Bill Would Further Restrict Tuna Fishing: Terming...

Bill Would Further Restrict Tuna Fishing: Terming it a “second-generation dolphin bill,” Rep. Barbara Boxer (D-Millbrae) introduced federal legislation to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The environmental group Defenders of Wildlife, which supports the bill, said “approximately” eight U.S. tuna boats, as well as Mexico’s fleet of more than 50, are still fishing for tuna using methods harmful to dolphins. Among other provisions, the bill would ban U.S. vessels from using purse-seine nets, as well as ban the importation of tuna caught with this technique. It would also provide $5 million for research into better fishing methods.