Current:Home > NewsFed plan to rebuild Pacific sardine population was insufficient, California judge finds -StockSource
Fed plan to rebuild Pacific sardine population was insufficient, California judge finds
View
Date:2025-04-12 23:36:38
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A plan by federal agencies to rebuild the sardine population in the Pacific was not properly implemented and failed to prevent overfishing, a judge in California ruled this week.
Monday’s decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia DeMarchi was a victory for environmentalists who said officials did not ensure sardine stocks would bounce back within a legally required timeframe.
The nonprofit Oceana sued the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2021, claiming that Pacific sardines collapsed by more than 98% between 2006 and 2020.
The small oily fish enjoyed by humans are also essential food for whales, dolphins, sea lions, pelicans and salmon. The loss of sardines can create problems throughout ocean ecosystems, environmentalists said.
The Fisheries Service must develop a plan that supports rebuilding and set “hard, science-based caps on how many fish could be caught each year,” the judge wrote in her order. The agency said it doesn’t comment on litigation.
“We’re grateful that the court followed the science and recognized the need for a real plan with enforceable catch limits that will rebuild Pacific sardines for a healthy, abundant, and resilient ocean,” Dr. Geoff Shester, a senior scientist for Oceana, said in a statement.
DeMarchi declined to grant some of Oceana’s motions, including one asking that she order a new environmental impact statement.
The judge ordered the parties to discuss and submit proposals for a remedy by May 6.
veryGood! (1597)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and More Score 2024 BAFTA Nominations: See the Complete List
- Massachusetts driver gets life sentence in death of Black man killed in road rage incident
- Warriors vs. Mavericks game postponed following death of assistant coach Dejan Milojević
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Rising temperatures from climate change could threaten rhinos in Africa, researchers say.
- Slovenia to set up temporary facilities for migrants at Croatia border, citing surge in arrivals
- ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Poor Things’ lead the race for Britain’s BAFTA film awards
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- As Gaza's communication blackout grinds on, some fear it is imperiling lives
Ranking
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Police in Brazil arrest the alleged killer of a Manhattan art dealer
- Penny the 10-foot shark surfaces near Florida, marking nearly 5,000 miles in her journey
- 'Law & Order,' 'SVU' season premieres: release date, how to watch, cast
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Biden-Harris campaign to unveil new effort to push abortion rights advocacy ahead of Roe anniversary
- Singaporean minister charged for corruption, as police say he took tickets to F1 races as bribes
- Miami tight end Cam McCormick granted ninth season of playing college football
Recommendation
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
Georgia’s governor says more clean energy will be needed to fuel electric vehicle manufacturing
Indiana bill defining antisemitism advances to state Senate
6 alleged gang members convicted of killing Chicago rapper FBG Duck in 2020
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
A court of appeals in Thailand hands an activist a 50-year prison term for insulting the monarchy
Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day to sing during Super Bowl pregame
An acclaimed graphic novel about Gaza is seeing a resurgence, brought on by war