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The success of the Senate motion today demonstrates there is broad
concern about the environmental impacts of bottom trawling said Lyn
Goldsworthy, Oceans Advisor for Greenpeace Australia Pacific. The
Government now needs to take a strong position and support a global
moratorium on deep sea bottom trawling at discussions underway in the
United Nations.
Australia has been a leader on illegal fishing and whaling. It's time for them to become a champion of the deep seas she said.
the Senate vote highlights the leadership role that Australia should play in protecting deep sea life currently being damaged by the destructive fishing practice of bottom trawling on the high seas. Bottom trawling is destroying seamounts “underwater mountains“ and in the process wiping out marine ecosystems and species“ even before we discover them she said.
The debate arose in response to a motion put forward by Greens Senator Siewert which noted the damage that may be caused by destructive fishing practices and which also supported the need for urgent action by nation states. The motion was supported by the Government.
There is no doubt that deep sea bottom trawling is destructive. This was clearly demonstrated earlier this year when the Rainbow Warrior captured images of massive endangered black and red corals being hauled aboard a trawler in international waters near Norfolk Island said Ms Goldsworthy. (* images are available.)
In November the United Nations General Assembly will consider recommendations on the conservation and management of the oceans. A growing number of countries support a moratorium as the only responsible way to immediately protect deep sea biodiversity.
Minister for the Environment, Senator Campbell, has received accolades for his position on whaling, and the Government has been strong on tackling illegal fishing. However, Australia has not yet publicly indicated support for a moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas.
If we want to show international leadership, Australia should now join the growing number of countries seeking a UN moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters concluded Ms Goldsworthy.
Australia has been a leader on illegal fishing and whaling. It's time for them to become a champion of the deep seas she said.
the Senate vote highlights the leadership role that Australia should play in protecting deep sea life currently being damaged by the destructive fishing practice of bottom trawling on the high seas. Bottom trawling is destroying seamounts “underwater mountains“ and in the process wiping out marine ecosystems and species“ even before we discover them she said.
The debate arose in response to a motion put forward by Greens Senator Siewert which noted the damage that may be caused by destructive fishing practices and which also supported the need for urgent action by nation states. The motion was supported by the Government.
There is no doubt that deep sea bottom trawling is destructive. This was clearly demonstrated earlier this year when the Rainbow Warrior captured images of massive endangered black and red corals being hauled aboard a trawler in international waters near Norfolk Island said Ms Goldsworthy. (* images are available.)
In November the United Nations General Assembly will consider recommendations on the conservation and management of the oceans. A growing number of countries support a moratorium as the only responsible way to immediately protect deep sea biodiversity.
Minister for the Environment, Senator Campbell, has received accolades for his position on whaling, and the Government has been strong on tackling illegal fishing. However, Australia has not yet publicly indicated support for a moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas.
If we want to show international leadership, Australia should now join the growing number of countries seeking a UN moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters concluded Ms Goldsworthy.
For further information or comment
Clare Henderson 0419 266 110 * The images were taken in June 2005 on the West Norfolk Ridge, just over 200 miles off the coast of northern New Zealand. Quality visual images [stills and video] are available from Michelle Thomas on 0404 096 556
