California’s New State Symbol Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle AB 1776 – Fong Sponsors: Turtle Island Restoration Network

Great Pacific Leatherback Migration

California Coast Turtle-Safe ESA Critical Habitat 16,000 square miles in CA 42,000 square miles total February 2012 – first along U.S. mainland Pacific Leatherback Conservation Area No Drift Gillnets Aug 15 to Nov. 15 – One Take since 2001 Critically Endangered 90 precent decline in populations 6 percent per year 1,100 to 1,500 total nesters at one key Indonesian beach

Threat – Drift Gillnet Expansion Declining fishery due to high bycatch and restrictions 2010 – up to 16 sperm whales entangled – at least two dead Now in violation of ESA and MMPA Less than 50 vessels, permits limited by state Swordfish consumption declining in CA and US since mid-1990s Federal fishery managers proposing fishing in Leatherback Conservation Area Similar proposal defeated in 2006 by CA and public outcry March 2013 Pacific Fishery Council Management Meeting – alternatives and decision to move forward High Bycatch Swordfish and Shark Fishery

Action Requested CCC Oppose Drift Gillnet Expansion - letter or reso Consistent with CCC Actions on previous proposals for Exempted Fishing Permits for Drift Gillnet and Longline Fisheries Federal Actions Inconsistent with Coastal Zone Management Act Deadline February 7 for comment for March 2013 PFMC meeting Photos at left of entangled marine life in CA drift gillnet fishery acquired through FOIA request to National Marine Fisheries Service. More at