Requesting The State's Congressional Delegation To Advocate For The Enforcement Of Existing International Laws To Reduce Ghost Nets Entering The State From International Waters And Take Other Actions To Reduce Marine Debris From Fishing Gear.
Impact
The resolution brings attention to the significant accumulation of ghost nets in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, where approximately one million pounds of these nets are currently present, causing harm to various endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal and green sea turtles. Furthermore, it calls for the establishment of regulations that would require U.S. fishing vessels to mark their gear, enabling better tracking and accountability to mitigate the loss and dumping of fishing nets in the ocean.
Summary
House Resolution 178 (HR178) is a measure introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives, urging the state's congressional delegation to advocate for the enforcement of existing international laws aimed at reducing the influx of ghost nets entering the state's waters from international sources. Ghost nets, which are abandoned or lost fishing nets, pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, entangling and killing numerous marine animals every year, as well as damaging coral reefs. The resolution highlights the critical problem of pollution by ghost nets, which can persist in the ocean for centuries due to their non-biodegradable nature.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HR178 is the enforcement of international maritime laws and how effective they will be in addressing the problem of marine debris. Critics may argue that enforcing these laws could lead to tensions with fishing industries, while proponents would emphasize the necessity of protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of ghost nets and other debris. The resolution encourages innovative approaches, such as creating financial incentives for the retrieval and proper disposal of floating fishing gear, showing a proactive stance in combating marine pollution.
Same As
Requesting The State's Congressional Delegation To Advocate For The Enforcement Of Existing International Laws To Reduce Ghost Nets Entering The State From International Waters And Take Other Actions To Reduce Marine Debris From Fishing Gear.
Requesting The State's Congressional Delegation To Advocate For The Enforcement Of Existing International Laws To Reduce Ghost Nets Entering The State From International Waters And Take Other Actions To Reduce Marine Debris From Fishing Gear.
Urging The United States Senate To Ratify The Agreement Under The United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea On The Conservation And Sustainable Use Of Marine Biological Diversity Of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, Also Known As The High Seas Treaty.
Urging The United States Senate To Ratify The Agreement Under The United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea On The Conservation And Sustainable Use Of Marine Biological Diversity Of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, Also Known As The High Seas Treaty.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Department Of Education To Create A Coral Reef Advisory Team Of Youth.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Department Of Education To Create A Coral Reef Advisory Team Of Youth.
Requesting The State's Congressional Delegation To Advocate For The Enforcement Of Existing International Laws To Reduce Ghost Nets Entering The State From International Waters And Take Other Actions To Reduce Marine Debris From Fishing Gear.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Department Of Education To Create A Coral Reef Advisory Team Of Youth.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Department Of Education To Create A Coral Reef Advisory Team Of Youth.
Urging The United States Government To Support Co-stewardship Of Wahi Kupuna With The Native Hawaiian Community With Regards To Lands Under Federal, State, And Local Government Authority.
Urging The United States Government To Support Co-stewardship Of Wahi Kupuna With The Native Hawaiian Community With Regards To Lands Under Federal, State, And Local Government Authority.