"High Seas Driftnets are NOT Banned"
The only High Seas Driftnet fishing that is BANNED is for Anadromous fish, or SALMON. All other fish species are considered under a "MORATORIUM", which is virtually meaningless. It is like a slap on the wrist. It's a JOKE !
Foreign nations such as Taiwan, China, and Korea take it as it's ok to target Albacore Tuna and other Tunas like Blue Fin Tuna, or Skip Jack Tuna as well. Who is going to stop them?
Our US Coast Guard responds to a report from someone like me, or an airplane sighting. If and when they do a boarding inspection and find Salmon on board, they can seize the fishing boat. If they find NO salmon on board, they must contact the home country of the vessel. The USCG must release custody to the home country. If the Country of the vessel tells the USCG to get off the fishing boat, then the USCG must obey.
U.S. taxpayers spend millions of dollars for USCG to conduct what amounts to a "Drift net Catch & Release" program.
From 2001 - 2005 there was virtually NO response from the USCG to any reports we (High Seas Tuna Troll Fleet) made of drift net activity in the North Pacific. They claimed "not enough funds", "no vessels in your area", "thanks, we will make a note of it," "take pictures & note sightings in your log book," etc.
In 2005, Congress finally passed a law stating USCG must respond to sighting reports. Shortly after that, 9 sightings were made for a total of 24 sightings in 2005, with 0 convictions.
In 2006 there were 98 sightings & 0 convictions!!
In 2007 there were 47 sightings & only 7 convictions. Now does that sound fishy? For more info, click HERE & go to page 7 of the Report to Congress.
 
Click on sperm whale pictures to watch a driftnet Video
For over 20 years, I have personally witnessed the destruction caused by the high seas drift nets. It's devastating! I helped develop an international sustainable Tuna fishery shortly after the United Nations placed a moratorium on drift nets in 1992. I believed then that ocean was finally free of drift nets. Boy, was I wrong! Ten years later the drift nets were back, and I lost all I had. A wonderful way of life on the Pacific Ocean wiped out! Worst of all, the Ocean Life is dying at an enormous rate.
"Click" on can above, it explains it all!
I asked the US State Department, "Why don't you do something about the driftnets? Can't we put sanctions on these countries? They are KILLING us, & the Ocean Life, year after year!!" "John-boy, China owns us," he said, "sanctions are only to be used as a last resort." I asked, "What am I -- don't I count as a last resort? Personally, I don't like the idea of anybody owning me except God."
 
Click on pictures to see a report on Illegal Driftnets in the Mediterranean
So do you really want to save the dolphins? What about saving the whales? Would you like to do something to help sea turtles? How about sharks, sea birds like the great Albatross, or mutton birds? Oh, and, don't forget the SALMON... That's right, drift nets take it ALL!!!
Here are some excellent U.S. labels for you to try. Locally caught & canned Sustainable TUNA FISH.
"Click" on picture to go to their store
WE can't wait till our governments put sanctions on these countries! There won't be anything left of our Ocean Life by then.
OUR President & Congress won't take action.
WE The People MUST TAKE A STAND NOW!!
STOP Buying foreign Canned Tuna Fish products
Buy Sustainable Tuna Products of USA!!!
"Click" on picture to go to the store
Try not to buy major brand names. "Dolphin Safe" labels CANNOT be trusted. The major canners have been conning us too long. If you buy major brand names, you could be supporting the non sustainable tuna drift net fleet.
Did you know that "Chicken of the Sea" is owned by Thailand? Do you think Thailand cares about the Ocean Life, or over fishing? Thailand won't even join the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
Did you know that Starkist is owned by Korea?
Foreign countries such as Taiwan, China and Korea do not comply to the WCPFC by not having all their fishing vessels registered in their countries. In other words out of 370 fishing vessels operating from Taiwan, only 150 are registered. 1/2 of Taiwan's fishing fleet should be classified as Illegal, Unreported, & Unidentified (IUU). They go unnoticed.
YOU can make a difference by buying only sustainable Tuna Fish! Tuna you can trust! Caught in the Pacific Ocean & a Product of USA!
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