The Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act (S. 906/H.R. 1979) has stalled in the House of Representatives and was not passed in 2020.
S. 906/HR1979 would have brought commercial swordfish fishing in California in line with other U.S. and international swordfish fisheries. If passed into law, it would have phase out the use of indiscriminate mile-long large-mesh drift gillnets. In July 2020, the Senate passed S. 906 by unanimous consent. The last remaining hurdle was to pass the bill through the House of Representatives.
Drift gillnets are an outdated commercial fishing method that produce excessive bycatch and waste, including of popular sportfish, marine mammals and sea turtles. Half of their catch is discarded as unwanted, prohibited, or protected species. It’s time large-mesh drift gillnets are eliminated from California as they have been throughout the rest of the country.
Supported by many recreational fishing organizations, the bill would help transition this fishery away from wasteful large-mesh drift gillnets to more sustainable gear types. It will ensure that all U.S. waters are free of this highly destructive fishing gear.
Even though it was not passed in 2020, it is expected to be re-introduced and heard sometime in 2021.
