EAT THINK DRINK: Fishing for the Future: Are we overfishing Hawai'i waters?

The Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation hosts EAT THINK DRINK 22, Fishing for the Future: Are we overfishing Hawai‘i waters, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the TBD. Presented by Central Pacific Bank, the event features keynote speaker Laura Diederick, Lead for External Affairs for NOAA Fisheries, and panelists representing the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, commercial longline fishing, and the nearshore fishing community.

As our population continues to grow globally, how do we ensure that our food supply, especially seafood, is not depleted as we strive to meet increased demands? How do we protect fish and other marine species that show signs of declining populations? And what are some of the safeguards that have been put in place to ensure that our oceans and marine ecosystems are healthy and continue to thrive?

Commercial, recreational, subsistence and ceremonial fishing are all part of our fisheries. The fishing and seafood industry also represents a large part of our economy, and its impacts are significant – providing jobs, recreational activities, and food. When looking at economic impact, the U.S. commercial and recreational fishing industry provided 1.7 million jobs and represented $243 billion in sales in 2020.

The government regulatory body responsible for our fisheries is the National Ocean Atmospheric Association (NOAA). NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of our nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. They provide vital services that include productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, recovery and conservation of protected resources and healthy ecosystems.

Fish for the Future: Are we overfishing Hawai‘i waters? will focus on Hawai‘i fisheries and address what federal and state agencies are doing to ensure that our fisheries are sustainable and how they are working to improve habitat management. Panelists will also discuss how long-line fishing vessels, near-shore fishermen and recreational fishing are regulated and how each are working to comply with these regulations. Finally, the discussion will also touch upon how federal, state, commercial, and community organizations are working together to sustain Hawai‘i’s $50M+ commercial fishing industry and ensure affordable access of seafood to local consumers.

Keynote speaker Laura Diederick, Lead for External Affairs, NOAA Fisheries will present on NOAA Fish Watch and the sustainability of American fisheries managed by NOAA. NOAA Fish Watch provides four simple determinations on the sustainability of American seafood based on the performance of the NOAA fishery management system.

The panel discussion following the keynote will be moderated by TBD and will feature:

• Brooks Takenaka, General Manager, United Fishing Agency (Honolulu Fish Auction)
• Jarad Makaiau, Assistant Regional Administrator, NOAA Pacific Island’s Regional Office’s Sustainable Fisheries Division
• Potential Panelist - Brian Neilson, Administrator, DLNR - Aquatic Resources (DAR)
• Potential Panelist - Kevin Chang, Co-director, Kua’āina Ulu ‘Auamo (KUA)

TICKETS: $85 EARLY BIRD PRICE | $95 REGULAR PRICE BEGINS JULY 1.

Your ticket includes dinner and two (2) drinks from a selection of beer and wine.

SPECIAL OFFER AT PRINCE WAIKIKI

Treat yourself to unobstructed ocean views, award-winning dining with live entertainment, a signature infinity pool, and more!

• Rates from $199 (plus tax, per night)
• 50% off daily resort charge for Prince Preferred Members*
• 50% off self-parking (one vehicle per room)
• Use promo code ETD23 when booking

VISIT THE LINK BELOW TO BOOK NOW:

https://www.princewaikiki.com/stay/offers/eat-think-drink/

ABOUT EAT THINK DRINK (ETD)

Good things happen when we come together to EAT THINK DRINK! We learn, share and pull inspiration from the thoughtful conversations that happen over the table. ETD was developed by the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF) in response to the need to provide better information to the community on important food issues. The quarterly series aims to build and engage a larger network of younger generation consumers and create new opportunities to learn about the food we eat and the people that grow it.

The goal of ETD is to find and develop areas of common ground–such as increasing awareness and support for local farmers and developing better infrastructure and consumer demand for value-added products–to empower Hawaiʻi’s next generation of community and industry leaders.

ETD22 is presented by Central Pacific Bank, and is also supported by Alexander & Baldwin, Bayer, Kamehameha Schools, Lendlease, Mahi Pono, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, State of Hawai‘i, Ulupono Initiative, United Fishing Agency Ltd., and Y. Hata & Co., Ltd.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Prince Waikiki Hotel, 100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, United States