Comment from DIANE KASTEL

I strongly support that the California drift gillnet fishery for swordfish and thresher shark be added as a Category I fishery as defined by the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the 2013 List of Fisheries (RIN: 0648-BC71). This action is necessary after the take of two protected sperm whales in 2010 and the continued threats this fishery has on the survival of fin whales, humpback whales, and all Pacific marine mammals. The California drift gillnet fishery is indiscriminate and outdated, and its continued deadly impacts to protected species of marine mammals, sea turtles, and sharks must be halted. Due to the illegal by catch of protected species that regularly occurs in this fishery, and its potential impacts to imperiled white sharks proposed for Endangered Species Act listing, this fishery should be closed and alternatives sought.