The Center for Biological Diversity and the Turtle Island Restoration Network have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit targets NOAA’s decision to issue Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) to two commercial vessels participating in the “West Coast Modified Longline” fishery.
Key Details of the Lawsuit:
- The Claim: The environmental organizations contend that NOAA violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) by issuing the permits. They argue the agency failed to fully disclose potential impacts on protected species, such as Pacific leatherback sea turtles and humpback whales.
- Background: Longline fishing in federal waters within 200 miles of the West Coast has been largely prohibited under federal management plans for over two decades to protect marine wildlife. The exempted permits allow the two vessels to utilize deep-set or shallow-set longlines – with deep-set gear capped at 1,600 hooks – to target pelagic species like tuna and swordfish.
- Plaintiffs’ Stance: Plaintiffs argue that reintroducing longline gear, even on a limited EFP basis, poses unacceptable risks to vulnerable marine life and listed species.
Access to sustainable, domestically harvested pelagic species – including West Coast swordfish and tuna – remains a critical issue for California processors, distributors, and harvesters. While environmental groups continue to challenge gear exemptions in federal court, CFSI supports science-based management strategies that promote gear innovation, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and maintain access to local, high-quality seafood for consumers.