Greenpeace calls on Canada to stop blocking progress on high seas bottom trawling

Greenpeace campaigns manager Danny Kennedy said, “It’s time for Canada to stop undermining measures on high seas bottom trawling at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, and to join with Australia in supporting bans on high seas bottom trawling.”

Mr Kennedy today delivered a letter to the Canadian Consular-General in Sydney, urging him to make representations to the Canadian Prime Minister to reconsider the Canadian position.

Outside the Canadian Consular office, Greenpeace supporters paraded a large billboard banner saying “Stop Deep Sea Destruction. Support a global moratorium on high seas bottom trawling”.

Similar representations and actions are taking place around the world today.

Mr Kennedy said, “The scientists are unanimous - first hand accounts and photos demonstrate the impacts of high seas bottom trawling.

“It’s time to protect the wonders of the deep sea from destruction,” he said.

Negotiations are continuing regarding measures to be adopted at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (early December) to stop destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling on the high seas. Australia is leading the push for action, with Canada one of the countries blocking.

Last week the United States clarified its position in support of bans on ‘unregulated’ high seas bottom trawling.

Note to Editor
Additional information is at: http://www.savethehighseas.org/australia/