A California judge rules that federal agencies' plan to rebuild the Pacific sardine population was not properly implemented and failed to prevent overfishing. (Shutterstock)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
SAN JOSE — A plan by federal agencies to rebuild the sardine population in the Pacific was not properly implemented and failed to prevent overfishing, a judge in California ruled this week.
Monday’s decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia DeMarchi was a victory for environmentalists who said officials did not ensure sardine stocks would bounce back within a legally required timeframe.
Oceana’s Lawsuit Against National Marine Fisheries Service
The nonprofit Oceana sued the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2021, claiming that Pacific sardines collapsed by more than 98% between 2006 and 2020.
The small oily fish enjoyed by humans are also essential food for whales, dolphins, sea lions, pelicans and salmon. The loss of sardines can create problems throughout ocean ecosystems, environmentalists said.
Related Story: Sacramento Bee Accused of Mangling the Facts About Fish Caught in Pumps
Need for a Real Plan with Enforceable Catch Limits
The Fisheries Service must develop a plan that supports rebuilding and set “hard, science-based caps on how many fish could be caught each year,” the judge wrote in her order. The agency said it doesn’t comment on litigation.
“We’re grateful that the court followed the science and recognized the need for a real plan with enforceable catch limits that will rebuild Pacific sardines for a healthy, abundant, and resilient ocean,” Dr. Geoff Shester, a senior scientist for Oceana, said in a statement.
DeMarchi declined to grant some of Oceana’s motions, including one asking that she order a new environmental impact statement.
The judge ordered the parties to discuss and submit proposals for a remedy by May 6.
RELATED TOPICS:
Thief Uses Sleight of Hand to Swipe $255K Tiffany Ring, Cops Say
12 hours ago
California Reports the First Increase in Groundwater Supplies in 4 Years
13 hours ago
Lawsuit Alleges Decades of Child Sex Abuse at Illinois Juvenile Detention Centers Statewide
13 hours ago
Texas Soldier Arrested in Russia on Theft Charges After Unexpected Detour
14 hours ago
Fresno Detectives Arrest Motorcycle Club Leader on Arson, Gun Charges
14 hours ago
Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism Awarded to The New York Times, The Washington Post, AP and Others
14 hours ago
Hamas Accepts Gaza Cease-Fire; Israel Launches Strikes in Rafah
15 hours ago
Tom Brady’s Netflix Roast Features Lots of Jabs and a Belichick-Kraft Reunion
15 hours ago
CA Limits How Police Respond to Protests. Why Were Bean Bag Shotguns Used at UCLA?
16 hours ago
This Is Why Banana Ball Drew 31,000 for the Series in Fresno