Hundreds of thousands of animals are unintentionally killed every year from becoming injured or entangled in nets, lines, and hooks. We must advocate for bans on destructive and inhumane fishing practices and avoid products caught using harmful or unsustainable methods.

Commercial fishing gear such as driftnets and longlines do not discriminate—picking up anything and everything in their path. Air-breathing animals like dolphins, whales, and turtles often drown in nets or become fatally injured, while other species of fish not originally targeted end up being sold to meet consumer demand. These unfortunate creatures are termed “bycatch.”

The devastating impact of these modern fishing methods is clear. More humane and sustainable methods do exist and we need to support the fishermen that use them. We must advocate for bans on destructive and inhumane fishing practices and avoid products caught using harmful or unsustainable methods.