EDF Applauds Passage of Dolphin Protection Bill
“This new legislation is better for dolphins, better for consumers, better for the ocean ecosystem and better for the US fishing fleet,” said Annie Petsonk, EDF international counsel. “With this bill we have achieved the important international protections that dolphins have needed.”
“We have demonstrated that economic incentives can spur nations to fish in a more environmentally friendly manner,” said Petsonk. “This breakthrough legislation will serve as the benchmark for resolving contentious international fisheries disputes in a way that makes scientific and economic sense.”
S. 39 fully implements the 1995 Panama Declaration and will bring the foreign nations fishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) into a legally binding dolphin protection agreement that is backed by tough trade sanctions. Last minute changes to the bill ensure that a 3-year study of the impact of fishing methods on dolphins will be conducted.
“When the legislation becomes fully effective, consumers will for the first time be assured that not a single dolphin was killed or seriously injured in bringing dolphin safe tuna to the market,” said Petsonk.
EDF had pressed for the Panama Agreement in 1995 in order to strengthen protections for dolphins and other species in the ETP fishery.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024 -
Hydrogen Blending in New York Gas Pipelines Undermines State Climate Goals
September 12, 2024 -
EDF files requests that the NC Utilities Commission reject Duke Energy’s current Carbon Plan and order rapid action to bring offshore wind online
September 10, 2024 -
New Water Institute Will Support Youth Leadership on Key Climate Challenges Affecting Borderland Communities
September 6, 2024 -
EPA Takes a Crucial Step Toward Closing a Dangerous Air Toxics Loophole Adopted by the Trump Administration
September 4, 2024