Law phasing out controversial drift-net fishing signed by Gov. Brown

A state measure to phase out drift-net fishing in California waters — and remove a hazard that can inadvertently trap sea lions, dolphins and turtles — was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The nets, used primarily to catch swordfish, can extend for a mile or more and sweep up whatever sea animals are in their path.

The bill by state Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, is intended to encourage fishing that poses less of a threat to sea mammals. It calls for an end to drift-net fishing in four years, paying $100,000 to fishermen who surrender their nets and $10,000 for those who turn in their permits.

Activists have been pushing for an end to drift-net fishing for years.

“This is literally an enormous net benefit for endangered whales, sea turtles and other marine life, as well as to responsible fishermen, coastal communities and seafood consumers,” said Susan Murray, deputy vice president of the conservation group Oceana. “There is no longer room in our oceans for any fishery that throws away more than it keeps, especially in this case since we have sustainable alternatives to catch swordfish.”

The number of drift-net operations has been shrinking. Of the 68 California drift net permits issued by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, there are 20 boats operating, according to NOAA spokesman Michael Milstein.

One sea lion and 18 dolphins were trapped — and all died — according to federal observers placed on 20 percent of the drift-net fishing trips in California from May 1, 2016 to Jan. 31, 2017, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, which regulates the industry.

No whales or turtles were caught.

At the same time, those trips brought in 543 swordfish with the nets.