California crabbers harming whales, according to environmental group
December 3, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An environmental group wants the federal government to declare that California’s crab fishing industry is dangerous to whales.
The Center for Biological Diversity said it petitioned the government to rank the Dungeness crab fishery in the top category of concern for marine mammals. It wants restrictions on where and how much crabbing gear is used.
The crabbing season reportedly opened Nov. 15.
At least 19 humpback whales, two blue whales and one leatherback sea turtle were found tangled up in commercial crab gear off the West Coast last year and the figure has been rising in recent years, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
The center sued the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in October, alleging it failed to prevent unlawful entanglements of whales and other marine life.
The detrimental impact of crabbing on other sea life is not acceptable. Either find a way to catch crabs without killing other species or face boycotts from environmentalists.
At least 19 humpback whales, two blue whales and one leatherback sea turtle were found tangled up in commercial crab gear off the West Coast last year
This really must stop!!
Stop animal abuse and cruelty