More than 100 dead akule, about 12 to 14 inches in length, were found at Honolua Bay after authorities received a call from someone reporting sharks near shore. At least six sharks were counted, according to DLNR officials. The predators included several tigers up to 12 feet in length and scavenging ulua.

The akule were killed as a result of a commercial fishing operation, said officials, who are puzzled as to why they were left in the water. Akule, or bigeye scad, are popular for salting and drying. They are harvested using a net that encircles a school of fish and is hauled aboard a flat-bottomed boat.

Randy Awo, Maui branch chief of the state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, said yesterday the fishing vessel likely did not do anything illegal, but investigators want to talk with the boater to find out what happened. Authorities believe they know which fishing vessel was involved in the incident, he said, but they had not been able to contact the operator.

"It's more a matter of responsible practices than unlawful behavior," Awo said.

Although the dead fish were found only at Honolua Bay, there is concern sharks would be drawn over the next few days to adjacent areas by currents carrying the "scent trail," said Russell Sparks, an education specialist with the state Aquatic Resources Division on Maui.

As a small consolation, Sparks said swimmers and snorkelers kept out of the ocean have been able to get a good look at the sharks from the Honolua Bay overlook.

Awo is asking any witnesses to the fishing incident to call (808) 984-8110.