Know the Rules/Fishing Regulations/Marine Managed Areas/Conservation Tips
Conservation Tips
Help conserve our marine resources by following these simple guidelines
Avoid Walking on the Reef
- Coral polyps are small and fragile, including their skeleton
- Stepping on them can kill or damage the reef
- Protect the reef, and yourself, by staying away from shallow coral areas if you are not a confident swimmer
Don’t Feed the Fish
- Feeding fish is prohibited in most Marine Management Areas
- It disrupts their natural diet and makes them dependent on humans
- Fish can find their own food—please don’t feed them
Leave Things as You Found Them
- Do not collect coral, shells, or other marine life
- Rocks and shells provide important habitat for many marine animals
- Picking things up from the bottom of the ocean is discouraged, but if you do, put it back where it was found
Take Only What You Need
- If fishing or harvesting is allowed, follow all regulations carefully
- Take only what you need and release excess catch carefully
Dispose of Trash Properly
- Never throw trash—especially plastics—into the ocean
- Trash can be hazardous to fish and other marine life through entanglement or ingestion, and it’s illegal
Report Violations
- If you see someone fishing illegally, report it DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) at 808-643-DLNR (3567)
- If possible, discreetly note their vehicle license plate number
- Visit our Report Violations page to learn more
Why it matters:
These actions help protect nearshore environments so future generations can enjoy the same experiences you do.
Learn about MLCDs
Safety Tips