HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources will close the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area to fishing from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2009.

"The shoreline and nearshore waters between the Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse are very popular with residents, visitors and fishers," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. "Every odd-numbered year we close this area to fishing to allow nearshore marine life populations to replenish."

The fisheries management area encompasses the nearshore waters between the 'ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, and from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.

The fisheries management area is regulated by the department's administrative rule, Chapter 13-48. It is prohibited to fish for, take or injure any marine life (including eggs) or to possess in the water any fishing gear during the "closed to fishing" period.

Fishing is also not allowed at any time in the adjoining Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District between the 'ewa edge of the Natatorium and the 'ewa edge of the Kapahulu groin.

Anyone who violates the provisions of this rule may be guilty of a petty misdemeanor, and/or subject to an administrative fine.

Copies of the administrative rule, Chapter 13-48, are available at the Division of Aquatic Resources office, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, in the Hawai'i Fishing Regulations booklet (available at most sporting goods stores), or on the DLNR Web site: www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.