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
If enacted, HCR198 seeks to prompt federal action on multiple fronts: it calls for the enforcement of international treaties that prohibit dumping synthetic fishing gear in oceans, and it encourages the implementation of requirements for fishing vessels to mark their gear, thus enabling easier identification and retrieval of lost equipment. Additionally, the bill advocates for the establishment of financial incentives to mitigate the issue of floating fishing gear, addressing both environmental concerns and the protection of marine habitats within Hawaii's waters.
Summary
HCR198 is a House Concurrent Resolution proposed during the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2024. The bill requests the state's congressional delegation to advocate for stricter enforcement of existing international laws aimed at reducing ghost nets—abandoned or lost fishing nets that pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. The bill emphasizes the detrimental impact of these nets, which are non-biodegradable and can persist in ocean environments for centuries, causing significant harm to wildlife and coral reefs.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR198 appears to be largely positive, especially among environmental advocacy groups and marine conservationists. Supporters view this resolution as a vital step toward protecting Hawaii's rich marine biodiversity from the escalating problem of marine debris, particularly ghost nets. The resolution reflects a growing recognition of the need for collaborative efforts to address environmental issues that extend beyond state borders, engaging the federal government in meaningful ways.
Contention
While HCR198 does not seem to have any vocal opposition noted in the discussions, it highlights the important issue of enforcing international maritime laws, which can sometimes be difficult due to varying interests among states and nations. There are likely logistical and regulatory challenges ahead, especially in ensuring compliance from fishing vessels operating in international waters, yet the resolution serves to bring attention to these critical environmental challenges and the necessity of coordinated efforts to solve them.
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.
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 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.
Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.
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.