The Pūpūkea-Waimea MLCD
The state-designated Pūpūkea-Waimea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) is important as a center for marine recreation, conservation, and fishery replenishment. The Pūpūkea-Waimea MLCD is one of a small number of areas in Hawai‘i where coral reef resources are almost fully protected. Local community members and fishers care about conserving our marine resources, are knowledgeable about our coral reef resources, and can use the resource wisely by practicing traditional resource management ethics.
MLCDs in Hawai‘i
There are 11 Marine Life Conservation Districts in Hawai‘i, with three on O‘ahu—Pūpūkea, Hanauma Bay, and Waikīkī. According to the State Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) website, MLCDs are “designed to conserve and replenish marine resources. … They provide fish and other aquatic life with a protected area in which to grow and reproduce.” Less than 1% of coastline in Hawai‘i is designated as an MLCD, and less than 0.3% of Hawai‘i coastline is designated as a no-take area. The Pūpūkea-Waimea MLCD is not a no-take MLCD, though it does include no-take zones.
Pūpūkea-Waimea MLCD Expansion
Since establishment in 1983, the Pūpūkea-Waimea MLCD expanded from its original boundaries to include Waimea Bay in 2005 and most recently, the Kapo’o Tidepools in 2021. For more information about the history of the MLCD, click here. For more information about the rules and regulations protecting the MLCD, click here.
