Pictured: Bluefin tuna swimming on a coral reef on Hawaii's Island of Kahoolawe
Pictured: One-horned nosefish on the reef of Maui, Hawaii
Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center announced in a statement that an assessment of Hawaiian reef fish showed that 11 species, including ULLs, five surgical fish, two goats and three parrot fish, were experiencing some degree of overfishing.
Scientists say the most vulnerable species are those that are popular as a source of local food. They gathered information about the size, maximum age, growth rate and maturity of the fish and compared the results, providing fisheries managers with options for future sustainability.
Reef fish support the local tourism and fishing economy and are important for the health of Native Hawaiian culture and the overall marine ecosystem.
Source: The Associated Press
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