The Problem is Overfishing by Driftnets Drastically Diminishing the Pacific Albacore Species
The Problem is Overfishing by Driftnets Drastically Diminishing the Pacific Albacore Species.
Most countries have recognized that driftnets harm too many marine species to remain an acceptable form of fishing.
The United Nations tried to ban driftnets in 1989 starting in the south Pacific. By 1991 the destructive fishing method was evaluated & by 1992 the UN made a moratorium on high seas driftnets allowing 1 mile of net to be legal.
Albacore Trollers were NOT in agreement! We want & need a clean fishery. We need a total BAN on driftnets on the High Seas or in International Waters.
Driftnets sound relatively harmless as a fishing method. But as any marine biologist will tell you, this gear threatens ocean wildlife.
Held on the sea’s surface or just below with floating devices, driftnets can be miles long.
Depending on the size of the mesh, they can entangle anything that happens to swim nearby, including sea turtles, whales, swordfish, and tuna.
Laws Exist: Ignored and Unenforced
Yes, laws exist but they are frequently ignored and when reported are largely unenforced.
Sustainable Tuna Fishing Methods are Being Eliminated
There are legal, humane and sustainable methods for harvesting tuna and other species. These methods are on their way out because the overfishing of albacore tuna is so drastically reducing the populations that they are simply not great enough to make it profitable. (The way we do it).
As an Aid in Understanding
It would be like clear-cutting a forest WITHOUT replanting it.
Albacore Tuna is a HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS). When nations and fishers from those nations IGNORE the law and use DRIFTNETS, it DIRECTLY IMPACTS the populations that have historically passed through to our fishery, too.
How Can We Maintain a Healthy Population?
We've got to put an end to illegal driftnet fishing!
