U.S. Senate Approves California Drift Gillnet Modernization Legislation

Sportfishing industry resumes work to phase out destructive gear in California

Alexandria, VA – September 15, 2021 – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate approved by unanimous consent the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act, which aims to align state and federal policy to support the modernization of California’s swordfish fishery. The California drift gillnet fishery is the last remaining fishery in the country using this type of gear, which are a mile long and indiscriminately catch anything in their path.

“The recreational fishing industry is grateful to Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) for their continued leadership toward ridding U.S. federal waters of large mesh drift gillnets,” said Danielle Cloutier, Pacific Fisheries Policy director for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “The support for this bill from the entire U.S. Senate demonstrates the widespread recognition that this gear has no place in our oceans.”

The justification for eliminating large mesh drift gillnets has grown as alternative gear known as deep set buoy gear has been studied and authorized for use. Deep set buoy gear more effectively targets swordfish with minimal bycatch. During the 2020-2021 fishing season, only 3% of the total California drift gillnet catch was swordfish (160 swordfish), compared to deep set buoy gear catch that was 92% swordfish (1,257 swordfish).

The Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act would phase out the use of highly wasteful large mesh drift gillnets and assist commercial fishermen in transitioning toward the more sustainable and economically viable deep set buoy gear.

“The Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act aligns well with Ocearch’s mission to accelerate the ocean’s return to balance and abundance through fearless innovations in scientific research, education and outreach,” said Chris Fischer, Founder & Expedition leader at Ocearch. “Transitioning toward scientifically proven gear that minimizes bycatch will allow the California swordfish fishery to continue without the wasteful impacts to sharks, whales, sea turtles, sportfish and other marine life that drift gillnets have caused for decades.”

The bill also includes an unrelated provision to authorize a market-based mechanism allowing the transfer of Alaska halibut quota shares from the commercial fishing sector to the charter fishing sector. This provision has been championed by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and has the support of ASA as well as from much of Alaska’s fishing community.

“We now look to the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly take up this legislation and send it to the President’s desk,” said Cloutier. “Enactment of the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act would be a huge victory for marine conservation and future fishing opportunities.”