by Andrew Walden

The DLNR is investigating "a new commercial fishery in which mass harvesting of sea cucumbers is occurring on both Oahu and Maui."

According to DLNR sea cucumbers "are highly prized ... for medicinal purposes...."

Why the sudden mass harvesting of sea cucumbers?  A quick Google search reveals anti-GMO huckster Ty Bollinger promoting sea cucumber as "a ‘miracle’ cancer treatment" live on Fox News February 3, 2015.  According to Bollinger, Sea Cucumber can also be used to treat gum disease, arthritis, and "even as an aphrodisiac."

DLNR Chairperson Suzanne Case points out, “Until very recently this was not an issue."

Boat loaded with Sea Cucumbers harvested at Kaiona beach, Waimanalo. Photo Credit: Ocean Defender Hawaiʻi.

FOX News is apparently a breakthrough moment for Bollinger, who can more commonly be seen on his own website in a rumpled suit interviewing other quacks.  Bollinger recently spoke with "Yogic Flying" expert Jeffrey Smith in a "Truth About Cancer" video entitled "Monsanto, Corruption and the Cancer Causing Dangers of GMO Foods."  Big Island residents may remember that Smith also testified against GMOs before the Hawaii County Council in 2013. 

Now, thanks to anti-GMO hucksters, the DLNR is obligated to report: "there is a commercial market for certain individuals to harvest as many sea cucumbers, as quickly as they can.”

Food-related fear and hysteria drives consumers to buy 'organic' and 'herbal' products.  Some 'organic' food manufacturers report a 15% boost in sales as a result of anti-GMO hysteria.

At its June 26 meeting the State BLNR will vote on "an emergency rule that will ban any taking of sea cucumbers for the next 120 days."

Perhaps the arch of hysteria will pass by then.

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OVERHARVESTING OF SEA CUCUMBERS IN HAWAII CAN QUICKLY DEPLETE THE RESOURCE

DLNR Proposes Emergency Rules

News Release from DLNR June 18, 2015

(HONOLULU) – The Department of Land and Natural Resources has been investigating and has now confirmed a new commercial fishery in which mass harvesting of sea cucumbers is occurring on both Oahu and Maui. Additionally, recent reports from the public confirm the harvesting of large quantities of sea cucumber on both Oahu and Maui.  While taking sea cucumbers from the ocean is not against the law, any commercial harvesting does require a license.

Suzanne Case, DLNR Chairperson said, “We are aware of the near depletion of this marine resource in other U.S. coastal states and other Pacific islands. This has prompted complete closure of cucumber fisheries in numerous locations. This is an entirely new situation here in Hawaii and we’re taking immediate steps to try to stop this egregious, mass, commercial exploitation of sea cucumber in Hawaii.”

Staff from the DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Conservation & Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) are working on emergency actions to stop this wanton destruction of sea cucumber species in Hawaii. Jason Redulla, acting DOCARE chief commented, “While we’re not at liberty to provide details about ongoing investigations, the Maui Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit (CFEU) has confirmed the start of a new commercial fishery for loli and other cucumber species.  In some countries they are highly prized as a food source and for medicinal purposes; so there is a commercial market for certain individuals to harvest as many sea cucumbers, as quickly as they can.”

“This activity threatens to deplete a key species on our reefs in areas of mass harvest,” explained Alton Miyasaka, DAR acting administrator.  “Sea cucumbers are important for the ecosystem because they clean up organic matter and recycle nutrients,” Miyasaka said.

Currently Hawaii has no specific rules governing the take of sea cucumbers.  Chairperson Case added, “Until very recently this was not an issue.  We’re proposing an emergency rule that will ban any taking of sea cucumbers for the next 120 days. The State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) will consider this emergency rule at its next meeting on June 26, 2015. Until these rules are enacted we’re asking people who observe mass taking of sea cucumbers to call the DOCARE hotline at 643-DLNR. We’re also asking any individuals engaged in taking of mass quantities of sea cucumbers to stop immediately.  It shows tremendous disrespect for one of the many valuable resources of Hawaii.” 

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