John,
Humans have just begun to understand the lives of awe-inspiring ocean dwellers like massive blue whales, singing humpbacks, and ancient sea turtles. Meanwhile outdated fishing gear has been entangling, injuring, and killing these animals — including some whose species are endangered.
Entanglements happen when creatures get caught in vertical ropes running from buoys at the water’s surface to fishing traps on the seafloor. Vertical lines can starve, suffocate, wound, and drown those who aren’t lucky enough to escape. Besides causing immense suffering, entanglements threaten the very existence of several imperiled species, including critically endangered North Atlantic right whales and leatherback sea turtles.
Thankfully pop-up gear (also known as on-demand or ropeless gear) can save lives by protecting these majestic creatures from getting caught.
By limiting the amount of time vertical lines stay in the water, such gear makes it safer for marine life to swim, eat, and reproduce.
Despite years of effective testing, old rules still prevent the fishing industry from using this gear. Right now NOAA Fisheries, the New England Fishery Management Council, and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council are considering ditching those harmful regulations.
Tell the agencies to adopt rules that protect our magnificent ocean giants — before even more of them suffer and die.
