Australian Government calls for an end to deep-sea destruction

Following three years of calls for urgent action, the United Nations General Assembly will finally begin negotiating measures to protect marine life in the deep-sea on 4-5 October leading to a formal adoption in November. A number of countries have already voiced their support for a UN Moratorium and include Brazil, Chile, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu in the Pacific.

Scientists have only just started to explore the complex world far beneath the surface of the oceans, discovering new species and ancient coral reefs wherever they look.  Bottom trawling is widely recognized as the most destructive of fishing methods.  Heavily weighted bottom trawls are indiscriminate and scour and devour everything in their path. Their use has been compared to clear-cutting a rainforest in order to catch a few rabbits.

Additionally, more than 1,500 marine scientists from over 60 countries have signed a letter in support of an immediate UN moratorium on high seas bottom trawling.

"Greenpeace is delighted that Australia has finally stopped prevaricating on the issue and come down in favour of a moratorium on bottom trawling. The Government is now clearly acknowledging the destructive environmental impacts of high seas bottom trawling on deep-sea life, the need for immediate action and the need for long-term protection and sustainable management," said Sari Tolvanen of Greenpeace International.

EUROPE

Countries of the European Union met in Brussels to discuss their position at the upcoming UN General Assembly discussions. High seas bottom trawling represents only 1% of the world's annual global fishery catch is practiced by only a handful of OECD countries. The European Union represents around 60% of the 300 or so vessels engaged in bottom trawling worldwide: Spain has the largest fleet.

Saskia Richartz, Greenpeace EU Marine Policy Director said, "It appears
that a growing number of EU countries are now in support of a moratorium. Spain and the European Commission, however, are still siding with a small sector of the industry that supports this fishing method and holding the EU position hostage. It is time for them to protect the interest of the oceans and the environment instead of the vested interests of a handful of fishing fleets. They must urgently agree a common position to support the call for a UN moratorium."

NEW ZEALAND

"With this announcement Australia has taken a leadership role and
should now work to negotiate a meaningful outcome at the UN that secures
the protection of deep-sea life in international waters," said Mike
Hagler, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace NZ, "Greenpeace expects that
New Zealand will join Palau, Australia and the rest of the countries of
the Pacific in leading the world to a strong policy outcome at the UN
next month."