AN American environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) is gearing up to file a lawsuit against NO's National Marine Fisheries Service due to an increase in the unintentional capture of orcas in the Bering Sea trawl fleet.
The Centre for Biological Diversity has noted a rise in the number of killer whales accidentally ensnared in fishing nets operated by US trawlers during the summer season.
In total, 10 orcas were inadvertently captured, comprising nine that were found dead and one that was recovered alive.
This figure surpasses the typical bycatch numbers and is in addition to the usual incidental capture of other marine species such as seals and sea lions.
The flatfish fishery, primarily targeting sole, flounder, and plaice, was responsible for nine of the captured orcas.
The Centre for Biological Diversity has raised concerns, stating that flatfish trawlers are experiencing a growing problem with marine mammal bycatch.
In contrast, the pollock fishery, while not intentionally dragging the seafloor, occasionally makes contact with it using its nets.
The tenth orca of the season was inadvertently caught by a pollock trawler.
Furthermore, the centre argues that the pollock fishery adversely affects marine mammal populations by reducing the availability of pollock as a food source.
SeaNews Turkey
The Centre for Biological Diversity has noted a rise in the number of killer whales accidentally ensnared in fishing nets operated by US trawlers during the summer season.
In total, 10 orcas were inadvertently captured, comprising nine that were found dead and one that was recovered alive.
This figure surpasses the typical bycatch numbers and is in addition to the usual incidental capture of other marine species such as seals and sea lions.
The flatfish fishery, primarily targeting sole, flounder, and plaice, was responsible for nine of the captured orcas.
The Centre for Biological Diversity has raised concerns, stating that flatfish trawlers are experiencing a growing problem with marine mammal bycatch.
In contrast, the pollock fishery, while not intentionally dragging the seafloor, occasionally makes contact with it using its nets.
The tenth orca of the season was inadvertently caught by a pollock trawler.
Furthermore, the centre argues that the pollock fishery adversely affects marine mammal populations by reducing the availability of pollock as a food source.
SeaNews Turkey
