RRI Co-sponsors New Legislation to Protect California’s Ocean Biodiversity by Strengthening Set Gillnet Regulations
The federally protected humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) faces ongoing threats from destructive set gillnet fishing, leading to entanglements, injury, and death.
We are joining forces with Oceana to co-sponsor a state assembly bill that will bring greater protection to coastal marine wildlife. Introduced by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), Assembly Bill 1056 (AB 1056) prevents the expansion of set gillnet fishing in California’s waters.
Set gillnets—typically as long as the Golden Gate Bridge and anchored to the sea floor for up to two days— are used primarily to target white seabass and California halibut. However, these nearly invisible nets indiscriminately trap a vast array of other marine life, including over 125 species such as whales, sharks, rays, sea lions, seabirds, and the critically endangered giant seabass. Tragically, up to 64 percent of the total catch are unintended victims or “bycatch” that commonly suffer injury or death before being discarded.
We Need Your Help To Get AB 1056 Passed!
AB 1056 faces its first — and biggest — hurdle on April 29th when it goes before the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee.
We must raise $5,000 by April 7th to support grassroots advocacy, push back against industry, and give this crucial ocean protection bill a real shot.
Time is running out. Help us be the environmental voice in the room defending California’s Public Trust.
Key Provisions of AB 1056:
Retiring Unused Set Gillnet Permits – Preventing the resurgence of gillnet fishing by eliminating inactive or minimally used permits from the system.
Clarifying Permit Transfer Regulations – Ensuring the California Fish and Game Commission has clear authority over offshore set gillnet permit transfers, improving oversight and management.
Background
California has a century-long history of regulating the set gillnet fishery to protect our vibrant marine environment. Through legislation and voter initiatives, the state has incrementally reduced coastal areas where set gillnet fishing is permitted. But, due to regulatory loopholes, set gillnets are still allowed to operate in federal waters (3-200 nautical miles offshore) and in state waters around the eight Channel Islands, bordered by multiple Marine Protected Areas. This site is so rich in marine life that it is known as North America’s Galapagos.
By eliminating unused and seldom-used permits, AB 1056 ensures that these harmful fishing practices do not expand in the future and paves the way for the adoption of safer gear.
Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA.
Our advocacy for AB1056 is part of the Campaign to Eliminate Avoidable Bycatch, the first project of our Protecting Marine Biodiversity program. The Campaign aims to strengthen the regulation of nonselective gear types, such as offshore set gillnets and trawls, and modernize crab fishing methods by promoting ropeless gear.
To Get Involved Contact:
Scott Webb, Resource Renewal Institute –
707-921-8211, swebb@rri.org.
Help us Protect California’s Marine Biodiversity.
AB 1056 faces an uphill battle against powerful, well-funded industry opponents. Please consider supporting our efforts to pass this critical bill and protect California’s coastal biodiversity.
