Parrotfish stocks are under increasing pressure from recreational, subsistence and commercial fishers, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources is considering regulations to protect the species and two other prized fish.

The agency will hold informational meetings this month on Maui and Kaua'i to discuss the possibility of establishing minimum size rules to protect parrotfish (uhu), goatfish (weke), and jacks (ulua/papio).

The first meeting will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Maui Waena Elementary School cafeteria in Kahului, Maui. The second meeting will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 30 in Room 114 of the Electronics Technology Building at Kaua'i Community College. Meetings also will be held on other islands, with dates and locations to be announced.

"We are holding these public information meetings to listen to concerns and suggestions from the public regarding fishing and protection of these three species," said DLNR Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen in a statement. "The input we receive from the public will help the Division of Aquatic Resources design rules that will support the ongoing conservation of our marine resources while balancing the needs of recreational, subsistence and commercial fishers."

The agency said commercial fishers have been using nets and traps and operating in deeper water to remove large amounts of uhu, increasing concern over parrotfish stocks.

Parrotfish, the largest grazing fishes on Hawai'i's reefs, play a critical role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems by controlling seaweed growth.

Scientific information from commercial fisheries and fish survey data for goatfishes (moano kali and weke nono) show a decline in catch rate over time that correlates with an observed decrease in goatfish abundance, the DLNR said.

Ulua/papio is another important species popular with recreational fishers.