Bycatch is the marine issue where untargeted species are caught by people who aim to catch a different animal. According to World Wildlife Fund, as much as 40% of a total catch can end up being bycatch, which can amount to 38-80 million tons of marine life per year that is wasted. Not only fish are affected by this problem, but the mortality rate of dolphins, sharks, turtles, whales, and seabirds has also noticeably increased.

Due to bycatch, many species of animals have or have risked making the endangered list. Because of this, the fish that you like eating for dinner might not be available if this problem continues to not be solved. Populations of sharks, rays, and skates have already declined by 71% since 1970, and about 1/3 of these species have already become endangered. If this problem continues to affect underwater animals, soon the lives of them will be greatly threatened and there will not be a solution.

Thankfully, by signing this petition, you will be able to help incorporate educational programs on bycatch to teach this problem to people who are not aware of it, and right now, that is many. Help lower the mortality rate of these creatures due to bycatch today.