On June 6th, 2024, The Resource Renewal Institute joined forces with over 20 organizations and businesses in submitting a public comment to the California Fish and Game Commission, urging them to implement robust measures to reduce bycatch and mortality in the Southern California set gillnet fishery. The coalition, which includes groups such as Oceana, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Surfrider Foundation, is advocating for a 24-hour maximum soak time for gillnets to minimize the unintended catch and injury of marine life.

RRI's new marine biodiversity protection program is off to a strong start. Under the leadership of our newest staff member, Scott Webb, RRI recently launched our inaugural project, The 64% Solution: The Campaign to End Avoidable Bycatch, an initiative to protect the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary from set gillnet fishing.