Pricing information for marine aquarium fish species that originate from Hawaiian waters was collected through online searches of Continental United States and Hawai’i based retailers. Average prices were collected if prices varied across fish size for the same species from one seller. Prices for each of the 12 species of interest offered by U.S mainland sellers and Hawaiian sellers were compared in order to estimates the price differences across sellers in the two locations. Differences in retail prices between U.S mainland sellers and local retailers indicate that out-of-state retailers realize a larger percentage of gross revenues compared to in-state retailers.

Detailed aquarium catch reports for the year 2016 were obtained through Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) request from the Hawai’i Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Catch reports are submitted on a voluntary basis from commercially licensed aquarium fishers operating in the state of Hawai’i. Additionally, licensed aquarium dealers’ personal sales and export reports for 2016 were obtained via UIPA request through DAR. Detailed catch reports and personal sales and export reports were analyzed and compared. Over 95% of harvested aquaria from Hawai'i were exported out of the state. This data was used as part of a cost-benefit policy analysis to investigate the distribution of relative shares for the marine aquarium fishery in Hawai'i and identify the issues associated with the State’s reporting system for the industry.