In the United States alone, more than 5,000 marine mammals are killed by commercial fisheries every year. Some species are killed in numbers that threaten their populations. And in the heavy competition for disappearing fish populations, marine animals lose out.
Marine mammals, particularly seals and sea lions, are often blamed for eating fish that humans target. But over 5,000 marine mammals die in entanglements annually in the United States. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands are killed each year.
The dangers posed by commercial fishing include entanglement in nets and lines and hooks, which can drown animals or injure them to a point where they starve or die from infection.
Speak out if you hear marine mammals blamed for eating fish. And if you eat lobster, consider buying those caught in Massachusetts, which has stricter requirements to protect whales.
The Turtle Excluder Device
The Turtle Excluder Device (TED) was created to protect sea turtle populations from the shrimp fishing industry.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 10, 2010
Melting Out from Under Them
With ice vanishing from many areas, harp seal pups are facing serious threats before the commercial seal hunt even starts.
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January 20, 2010
Protecting Porbeagle Sharks
The HSUS is petitioning the National Marine Fisheries Service to give Endangered Species Act protections to porbeagle sharks, who are targeted by commercial fishing and recreational tournaments.
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November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
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November 6, 2009
One to Watch Films of 2009
Check out these four major animal-protection themed movies and documentaries currently in theaters or on dvd including "The Cove", "Food, Inc.", "Hotel for Dogs", and "The End of the Line".
Our Victories
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
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November 16, 2009
An Eagle Eye on Wildlife
Last Friday, Wayne Pacelle paid a visit to our newest animal care center—the SPCA Wildlife Care Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
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November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
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June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.