Bottom Trawling (SCOOP)
- Thread starter Steve O'Shea
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That's great!
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ob said:
Hi,
Where did you notice this? I'm interested.
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Just found this article. Every little bit helps!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060630...H..PMgiANEA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MzV0MTdmBHNlYwM3NTM-
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060630...H..PMgiANEA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MzV0MTdmBHNlYwM3NTM-
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I just got this in my email and thought some of you might be interested:
To: Australian Marine Science Association email forum:
Bottom trawling activities in the deep sea continue to damage vulnerable marine ecosystems.
AMSA's primary focus is on scientific rather than conservation issues, and this is an important strength of the organisation. However, scientists may express legitimate concerns if fishing regimes appear to disregard the requirements of international law and the implications of the best available science.
Given the approaching United Nations examination of the issue, and the extension of marine planning instruments within Australian Commonwealth waters, I believe it may be appropriate to draft another scientists' consensus statement on deep sea bottom trawling.
The AMSA annual conference next week will provide a forum at which such a statement could be discussed - although of course many interested members may not be able to attend. A short presentation on the subject of high seas bottom trawling is planned for 6:10 pm on Tuesday.
Could members who might be interested in either drafting or supporting a statement/letter (possibly to both the Australian Government and the UNGA) please email me?
Jon Nevill
Phone 0422 926 515.
To: Australian Marine Science Association email forum:
Bottom trawling activities in the deep sea continue to damage vulnerable marine ecosystems.
AMSA's primary focus is on scientific rather than conservation issues, and this is an important strength of the organisation. However, scientists may express legitimate concerns if fishing regimes appear to disregard the requirements of international law and the implications of the best available science.
Given the approaching United Nations examination of the issue, and the extension of marine planning instruments within Australian Commonwealth waters, I believe it may be appropriate to draft another scientists' consensus statement on deep sea bottom trawling.
The AMSA annual conference next week will provide a forum at which such a statement could be discussed - although of course many interested members may not be able to attend. A short presentation on the subject of high seas bottom trawling is planned for 6:10 pm on Tuesday.
Could members who might be interested in either drafting or supporting a statement/letter (possibly to both the Australian Government and the UNGA) please email me?
Jon Nevill
Phone 0422 926 515.
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Nelson, Sunday 30 July 2006: Early today, Greenpeace activists locked themselves to a high seas bottom trawler to prevent it from leaving Port Nelson. Four activists boarded the Chang Xing, locking themselves to the mast and other parts of the vessel.
In blocking the Chang Xing's departure, Greenpeace also locked metal braces and a large sculpture of a deep-sea coral to the vessel's stern as a reminder of the deep sea life being destroyed daily by high seas bottom trawlers. They tied a banner to the stern with the words 'The trawl's in your court NZ'.
"We've done what the Government should be doing: taking strong action against bottom trawlers who are destroying unique deep-sea life out in international waters", said Greenpeace oceans campaigner Mike Hagler.
The Rainbow Warrior previously encountered the Chinese bottom trawler, Chang Xing, in international waters of the Tasman Sea in 2004.
Greenpeace exposed the damage caused by dragging heavy bottom trawl nets across the sea floor by filming and photographing the Chang Xing's crew dump large quantities of unwanted species including lantern sharks, squid, deep-sea kina and endangered black coral.
In November this year, the UN will make final decisions about whether to impose a moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters to halt destruction until scientists can document the areas that need protection and governments can develop the ways and means to protect them.
Since the issue was first raised two years ago, a significant number of Governments have come forward to support a moratorium, like the UK, Brazil, Germany and Sweden.
"New Zealand now needs to come forward and live up to our clean, green reputation on the international political stage * we can and we should now support the moratorium."
He pointed out that the UK's Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, recently told a global conference of marine scientists he wants to see an end to destructive deep-sea bottom trawling, and called on governments to take urgent global action.
A timely incentive for today's Greenpeace action against the Chang Xing came from a UN report released two weeks ago (1), which stated that governments have done nothing to protect deep-sea biodiversity from destructive fishing in international waters.
"The UN's Oceans Division report confirmed what we've known all along," Hagler added: "the survival of the countless species found in the deep sea is jeopardised by bottom trawlers like the Chang Xing. This gives New Zealand the opportunity to follow our own policies for biodiversity protection and move with the leaders of the advancing tide of international opinion in support of the moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters."
"It's intolerable that the Chang Xing and a few hundred other bottom trawlers - including some from New Zealand * can get away with bulldozing vulnerable habitats and species to oblivion in the unregulated high seas. Unless this practice is halted, we could lose species and deep-sea habitats forever," Hagler said. "A UN moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters is the only effective solution."
Contact:
Mike Hagler, Greenpeace oceans campaigner on 021 321 379
Cindy Baxter, communications officer on 021 772661
In blocking the Chang Xing's departure, Greenpeace also locked metal braces and a large sculpture of a deep-sea coral to the vessel's stern as a reminder of the deep sea life being destroyed daily by high seas bottom trawlers. They tied a banner to the stern with the words 'The trawl's in your court NZ'.
"We've done what the Government should be doing: taking strong action against bottom trawlers who are destroying unique deep-sea life out in international waters", said Greenpeace oceans campaigner Mike Hagler.
The Rainbow Warrior previously encountered the Chinese bottom trawler, Chang Xing, in international waters of the Tasman Sea in 2004.
Greenpeace exposed the damage caused by dragging heavy bottom trawl nets across the sea floor by filming and photographing the Chang Xing's crew dump large quantities of unwanted species including lantern sharks, squid, deep-sea kina and endangered black coral.
In November this year, the UN will make final decisions about whether to impose a moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters to halt destruction until scientists can document the areas that need protection and governments can develop the ways and means to protect them.
Since the issue was first raised two years ago, a significant number of Governments have come forward to support a moratorium, like the UK, Brazil, Germany and Sweden.
"New Zealand now needs to come forward and live up to our clean, green reputation on the international political stage * we can and we should now support the moratorium."
He pointed out that the UK's Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, recently told a global conference of marine scientists he wants to see an end to destructive deep-sea bottom trawling, and called on governments to take urgent global action.
A timely incentive for today's Greenpeace action against the Chang Xing came from a UN report released two weeks ago (1), which stated that governments have done nothing to protect deep-sea biodiversity from destructive fishing in international waters.
"The UN's Oceans Division report confirmed what we've known all along," Hagler added: "the survival of the countless species found in the deep sea is jeopardised by bottom trawlers like the Chang Xing. This gives New Zealand the opportunity to follow our own policies for biodiversity protection and move with the leaders of the advancing tide of international opinion in support of the moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters."
"It's intolerable that the Chang Xing and a few hundred other bottom trawlers - including some from New Zealand * can get away with bulldozing vulnerable habitats and species to oblivion in the unregulated high seas. Unless this practice is halted, we could lose species and deep-sea habitats forever," Hagler said. "A UN moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters is the only effective solution."
Contact:
Mike Hagler, Greenpeace oceans campaigner on 021 321 379
Cindy Baxter, communications officer on 021 772661
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Dear AMSA/ACRS Colleagues
One of my PhD students, Jon Nevill, is currently examing Australia's committments and actions to protecting marine biodiversity (from a national and international policy perspective).
One of his key passions at the moment (among many) is the need to protect deep water ecosystems in the High Seas from the devastating impacts of bottom trawling. As you may be aware, over the past decade, there has been a growing global scientific consensus on the impact of bottom trawling on these vulnerable ecosytems - and also, the need to take a precautionary and sustainable approach to extractive activities.
In this light, the UN General Assembly is due to re-consider a moratorium on bottom trawling in October 2006.
As a marine and/or environmental scientist - if you agree with the sentiments expressed in the attached letter - then please indicate your support (ie. your name, your affiliation - or suburb) by return email to Jon Nevill ([email protected]) - and your name will be added to the letter.
Unfortunately, the closing date for signatures is 15 September 2006. This will allow sufficient time for Australia to consider this petition prior to the UNGA meeting.
A progress report on the outcome of the UNGA meeting will be published in the ACRS and AMSA newsletters.
Yours Sincerely
Adjunct Professor Karen Edyvane
Charles Darwin University
Tel: +61 8 8920 9261
Fax: +61 8 8920 9222
Mobile: 0401 115 786 (m)
Email: [email protected]
One of my PhD students, Jon Nevill, is currently examing Australia's committments and actions to protecting marine biodiversity (from a national and international policy perspective).
One of his key passions at the moment (among many) is the need to protect deep water ecosystems in the High Seas from the devastating impacts of bottom trawling. As you may be aware, over the past decade, there has been a growing global scientific consensus on the impact of bottom trawling on these vulnerable ecosytems - and also, the need to take a precautionary and sustainable approach to extractive activities.
In this light, the UN General Assembly is due to re-consider a moratorium on bottom trawling in October 2006.
As a marine and/or environmental scientist - if you agree with the sentiments expressed in the attached letter - then please indicate your support (ie. your name, your affiliation - or suburb) by return email to Jon Nevill ([email protected]) - and your name will be added to the letter.
Unfortunately, the closing date for signatures is 15 September 2006. This will allow sufficient time for Australia to consider this petition prior to the UNGA meeting.
A progress report on the outcome of the UNGA meeting will be published in the ACRS and AMSA newsletters.
Yours Sincerely
Adjunct Professor Karen Edyvane
Charles Darwin University
Tel: +61 8 8920 9261
Fax: +61 8 8920 9222
Mobile: 0401 115 786 (m)
Email: [email protected]
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Can you attach the letter, or cut/past its content herein (I would support it anyway, but it is best to know what I am signing).rvangeld;78953 said:
Thanks, Me
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WOW
Good things are finally happening (well, lots of good things are happening!)
New Zealand is taking a strong stance on bottom trawling in international waters, and will seek the support of other nations at regional meetings and at the United Nations General Assembly next month, the government announced today.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton, and Conservation Minister Chris Carter said the government was seeking an immediate moratorium on the high seas outside areas where competent Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) existed or were under negotiation.
Mr Anderton said such a measure would exclude bottom trawling from about a third of the world’s high seas. He said the government was also advocating that RFMOs should institute strong conservation measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems such as seamounts by 2008.
Mr Carter said New Zealand was putting RFMOs on notice.
"We want decisive action to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems by 2008. If that does not happen we will have no choice but to look at other options, such as a global moratorium.
“The UN General Assembly has already made it clear that establishing controls on the adverse impacts of bottom trawling are urgently needed, and we must accelerate efforts to get them in place.
“There is growing concern and too little known about the impact of bottom trawling on unique marine life and habitats, and we think the international community should proceed with caution, and look very closely at where this fishing method is used.”
Mr Anderton said New Zealand had a very good system of management within its own EEZ that ensured fisheries would remain sustainable and that environmental issues were addressed.
"We already have some sea floor areas protected from bottom trawling and dredging. Our position on bottom trawling in the high seas is a further example of New Zealand's commitment to being a responsible fishing nation."
Mr Peters said effective management in international waters could best be delivered through international agreements negotiated through RFMOs or through the United Nations.
“Since 2004, New Zealand has been prepared to support, in principle, the concept of an interim global moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas, if such a proposal had sufficient global support to be practical and enforceable.
"To date such support appears limited, so the best protection mechanism we have are RFMOs.”
Good things are finally happening (well, lots of good things are happening!)
New Zealand is taking a strong stance on bottom trawling in international waters, and will seek the support of other nations at regional meetings and at the United Nations General Assembly next month, the government announced today.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton, and Conservation Minister Chris Carter said the government was seeking an immediate moratorium on the high seas outside areas where competent Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) existed or were under negotiation.
Mr Anderton said such a measure would exclude bottom trawling from about a third of the world’s high seas. He said the government was also advocating that RFMOs should institute strong conservation measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems such as seamounts by 2008.
Mr Carter said New Zealand was putting RFMOs on notice.
"We want decisive action to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems by 2008. If that does not happen we will have no choice but to look at other options, such as a global moratorium.
“The UN General Assembly has already made it clear that establishing controls on the adverse impacts of bottom trawling are urgently needed, and we must accelerate efforts to get them in place.
“There is growing concern and too little known about the impact of bottom trawling on unique marine life and habitats, and we think the international community should proceed with caution, and look very closely at where this fishing method is used.”
Mr Anderton said New Zealand had a very good system of management within its own EEZ that ensured fisheries would remain sustainable and that environmental issues were addressed.
"We already have some sea floor areas protected from bottom trawling and dredging. Our position on bottom trawling in the high seas is a further example of New Zealand's commitment to being a responsible fishing nation."
Mr Peters said effective management in international waters could best be delivered through international agreements negotiated through RFMOs or through the United Nations.
“Since 2004, New Zealand has been prepared to support, in principle, the concept of an interim global moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas, if such a proposal had sufficient global support to be practical and enforceable.
"To date such support appears limited, so the best protection mechanism we have are RFMOs.”
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This is strong stuff. Truly great!
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Australian Government announces whole-of-Government position on high seas bottom trawling
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition welcomes Australian proposals to protect deep sea life
1) Australian Government announces it's whole-of-Government position on high seas bottom trawling
On 22 September the Australian Government announced its position on high sea bottom trawling. The release is available at:
http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2006/joint_biodiversity.html
In summary Australia has indicated it will take a strong position to this years United Nations General Assembly to protect high seas biodiversity including calling for:
an immediate ban on high seas bottom trawling in all unregulated areas
where goverance arrangements (RFMOs) are under negotiation, a ban from 1 August 2007, unless and until conservation and management measures are implemented
within existing RFMOs, a ban from 1 January 2008, unless and until conservation and management measures are implemented
In addition Australia is calling for strong conservation criteria for lifting and enforcing the prohibitions, including applying the pre-cautionary principle so that prohibitions on high seas bottom trawling cannot be lifted unless it can be shown scientifically that it will not damage fragile marine ecosystems.
2) Deep Sea Conservation Coalition welcomes Australian proposals to protect deep sea life
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition welcomed the announcement by the
Australian Government.
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition Australia Coordinator, Ms Lyn Goldsworthy,
said "today's announcement is very significant as Australia has been wavering on
this issue for quite some time. The Government is now clearly acknowledging
the destructive environmental impacts of high seas bottom trawling on
vulnerable marine ecosystems, the need for immediate action and the need for
long-term protection and sustainable management."
Read the full release here Australia fails to reach finals on deep sea protection - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
For further information please contact:
Clare Henderson 0419 266 110
Lyn Goldsworthy 0412 300 642
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition - Australia/Pacific
Australia fails to reach finals on deep sea protection - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition welcomes Australian proposals to protect deep sea life
1) Australian Government announces it's whole-of-Government position on high seas bottom trawling
On 22 September the Australian Government announced its position on high sea bottom trawling. The release is available at:
http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2006/joint_biodiversity.html
In summary Australia has indicated it will take a strong position to this years United Nations General Assembly to protect high seas biodiversity including calling for:
an immediate ban on high seas bottom trawling in all unregulated areas
where goverance arrangements (RFMOs) are under negotiation, a ban from 1 August 2007, unless and until conservation and management measures are implemented
within existing RFMOs, a ban from 1 January 2008, unless and until conservation and management measures are implemented
In addition Australia is calling for strong conservation criteria for lifting and enforcing the prohibitions, including applying the pre-cautionary principle so that prohibitions on high seas bottom trawling cannot be lifted unless it can be shown scientifically that it will not damage fragile marine ecosystems.
2) Deep Sea Conservation Coalition welcomes Australian proposals to protect deep sea life
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition welcomed the announcement by the
Australian Government.
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition Australia Coordinator, Ms Lyn Goldsworthy,
said "today's announcement is very significant as Australia has been wavering on
this issue for quite some time. The Government is now clearly acknowledging
the destructive environmental impacts of high seas bottom trawling on
vulnerable marine ecosystems, the need for immediate action and the need for
long-term protection and sustainable management."
Read the full release here Australia fails to reach finals on deep sea protection - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
For further information please contact:
Clare Henderson 0419 266 110
Lyn Goldsworthy 0412 300 642
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition - Australia/Pacific
Australia fails to reach finals on deep sea protection - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
Good deal! 
Just added this to my BottomTrawling.com blog.
Just added this to my BottomTrawling.com blog.- Joined
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That's absolutely terrific!
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