Calif. Fishermen Decry U.S. Caps on Whales, Turtles Snared By Gillnets

"California fishermen on Tuesday decried plans by U.S. fisheries managers to limit the number of endangered whales and turtles that can be inadvertently captured in drift gillnets used to catch swordfish in waters off San Diego and Los Angeles.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council on Monday approved a measure capping at two over a two-year period the number of creatures such as sperm whales and loggerhead turtles that can be harmed after becoming entangled in the gillnets, mile-long strands of nylon mesh attached to floats. [ID:nL1N11K1HL]

Once the limit is reached, swordfish gillnet fishing off California would be suspended for the rest of the season. There currently is no limit endangered whales and turtles."

Laura Zuckerman reports for Reuters September 16, 2015.