All fishnets to be tagged

[Kerry]

A news report I'd like to read:

Following addresses a growing phenomenon here in Hawaii referred to as "Ghost Nets." When a fisherman can't find a net they placed earlier the net floats unattended for years; such nets snag turtles, dolphins, whales, even a ship's propeller.

Hawaii's fishermen must now have multiple permanent metal identification tags attached to each net. All net floats must have the owner's tag number on them.   

Others who come across an unattended "Ghost Net" may recover it and collect the original cost of the net from its owner.

A Ghost Net is easily identified because it looks like a small island that has snagged pieces of wood, plastic bottles and other flotsam. A correctly placed net has floats that reveal both ends.

Net Tags will support responsible monitoring of nets. Appropriately, clean-up will be paid for by those who own and set the nets.

Legislators are considering requiring long-net fishermen to have the cost of their nets placed in an escrow fund to be drawn from immediately by those who recover a net.  The escrow fund will assure immediate uncontested reimbursement.

Supportive articles:
 
6 tons of ‘ghost nets’ removed from Kaneohe Bay

Ghost nets threatening ...

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