This dataset includes qualitative interview data aggregated and entered into an excel csv file. We conducted 28 semi-structured interviews with Hawai‘i-based fishing captains, vessel owner-operators, and owners between September 5th and December 12th, 2015 in order to assess the industry perspectives of the 2015 WCPFC closure. Fishers were interviewed in their primary languages (English, Vietnamese, and Korean) and translated into english. We used purposive sampling to capture a cross-section of the industry. Purposive sampling was used since the goal was to gather data from certain cross sections, subpopulations or groups that meet specific criteria (Maxwell, 1998). In this case, our cross-section included dual permitted vessels – those operated with both Hawai‘i-based and American Samoa longline permits – that were able to fish in the WCPFC Area during the closure (5 interviews with individuals in charge of a total 17 vessels), vessels under 24 meters actively fishing in the IATTC Area (11 interviews with individuals in charge of 17 vessels), fishers that chose not fish in the IATTC Area (3 interviews, 3 vessels total), captains or owners of vessels larger than 24 meters that were too large to fish in the IATTC Area when it was closed to them by quota and regulations (7 individuals in charge of a total of 8 vessels), and knowledgeable crew members (2). Fishers were asked about their key concerns related to the regulatory closure, how the closure had impacted them, and what their outlook was for the rest of the year. Interview notes were iteratively coded and categorized noting patterns or themes in the data (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Interview quotes were first coded based upon very specific themes or ideas (N=264), then later organized into larger categories (N=10), and finally, into the general categories: issues, impacts, and solutions (N=3).