People power wins! Super trawler banned #NOSUPERTRAWLERS

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has announced new laws that will ban the Margiris super trawler for up to two years. Burke acknowledged overwhelming public concern in reaching this significant decision. Congratulations to the thousands of passionate Australians, community and environmental groups and fishing groups have stopped the Margiris from destroying Australia‘s oceans

Today is a huge day for people power. Federal Environment Minister has announced a ban on the super trawler for up to two years and further scientific investigations before boats like this are approved. This is what we have been calling for and we congratulate the Australian Government on listening to the community and taking action.

“There has been no doubt there has been a massive public focus on this.”
Environment Minister Burke

It was the united action of community members, environmentalists and fishing groups that convinced the government to protect Australia’s fish stocks, marine wildlife and fishing communities.

This victory is testimony to the power of collective will and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

Because of the donations received by Greenpeace supporters, we were able to:  

• Highlight the dangerous flaws in the approval process and the threat to Australia’s fishing communities, fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
• Track the Margiris’ route and raise awareness of its pending arrival and take direct action as it hit Australian waters.
• Publicise the super trawler’s destructive history and present the investigative research Greenpeace had conducted across the globe over many years.
• Reveal the European Union subsidies that keep these over-sized vessels in operation.
• Heighten awareness in threatened regional coastal towns with media advertisements.
• Unite with a unique coalition of groups to mobilise diverse communities, hold rallies and pressure the government.

Looking forward

This is a significant setback for the European super trawler fleet – however the campaign against destructive fishing needs to continue.

The Margiris is just one fishing vessel that is impacting marine ecosystems globally. The global fishing fleet is catching more fish than nature can sustain. In our region, the Pacific faces the threat of over-sized foreign vessels every day.

Greenpeace will continue its global campaign against overfishing and destructive fishing practices.

Today we can celebrate this wonderful victory.

A big THANK YOU to everyone that signed the petition and got out on the streets. This victory is yours #Nosupertrawlers

— Greenpeace Australia (@GreenpeaceAustP) September 11, 2012