Hate to date myself, but I have been coming over to Maui since the early 1970s and something is seriously wrong. I am sure you know this but, as a longtime visitor, I find this rather upsetting and sad. Maui is experiencing a drastic decline in fish population.
I have discussed this with dive friends of mine who also have been coming to Maui for 30 or 40 years, and we all agree that the fish population is probably down 70 to 80 percent. Same species, fewer count. I don't know the cause, even the shark population is down.
Mala pier used to be amazing. Not anymore.
I know many of the dive shop owners, and when I discussed my concern with them, depending on whom you are speaking with, you get different answers.
Hello, don't tell me fish move. Duh. It really doesn't matter the cause - lower salinity on the reef, development runoff or too many people's dinners. What matters is that you need to be proactive immediately.
Unfortunately, the word is out there. Divers are going elsewhere which, eventually, will be felt in your economy. Please be proactive. Don't become another St Thomas.
The good news is there seems to be more turtles and frog fish.
Kathy Thunholm
Lake Arrowhead, Calif.
