Japanese Accuse U.S. of Lying About Drift Nets
WASHINGTON — Japanese fishermen accused the U.S. government Monday of concealing scientific data and lying about the environmental threat of drift-net fishing in the North Pacific.
Alan Macnow, an American lobbyist for Japan Fisheries Assn., said the Bush Administration opposes drift nets because of political pressure from Northwest fishing interests who want more of the ocean’s resources for themselves.
But Roddy Moscoso, a spokesman for the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, rejected the charges. He said the Japanese have also cited data showing that drift-net fishing is a “wasteful, environmentally destructive” practice.
Drift nets stretch as long as 30 miles. Critics say they indiscriminately kill all fish, marine mammals and sea birds in their path.
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