For 40 years the use of pelagic longlines, an indiscriminate fishing gear, has been off-limits in ocean waters off California, Oregon and Washington. This ban saves Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, and other non-targeted marine life. But this long-established protection could disappear if we don’t speak up.
Federal fishery managers are considering reintroducing pelagic longlines off the West Coast – exposing Risso’s dolphins, blue sharks and many other important species to a danger we thought was long gone. Will you speak up for them before it’s too late?
Tell the Pacific Fishery Management Council and National Marine Fisheries Service that pelagic longlines should stay long gone – protect Risso’s dolphins and other at-risk marine life >>
In the Pacific Ocean, pelagic longlines can stretch for miles and contain thousands of baited hooks targeting swordfish and tuna on the high seas. But that’s not all they catch.
These lines entangle pilot whales and dolphins in search of food below the surface, while hooks ensnare blue sharks migrating along the West Coast. Hooks have even been found lodged in the throats of endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles.
Once caught, the clock starts ticking for the struggling animal as fishermen often leave pelagic longlines out for days. If these ocean animals aren’t freed in time, they will bleed to death or drown. That’s why we must act now.
Please, urge the PFMC and NMFS to deny the use of pelagic longlines off the U.S. West Coast and keep dolphins, sharks and sea turtles off the hook for good.
Cleaner fishing gear like deep set buoy gear already exists to catch swordfish without harming larger marine animals. So why bring back deadly pelagic longlines?
By telling fishery managers to focus their efforts on sustainable fishing techniques rather than expanding the use of destructive pelagic longlines, you can protect the West Coast’s most endangered species — like the Pacific leatherback sea turtle — from ensnarement and death.
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