Currents, fish larvae yet to be explained
| • | Ban sought on bottom fishing |
| • | Many find fishery stocks take a while to recover |
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
Are the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands an aquatic nursery from which the larvae of valued fish replenish the main Hawaiian Island reefs?
Or do the larvae go westward with the trade winds?
It is a key question in the regulation of the commercial bottom fishery in the northwestern end of the Hawaiian archipelago, and the answer is exceedingly complicated.
"I think the science is still out," said Aulani Wilhelm, acting coordinator of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.
Most of the time, the dominant currents flow toward the west, away from the main islands, but in any wind and current condition, there are lots of eddies around the islands. While the larger current may be flowing in one direction, an eddy or countercurrent could be carrying marine organisms in the opposite direction.
Even the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Council, which advises federal fisheries regulators, seems confused. A recent press release states it was unlikely that the northwestern islands restock the main islands, but recent annual reports say they probably do.
There is some information on where the currents move, based on tracking buoys. Oceanographer June Firing said buoys are often caught in eddies. Some travel toward the northwest. Others can move the other way. Many, interestingly, stay near the islands, despite dominant currents that would seem most likely to drive them away.
"I think it's more likely that the creatures that are spawned in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands stay there," Firing said.
But she cautioned: "I don't think we know enough to say for sure what's happening."
