In Hawai'i, the creation this year of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Marine Monument establishes one of the world's largest marine reserves, where all commercial fishing will be banned after five years.

Also in Hawai'i's waters, bottomfish — including prized snappers like 'opakapaka and onaga — have declined in size after years of heavy fishing, particularly in the main Hawaiian Islands.

Both state and federal fisheries officials are preparing aggressive measures to let these species recover. Among the proposals are seasonal closing of the bottomfish fishery.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.