Federal Judge Orders Release of Data and Imagery from California Halibut Trawl Fishery
This fishery unintentionally kills or injures large numbers of non-target species—including Dungeness crabs, giant sea bass, elephant seals, and porpoises—that are often discarded overboard
Press Release Date: October 30, 2025
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Contact:
Jamie Karnik | email: jkarnik@oceana.org | tel: Jamie Karnik
Judge Josephine L. Staton of the Central District of California has ordered the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to publicly release all requested photos, videos and data related to the injury and death of marine life caught in the California halibut trawl fishery. Oceana, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit in December of 2024 after NMFS originally refused a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for that information.
Bottom trawling has among the highest rates of “bycatch” of all fishing methods, which is the term for the catch of non-targeted crustaceans, fish, birds, marine mammals and other ocean animals that are often discarded at sea injured, dead or dying. Studies have shown that California halibut trawl nets ensnare large numbers of Dungeness crabs along with giant sea bass (listed as critically endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species), green sturgeon (listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act), elephant seals, porpoises and other wildlife that often do not survive being captured and dragged in the trawl nets.
“It’s important for the public to understand the full picture of how bottom trawl fisheries interact with and harm marine wildlife,” said Caitlynn Birch, Campaign Manager and Marine Scientist for Oceana. “Transparency around these impacts helps ensure fisheries are managed with the best available information, and we appreciate that the court affirmed the public’s right to access this data.”
In her ruling, Judge Staton found that NMFS had failed to meet their legal obligations under FOIA and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), stating that “[t]he plain language of the MSA authorizes the release of the responsive photographs.” The judge also found that NMFS had “not met its burden to prove the applicability” of an exemption to legal requirements of FOIA to release information requested by Oceana.
“These photos are visual proof of how commercial trawl fisheries are impacting our marine species and ecosystems,” said Rumela Roy, an attorney with Earthjustice. “They also provide key insights into how to improve fisheries management and better protect our oceans. We are pleased that the court’s order makes clear that NMFS cannot conceal this crucial information from the public eye.”
FOIA provides anyone with the right to request records from federal agencies. Agencies are required to disclose information requested under FOIA unless it falls under specific exemptions, for example because the information is classified to protect national security, or disclosure is prohibited by another law.
The bycatch data and imagery requested by Oceana was collected by federal fishery observers, trained scientists who observe and track activity on board a fishing vessel. Observers are essential to sustainable fisheries management, particularly for fisheries with high rates of bycatch or ones that may pose risks to endangered or protected species. California fisheries have had a patchwork of inadequate observer coverage over the years, and recently federal observer programs are withdrawing from monitoring state managed fisheries altogether. In 2023 Oceana released a California Bycatch Monitoring Program Scoping Report as a potential roadmap for a future state-managed bycatch monitoring program.
A copy of Judge Staton’s ruling is available here.
A copy of the original lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Central California is available here.
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Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
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