(HONOLULU) – The Waik?k?-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area (SFMA), O‘ahu, will be closed to fishing for one year, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023.

The SFMA encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waik?k? War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards. The area is closed to fishing during odd-numbered years.

Fishing is not allowed at any time in the adjacent Waik?k? Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), which extends from the ‘Ewa wall of the Natatorium to the Kapahulu groin (jetty).

The periodic closure of Waik?k? -Diamond Head SFMA to fishing is intended to give fish a break from fishing pressure. The Waik?k?-Diamond Head area is the only area in the state where this management approach is used.

To report violations of any fishing regulation, call the DLNR enforcement hotline at (808) 643-DLNR (643-3567).