U.S. Coast Guard To Perform Spot-Checks On Tuna Fishing Vesselsff
8 July 2008
United States The U.S. Coast Guard will spot-check lifesaving equipment on tuna vessels on Tuesday and Wednesday for “Operation Safe Tuna 2008,†prior to the annual, northbound migration of albacore from Mexico.
The operation is aimed to potentially save lives by checking necessary safety equipment such as life rafts.
According to the coast guard, about one third of life rafts are not installed correctly.
California Department of Fish and Game Senior Biologist Dale Sweetnam said he could see the importance of safety checks, especially with the possible bulge in tuna vessels.
Sweetnam said since fishing for salmon is prohibited this year, more vessels would probably be out in the waters.
He also said the tuna sometimes swim as far as Canada but since the water is colder this year, he expects more to stay in California.
The coast guard is also encouraging voluntary dockside exams to prevent deaths.
Personnel will conduct safety checks in CrescentCity, Eureka, FortBragg, BodegaBay, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Moss Landing.
