NSIA has signed onto a letter with over twenty sportfishing and conservation organizations, calling on Congressional leaders to “prioritize and approve” H. R. 404 – the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act. This bipartisan bill would “finalize the transition of the California drift gillnet swordfish fishery, the last fishery in the country that uses large mesh drift gillnets.” These drift gillnets wreak ecological havoc on ocean wildlife, killing thousands of marine mammals, sea turtles, and non-target fish yearly. Better, more effective, and sustainable swordfish gear is available, leaving no reasonable excuse to continue wasting other marine life through bycatch.
Sign-on HR 404