The ocean is a vital part of Ventura County. It supports the multi-million dollar commercial fishing and tourism industries and is a main thoroughfare of goods movement via the Port of Hueneme. The health of the ocean therefore, is of utmost importance to all residents and visitors of Ventura County and beyond.
Set gillnets create invisible walls of netting that span from 50 to 200 meters (164 to 656 feet) , and ensnare fish by catching their gills. The fishing method has been banned since 1915 across most of California’s state waters since 1915.
This indiscriminate fishing method has produced excessive amounts of bycatch (caught animals that fishers do not want, cannot sell, or are not allowed to keep). AB 2220 would broaden this protection to encompass the entire coast, ensuring safeguards for sensitive species like great white sharks and giant sea bass.