If the whales and sea turtles off our California coast could express gratitude, they would be applauding the efforts of our state's Ocean Protection Council (OPC). Recently, the OPC allocated over $1.8 million in state funding to mitigate the risk of whale and sea turtle entanglement in fishing gear used by California's fisheries.
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Rising ocean temperatures have shifted the feeding areas and migratory routes of many marine animals, increasing their interaction with fishing areas and heightening the entanglement risk, especially from strong vertical buoy lines used to mark the location of pots and traps on the seafloor.
Entanglement can have devastating consequences for marine life, leading to drowning, severe injuries, starvation, and reproductive issues. To address this, a significant portion of the OPC's funding is directed towards exploring and expanding new technology known as "pop-up" gear. This innovative approach virtually eliminates entanglement risk by storing the buoy and rope at the seafloor, only deploying them when fishers retrieve their gear using a timer or remote trigger.
If approved for commercial use, pop-up gear could revolutionize fisheries, particularly for northern California's Dungeness crab harvesters, who have faced shortened seasons to protect migrating species. The recent funding approval allows the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to expand its pop-up gear library, benefiting the 20 California crab fishers participating in testing this spring. Their feedback and collected data will inform the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's decision on authorizing commercial use for the 2025 Dungeness crab season.
Additionally, the OPC approved funds for activities to enforce entanglement protections, including developing a virtual gear marking system, line marking for traceability, and supporting whale entanglement response programs. These initiatives enhance California's ocean management strategies.
With this funding, California's Dungeness crab fishery can operate in areas previously closed to protect marine life, potentially leading to longer fishing seasons. These decisions mark significant progress, offering hope for both the fishing industry and marine conservation efforts. Dr. Francine Kershaw, Senior Scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasizes the importance of celebrating these advancements and anticipating the benefits of safer waters for marine life.
Source: Francine Kerhsaw (April 9, 2024). Opinion: California funding for anti-entanglement fishing gear helps industry and marine life. The Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/04/09/opinion-california-funding-for-anti-entanglement-fishing-gear-helps-industry-and-marine-life/
