When did Hanauma Bay become a Marine Life Conservation District?
Hanauma Bay was designated a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) in 1967. This is an area that the State of Hawai‘i set aside to protect marine life. It is governed by State statutes, Regulation 32. It states that it is unlawful to fish, possess fishing gear, remove any marine organisms or contaminate the waters within the conservation district. This law is enforced by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Prior to 1967, most types of fishing was allowed in the bay. It was a popular fishing and camp grounds for people from Honolulu. By the 1960’s fish stocks began to decline from the heavy fishing pressure. A University of Hawai‘i marine biologist, Dr. Ernst Reese had proposed that the bay be set aside as a natural, living museum. Many fishermen protested this idea for fear of setting a precedent to close other traditional fishing grounds. An underwater survey was conducted by Chapman Lam and the data gathered was used to convince the State Legislature to designate the sit
