For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Joanna Nasar
Director of Communications
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Cell: (415) 488-7711
Joanna@seaturtles.org
Media Advisory: Protest March Planned at Pacific Fisheries Management Meeting to Call for Closure of California Driftnet Fishery
March 13, 11:00 am at Doubletree by Hilton in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2016) – Turtle Island Restoration Network (SeaTurtles.Org), a leading ocean and marine wildlife conservation non-profit, and Sierra Club, whose mission is to protect the wild places of the earth, will be hosting a peaceful protest march in front of the Doubletree Hilton in Sacramento (the site of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council Meeting) today, Sunday, March 13.
The goal of the protest is to raise public awareness around the use of driftnets that target swordfish and thresher shark off the California Coast, and to call on the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) and decision makers to end the use of these mile-long nets.
The California driftnet fishery consists of less than 20 boats, and is among the worst 20 percent of all fisheries globally. The fishery kills more whales and dolphins as bycatch than all other fisheries on the West Coast combined. Additionally, it costs more to operate than the value of target species of fish caught.
WHO: Everyone is invited to participate in the peaceful protest march to save sea turtles, dolphins, whales, sharks, and sea lions from the driftnet fishery.
WHAT: A protest march with Turtle Island Restoration Network, Sierra Club, and concerned activists in front of the Doubletree Hilton in Sacramento (Site of PFMC Meeting). Protesters will be dressed as sea turtles, sharks and other marine wildlife impacted by the driftnet fishery, carrying signs and chanting.
WHERE: Doubletree Hilton, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento CA 95815
WHEN: Today, Sunday, March 13th starting at 11:00 am
WHY: To raise awareness about one of the worst fisheries in the world – the California driftnet fishery, and to call on the PFMC to shut it down.
For more details on the protest march please visit here.
Read our report on the California driftnet here.
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Turtle Island Restoration Network is an international marine conservation organization headquartered in California whose 200,000+ members and online activists work to protect sea turtles and marine biodiversity in the United States and around the world. For 25 years, Turtle Island Restoration Network has mobilized people to preserve oceans, restore rivers and streams, and protect the marine wildlife – from sea turtles to sharks – that call these blue-green waters home. SeaTurtles.org
