Monday, October 4, 2010

Hawaii Opihi - The Fish of Death

Hawaii Opihi - The Fish of Death

A Opihi gatherer was overpowered by rough surf just off of north Molokai.(1)

Opohi (Hawaiian Limpet(2)) is a highly prized traditional Hawaiian delicacy. They inhabit Hawaii's intertidal and shallow sub tidal shores where they cling to the rocks, this is where the surf is roughest. Native Hawaiians call the Opihi “the fish of death” because so many people were swept out to sea while trying to pry it off the rocks.

There are 3 edible species(3) of the 5 species(4) found on the Hawaiian islands. State fishing regulations allow collecting of limpets, provided that their shell diameter is at least 1.25 inches or that the diameter of the shellfish's foot is 1/2 inch.

The Opihi is now itself endangered due to overharvesting and environmental impacts(5) and harvesters now have to venture further into the most rugged areas.

One of the few places you can try Opihi is at Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu(6)

Scientists fear that the largest and most prized species of the hardy opihi may be extinct on O'ahu.