A. Kimo Morris

The schooling blue-stiped snapper (Lutjanus kasmira ) was introduced to Hawaii in 1959 by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in an effort to increase the game-fish stock - their plan back-fired. They were only released on a few of the islands, and today, they account for more biomass than any other fish species in Hawaii, AND they are not considered to be much of a favorite among local people. These fish were originally from Tahiti, hence their non-Hawaiian name, ta'ape. Blue-striped snapper have strained the reef system in Hawaii by competing with native species for resources. Granted, they are beautiful fish, but they should never have become a part of this "picture".