We are writing to request that NMFS end this current effort to expand a west coast based drift gillnet or pelagic longline fishery for swordfish. Further, it would be unreasonable to continue to invest in and promote efforts to develop a pelagic longline fishery for swordfish when the State of California and the Pacific Fishery Management Council have already taken actions to prohibit it due to the high levels of bycatch associated with this fishery and the take of endangered and threatened species. In this time when our country is seeking to promote sustainable industries and ecosystem-based approaches to management that protect and maintain the health and biodiversity of our oceans, it is unreasonable that NMFS continues to allow the California drift gillnet swordfish fishery to kill dolphins and sea lions, and to toss back, dead and damaged, 20 to 30 percent of its catch of fish. Schwaab: Agenda Item I.2.c Public Comment March 2013 We are disappointed that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is once again pushing to increase domestic Pacific swordfish landings and fishing effort with gears known to have high levels of bycatch. Eric Schwaab Assistant Administrator for Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 RE: West Coast Swordfish Fishery Dear Mr.
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