Tag Archives: California Driftnet Fishery
Report: Sharks in peril off coast because of gillnets, Advocates disagree
The report, “California Driftnet Fishery: The True Costs of a 20th Century Fishery in the 21st Century,” issued by Marin’s Turtle Island Restoration Network, says the California driftnet fishery is taking a toll on shark populations. But supporters of the gillnet fishery note it is already monitored by federal authorities and question data in the report. “There are good regulations in place and the populations are strong,” said Jonathan Gonzales, president of the Ventura County Commercial Fishermen Association, adding that data show thresher shark populations are improving. “There is no overfishing like there once was. It’s really a success story.” “We see this report as highly sensational and grossly inaccurate,” said Diane Pleschner-Steele, executive director of the California Wetfish Producers Association. The California Fisheries and Seafood Institute — in a letter addressing a bill to eliminate gillnets — states 90 percent of the fish caught by nets in the swordfish fishery either go to market or are released alive. Read the story here 09:51
Who Fights for Fishermen?!! – Volunteer Advocate Jonathan Gonzales, Santa Barbara, California
If you’re a California Driftnet Fisherman, You don’t have many friends. Under constant attack by Big Green, and their paid eco hitmen, they have managed to find one! That friend, at one time wasn’t very friendly towards them. Until he invested his time to learn about the fishery, and the people in it. It’s not a very big fishery, but the Pew/Oceana people have branded it the dirtiest, most damaging fishery there is. Thankfully, Jonathan Gonzales is there with the truth. Click here to read his letter, and view his ENGO choking presentation at the last PFMC meeting. Thank you, Jon. 15:28
