Surface Longline Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

Data Visualization March 16, 2012 Read time:

Surface longlines are wasteful commercial fishing gear that catch and kill depleted ocean wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. Since the 1960s, this equipment has indiscriminately killed bluefin tuna, sea turtles, sharks, and hard-fighting game fish such as blue marlin.

Despite the environmental damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, restoration funds from this disaster could help pay for a gear transition program. This potential solution would phase out surface longlines in favor of more selective fishing methods—and keep fishermen in business while saving wildlife.

Campaign at a Glance

Problem: Wasteful surface longlines. View our infographic below to learn why it is so important to switch gears in the Gulf of Mexico.
Solution: Selective, low-impact fishing gear (PDF)
Strategy: Use oil spill money to fund a gear transition program

Surface Longline Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico