Hello you ocean lovers!
It is time for you to PLEASE help make a difference for marine wildlife!
Did you know that drift nets are still used off our California coast legally? I don’t think I have to tell you how destructive these “curtains of death” are, right?
A grey mother whale and her calf entangled and killed in drift net
These see-through abominations are deadly dangerous not only to sperm whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks, but to a huge variety of fish and sea birds that become entangled in them and die. And of course, when they become abandoned, they can continue killing for decades if not centuries!
An ODA diver with a dead sea lion killed by abandoned drift netting
The article linked here talks about this issue in depth:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/11/driftnets-yield-californias-deadliest-catch/
Will you help? These nets have been outlawed in just about every other coastal state of the United States, including Washington and Oregon. It’s time we Californians put a stop to the indiscriminant suffering and death cause by this type of fishing. We can do this, but only by working together!
Once lost or set loose, these nets float or settle to the bottom—where they can kill for decades and longer!
Please make time to call the people listed below. They are on the committee currently considering an end to this type of commercial fishing.
Here is the list, and a short script for you to use when you make these calls.
- Senator Ricardo Lara (Chair), (916) 651-4033
- Senator Patricia Bates (Vice Chair), (916) 651-4036
- Senator Jim Beall, (916) 651-4015
- Senator Mike McGuire, (916) 651-4002
- Senator Jerry Hill, (916) 651-4013
- Senator Tony Mendoza, (916) 651-4032
- Senator Jim Nielsen, (916) 651-4004
Sample Script:
Hi. My name is ___________ . As a California voter [if you are!], I am calling to ask Senator __________ to please support Senate Bill 1114. Protecting the Pacific Ocean is important to me. I want you to end the use of driftnets off our coast so we can protect sea turtles, whales, sharks, and other animals. Thank you.
Of course, you can also help by making a donation to ODA today. We wage an ongoing battle against this kind of destruction—and the seas need you to join the fight!
Thank you for helping defend our fragile oceans,
Captain Kurt
