By-Catch Waste, June 27

A report from an ocean conservation organization states that every year the commercial fishing industry tosses back as estimated $2 billion worth of fish unintentionally caught and considered a “By-Catch.” The report, prepared by Oceana, goes on to estimate that $20 million worth of discarded species occurs in the waters of the Pacific Northwest each year. Oceana is asking regulators for better standardized reporting protocols and better information about hotspots. They also suggest establishing a tax, charging commercial fishermen for the amount of fish caught indiscriminately.