In a unanimous vote, the California State Assembly voted to ban the use of gill nets off its coast. The bill is now headed to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.
Gill nets are primarily used to catch swordfish, but are responsible for a substantial amount of bycatch and unintended killing of many types of sea life.
About 20 fishermen currently use gill nets off the coast of California. If the Governor signs the bill into law, these fishermen will have a phaseout period to shift to more humane methods and also be paid $100,000 in return for turning in their nets and $10,000 for turning in their gill net licenses.
California is the only state that issues permits for gill netting. The Pew Charitable Trust have been advocating for the ban for over five years. According to Paul Shively, project director at the Pacific Ocean Conservation at the Trusts, “[Using gill nets] is not only inhumane, it’s just not a good way to manage our U.S. resources.”
In April 2018, Mercy for Animals produced a video that brought a renewed focused to the issue. It highlighted the fact that for every one swordfish caught using a gill net, seven other sea creatures are caught. It showed dead fish and other sea creatures caught in gill nets and nauseating treatment of these animals. The video showed workers maiming live creatures — slicing off a shark’s fin and a stingray’s tail.
The United Nations banned the use of “large-scale pelagic drift-net fishing” — or gill netting — in international waters in 1991. With Governor Brown’s signature, California fishermen will no longer be licensed to utilize this harmful practice. Instead they will be pushed to utilize an alternative method (Deep Set Buoy Gear) that minimizes the potential for bycatch and harming other Pacific sea life.
What’s New…
As a former Californian, I’m surprised it has taken so long for this to happen in such a progressive state. Governor Brown, please do the right thing & let your legacy be one of compassion. And to all you fish eaters out there, keep in mind that it’s pretty hard to call yourself an environmentalist if you’re still consuming animals of the sea or land.
Its up to us to push for Gov. Brown’s signature on this Assembly bill. One thing people need to know:About 20 fishermen currently use gill nets off the coast of California. If the Governor signs the bill into law, these fishermen will have a phaseout period to shift to more humane methods and also be paid $100,000 in return for turning in their nets and $10,000 for turning in their gill net licenses.
California is the only state that issues permits for gill netting. The Pew Charitable Trust have been advocating for the ban for over five years. The United Nations banned the use of glll nets in international waters in 1991.
Need to be banned, yes.
So sickening to watch. Those fishermen are monsters! So glad I have not eaten fish in years.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
Animal Cruelty got to end!
Finally!!!
Ok, JB, do your job.
Please ban these terrible gill nets. They are hurting our wildlife.
Humans are so vile and inhumane to the innocent. The use of these horrible nets needs to be stopped now.
Millions of humans have lived off catches from sea waters, but there are still those who think that they can continue fishing forever. Perhaps they cannot read or are not even educated. They may not even have a radio let alone a TV so how are they supposed to know about the problems our seas are facing. But those that use gill nets do know better. They are in it for the money and don’t care what happens, as long as they have money…
We need to ban these gill nets on both coasts. CA set an example. Yea!
Gill nets were banned in South African coastal waters many years ago. They’re cruel devices to catch fish and other sea creatures.
Sign, Governor Brown, sign this important bill.
Brilliant now we need to stop sick japan from killing ocres 50 at a time sick evil monsters should pay for this anialation on near extinct beautiful loving beings save all whales from slaughter
I totally agree, time to save the whales from slaughter. Japan must implement a law that bans rhe killing of whales.
Good. I am so glad to read about this.
Thank you so much.
shameful
Please end this!
Ban the gill nets!
Just goes to show these fisherman don’t care what they destroy to catch their prey. They knew those nets were bad but tbey used them anyway. Again, lots of humans are uncaring and uncompassionate of animals which makes this a sad world to live in. It would make me estatically happy if animals all over the world could be free of humans. I am glad they are banning these nets. Its about time somebody finally came to their senses.
Hopefully this will encourage other countries to follow suit and ban these nets worldwide. There is so much needless suffering in the animal kingdom it is appalling. All humans need to rationalize the importance of the eco system and stop the slaughtering and killing animals of all kinds. They were put on this earth for a specific reason and we have to acknowledge that.
Please ban these nets which are unintentionally killing whales. We will enthusiastically support your efforts to change theses nets! Thank you!
Cruel beyond words.
This is a step in the right direction.
The only thing that will end suffering is a warm heart for the victims. Warm hearts makes a better world for those who can’t speak and defend themselves.
If I ever had to move to that country, California is where I’d go. They are thinking, caring people.
It’s great that this tragic practice is coming to an end. California shows itself a leader in all things progressive and humanitarian.
Finally, Governor Brown signs something that makes SENSE!
A step in the right direction. Lets hope other States and Countries will follow.
It’s about time!!
Calif.! Lead others!
Please make these fishermen eliminate these nets ASAP. Too many of our marine animals have died in a horrible way.
Thank you Governor Brown for taking steps to make this happen. Please require them to do this right away.
Please, Governor Brown, please sign the ban of gill nets!
This will set a wonderful and important precedent.
Great job on this law banning gill netting. Congratulations
Good For California!
Governor Jerry Brown
Your signature is prudent on behalf of marine life. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
The Galarneau Family