A lawsuit has been filed against the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the state of Delaware, and the state of New Jersey for allegedly allowing the commercial bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon. The lawsuit was initiated by environmental groups who claim that the states have not taken adequate measures to protect the endangered species.
Atlantic sturgeon are a protected species under the Endangered Species Act and are known to be vulnerable to getting caught as bycatch by commercial fishing operations. The lawsuit accuses the states of not implementing effective regulations to reduce bycatch and protect the dwindling population of Atlantic sturgeon.
Environmental organizations have long been advocating for stricter regulations to protect Atlantic sturgeon against commercial bycatch, arguing that the current practices are putting the species at risk of extinction. The lawsuit seeks to push the states to take more proactive measures to prevent the accidental capture of Atlantic sturgeon by commercial fishing operations.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of Atlantic sturgeon conservation efforts in the region. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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