The Center for Biological Diversity is planning to take on the federal government over the alleged failure to shield killer whales from the trawlers that are in the Bering Sea.
The trawl fleet that operates in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands has come under criticism over the last few weeks. The criticism follows an analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which said that 10 orcas were caught in trawl nets throughout the course of last calendar year. 9 of them have died.
The conservation group stated in a statement issued on Monday it believes that NOAA Fisheries must uphold its obligation to protect killer whales that are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The conservation group of the national level claimed that the trawlers catch many species that are not targeted such as bycatch against the conservation laws.
It’s not new that orcas get involved in fishing gears, but the latest numbers show more than the previous years. The trawl fishing association Groundfish Forum said their boats have been reporting an increase in encounters with orcas. Climate change could be a factor in the increasing number of sightings, as various marine species adjust to new conditions.
The conservation group said they would sue should NOAA Fisheries did not adequately resolve the issue within the 60-day timeframe.
