United Nations Begins Final Negotiations On Possible Bottom Trawling Moratorium

Who: Greenpeace policy advisors and experts on: the state of the world’s oceans; current international oceans policy and the positions of specific countries in the negotiations

What: Today, delegates from around the world will meet at UN headquarters in New York to begin final negotiations on the possible adoption of a UN moratorium on high seas bottom trawling. High seas bottom trawling has been recognised by scientists, numerous governments and the environmental community as the most destructive of all fishing methods currently in use. According to a recent study published in the journal Science, the world’s oceans may be depleted of commercially viable fish stocks by 2048 if industrial fishing continues at its present rate. Over 1500 scientists and the environmental community, united as the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, are in support of the moratorium.

When: November 17-23, 2006

Where: United Nations, 760 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York