Western Atlantic bluefin tuna are in deep peril. This amazing fish that can swim over 40 mph and weigh up to 1,500 pounds is in danger of becoming extinct within 10 years. Rampant commercial fishing has reduced the mature population of this fish by 80% since 1970. Despite this, the federal government is proposing to increase the catch in the Gulf of Mexico, the only known spawning area for bluefin tuna in the western Atlantic Ocean.
Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico targeting swordfish and yellowfin tuna deploy up to 40 miles of long-lines in the water with hundreds of baited hooks attached. During the 10 hours a day these long-lines are fishing, species that are supposed to be protected in the Gulf of Mexico including bluefin tuna, marlins, and sea turtles are caught and killed. Instead of eliminating this wasteful fishing gear, the Federal government is proposing to allow commercial fishermen to kill and sell more bluefin tuna, despite the fact that their population is at the lowest levels on record.
Click Here to Read More and Sign the Petition
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Its Shark Week!
Remember that this is Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. There is lots of great shark focused programming going on all week, so if you're into sharks, check it out!!
Click Here to Learn More About Shark Week
Click Here to Watch a Clip from the CBS Morning News on Shark Week
Check out Sharks After Dark on Thursday at 9pm, co-hosted by the National Aquarium in DC's Director of Biological Programs Andy Dehart
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