronger restrictions on taking reef fish for aquarium sales and involve the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources and state lawmakers. Public comments reflected disagreement, with some citing enforcement gaps and others calling for harsher penalties. Testimony can be submitted through the city’s testimony portal linked by Dos Santos-Tam.