NATURAL RESOURCES »» FISHERIES »» BYCATCH »» Jan 09, 2023

Fish or animals that are accidentally caught in commercial fishing operations are called bycatch. These dead or dying creatures are usually discarded overboard. Studies show fisheries now throw away more than 20% of all the fish they catch. This translates into more than 2 billion tons of edible fish and drowned animals each year. The use of large mesh gillnets by a single California fishery is responsible for 90% of the dolphins and porpoises killed along the West Coast and Alaska. Bycatch includes marine mammals, turtles, striped marlin, bluefin tuna and sharks - at least 20% of which are already dead upon release. Marine advocates say the loss of young fish greatly limits the ability of a species to breed successfully. It is estimated that about 1,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises drown each day after becoming entangled in nets and other fishing gear. Nearly 20% of all shark species are facing extinction from inadvertent long-line and gillnet capture, and as many as 250,000 unwanted loggerhead and leatherback turtles are also killed this way each year. Advocates say these commercial fishing practices are not sustainable and are endangering the health of the oceans. Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.404 - Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act of 2021 Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Ted Lieu (CA) I oppose reforming current fishing bycatch policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA). I support: 1.) Expanding the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years. 2.) Conducting a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources. 3.) Awarding grants to program participants. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Ted Lieu (CA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» No issues were voted

I support: 1.) Expanding the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years. 2.) Conducting a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources. 3.) Awarding grants to program participants. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Ted Lieu (CA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Trustee Candidates

Representative If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Ted Lieu (CA) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider either reintroducing H.R.404 - Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act of 2021, or a similar version thereof. Turtle Island Restoration Network If elected as a trustee, Turtle Island Restoration Network will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to work and advocate for reducing bycatch. Mission: To mobilize people in local communities around the world to protect marine wildlife and the oceans and inland watersheds that sustain them. Our work is buoyed by thousands of supporters, volunteers and pro bono professionals, who help us extend our network around the globe. We accomplish our mission through grassroots empowerment, consumer action, strategic litigation, hands-on restoration, environmental education, and promoting sustainable local, national, and international marine policies.

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