Hawaii’s longline fleet might be rejoicing about a new opportunity to catch ahi, but a coalition of environmental groups is not on board with the increased catch.

Commercial fishermen who traditionally have exhausted their quota of bigeye tuna a month before peak holiday demand can continue fishing under a new agreement that allows them access to quota from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Guam.

Good news for the flow of sashimi that crosses Hawaii tables during the New Year holiday. Bad news for the fish, some claim.

“We’ve lost commercial fishing stocks in the past because of actions like these,” Earthjustice lawyer David Henkin said. “Scientists say we need to cut back 36 percent from recent fishing levels. … The United States should set an example for responsible fishing, not make a mockery of international protections for imperiled bigeye.”

Earthjustice is examining legal options and is likely to take The National Marine Fisheries Service to court for approving the rule change, Henkin said.

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