Protect Marine Life by Using Biodegradable Fishing Nets

Target: Michael S. Regan, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Goal: Protect marine life populations by requiring the use of biodegradable fishing nets for commercial fishing.

Every year, nearly 650,000 marine life are killed because of fishing nets. The use of wire and synthetic plastic in making fishing nets results in ghost fishing: the unintentional killing of marine life when fishing nets are left in a body of water. Such materials wrap around marine life, often causing them to suffocate to death.

At a time, nets were made of biodegradable materials such as cotton and coconut, but to make them more durable, they’re now created with man made materials that harm the environment in more ways than one. Outside of directly harming marine life, nets made of unsustainable materials pollute waterways and can even cause harm to land animals if they’re washed ashore.

To restrict this dire issue, fishing nets need to be made of biodegradable materials. If fishers were able to do this in later times, they can do it now. Water pollution continues to put the lives of marine life at risk, and this cannot go on any longer. Dolphin and whale populations are progressively decreasing through the use of wire and plastic fishing nets.

If nothing is done to combat this pressing issue, more and more marine animals will lose their lives at the hands of fishermen. This is a small change that can protect marine life populations. Sign this petition to urge the EPA to require the use of biodegradable fishing nets in commercial fishing.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear EPA Administrator Regan,

Marine animals are suffering because of the use of unnatural fishing nets. Wire and plastic nets contribute to water pollution and result in ghost fishing. Dolphins, whales, and more get caught in these nets and end up dying or being fatally harmed.

We demand the use of biodegradable fishing nets in commercial fishing. Such nets were used in the past and served as durable fishing material. The overall environment will benefit from this change, outside of the obvious improvement to marine life. Marine animal populations are already suffering at the hands of water pollution, and if something can be done to decrease pollution and protect their lives, it’s a necessity.

The EPA must help marine life populations in any way they can. This simple switch provides no difficulties to fishers, and is an environmentally-friendly step in sustaining our decreasing marine life. Require the use of biodegradable fishing nets when commercial fishing instead of harmful alternatives. We appreciate your attention to this pressing message.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Pxfuel