California’s ocean is renowned for its stunningly diverse marine life. Majestic whales and sea turtles are regular visitors, stopping just off the state’s coast to feed and socialize during their migrations. Several of these visitors—blue whales, some humpback whale populations, and Pacific leatherback sea turtles, for example—are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, making it all the more important that we protect them during their long journeys. California is also known for its vibrant fisheries, which unfortunately means that whales and sea turtles can sometimes become entangled in fishing gear.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (the Department) is proposing new regulations to reduce the risk of endangered whales and sea turtles becoming accidentally entangled in fishing gear associated with the California…