HONOLULU — A study by six scientists concludes fishing hurts Hawai'i's nearshore fisheries more so than coastal development and pollution.

The study published in the journal Environmental Conservation shows the reef fish most coveted by fishers — such as uhu, ulua and redfish — are severely depleted.

Fish that aren't popular as food are faring better, such as small triggerfish and surgeonfish species.

They compared fish populations at 89 sites throughout the main Hawaiian Islands, including heavily urbanized areas, remote and rural regions.

The study's lead author is Ivor Williams, a scientist with the University of Hawai'i's Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. Alan Friedlander of the Oceanic Institute and NOAA National Ocean Service is the co-author.