‘Dolphin Kill’ Label Sought for Tuna Cans

WASHINGTON —  A bill endorsed by two California representatives would require that labels on tuna products display a warning that the fish might have been caught by methods “known to kill dolphins.” The bill, now before a House subcommittee, would apply to tuna caught with drift gill or purse seine nets.

E. Charles Fullerton, director of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s southwest region, told the House panel Wednesday that only 10% of U.S.-fleet tuna catches involve dolphin. He said, however, that dolphin are snared inadvertently in 70% of all yellow fin tuna catches made by foreign boats.

Tuna industry representatives oppose the legislation, saying that such a law would be a logistical nightmare.

Animal-protection groups have exaggerated the number of dolphins killed in the taking of tuna, David Burney, executive director of the U.S. Tuna Foundation, told the subcommittee.

Aid Boycott Efforts

“The bills will not contribute to lowering the incidental take of porpoise,” he said. “They will, however, support the boycott efforts of certain consumer groups.”

August Felando, president of the American Tunaboat Assn., told the panel that the bill represents an abuse of congressional regulatory power.

“No public interest in protecting the health and safety of citizens would be served by the passage of such bills,” Felando said.

The proposal sponsored by Rep. Barbara Boxer (D-Greenbrae) would require both the warning label and a “Dolphin Safe” label for tuna caught without nets that ensnare dolphin.

A less comprehensive bill had been introduced by Rep. Mel Levine (D-Santa Monica), but Levine, in effect, removed his bill from consideration by saying in testimony that he hoped the subcommittee would use Boxer’s bill “as the vehicle for any action you decide to take.”