Let the U.S. Government Know You Support a Ban of Imported Swordfish!

The U.S. Commerce Department is considering banning the imports of foreign swordfish until foreign fishermen can prove they are equally protective of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other species as U.S. fishermen.  The U.S. can save tens of thousands of whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife if they pressure foreign nations to clean up their dirty fisheries by simply enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection Act!

The same longlines and drift gillnets that kill and injure sea turtles are also responsible for the deaths of marine mammals.  By supporting our petition, you can help us protect both simultaneously.

HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Public Comment ends March 23rd!

1.    Click Here
2.    Enter your first & last name under "Submitter Information"
3.    List "Private Citizen" as your “Organization”
4.    Cut and Paste the sample comment letter under "Public Comment or Submission" or write your own

SAMPLE COMMENT LETTER

I urge the U.S. government to act quickly to prohibit swordfish imports from foreign countries until exporting countries have submitted the proof required by Section 101 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

The U.S. is one of the top swordfish consumers in the world.  Congress included section 101 in the MMPA to reduce the negative effects of Americans' demand for swordfish on worldwide marine mammals populations.  Section 101 of the MMPA states the U.S. government, "shall ban the importation of commercial fish or fish products that have been caught with commercial fishing technology that results in the incidental kill or incidental serious injury of marine mammals in excess of United States standards."

Yet, the U.S. has received swordfish imports from nearly four dozen countries in recent years without gathering any information from any of these countries regarding their fishing practices, take of marine mammals, or any other information to satisfy the requirements of MMPA section 101.  Recent scientific data indicates that many foriegn countries fail to regulate their fisheries in a manner that protects marine mammals.  This is illegal and unacceptable adn must be quickly corrected by banning swordfish imports until Section 101 requirements are met.

Thank you,