The Minister has not stated how he plans to address this
important issue. He alluded to talks between the New Zealand and
Australian Governments to 'up the levels of biodiversity
protection' (1). Greenpeace is concerned that this is in reference
to ongoing discussions between the two countries to develop joint
conservation measures such as a Marine Protected Area in
international waters in the Tasman Sea.
"While a Marine Protected Area in the Tasman Sea would be an
important step to conserve marine life, it does not protect the
high seas from its biggest threat to deep sea life - bottom
trawling. However a marine protected area in a small part of the
high seas or similar measures is like trying to fix a broken leg
with a bandaid. This is a global problem and we need global action
to address it."
"Scientists say that bottom trawling is now the single biggest
threat to deep sea life. Greenpeace welcomes the Minister's
comments today and is glad that the New Zealand Government accepts
that bottom trawling is damaging deep sea life," said oceans
campaigner, Vanessa Atkinson.
"This is a welcome addition to the debate which has so far been
dominated by the fishing industry's 'deny everything' approach when
it comes to impacts of bottom trawling on the diverse marine life
of the deep sea. There's more than just fish in the deep sea, like
2,000 year old coral forests, sharks and giant squid," continued Ms
Atkinson.
Once thought to be void of life, scientists now estimate between
500,000 to 100,000,000 species live in the deep sea. Many of these
species are situated around underwater features like seamounts,
ridges, plateaus and continental slopes.
Over 1000 scientists from 69 countries, including New Zealand,
called for a United Nations moratorium in an urgent statement
earlier this year. Greenpeace and an international coalition of
environmental groups are supporting this call.
A moratorium is not a ban. A moratorium is a "time out" for the
deep sea to give time to assess what is there and the
sustainability of high seas bottom fishing and for legally binding
management regimes to be established.
"A moratorium is temporary by definition. Once we know how to
look after the deep sea, fishing could resume if it has been proved
to be sustainable for both the fish targeted and the rest of the
deep sea life," continued Ms Atkinson.
A New Zealand Government delegation is currently at a United
Nations meeting in New York where a moratorium is being discussed
(2).
Notes to Editor:
1) New Zealand Herald, Thursday 10 June, "Industry Rejects Call
for Ban on Bottom-Trawling", page C3.
2) The 5th meeting of the United Nations Informal Consultation
on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS) is being held at the
United Nations in New York. It ends on Friday 11th June. The focus
of the meeting is on the conservation and management of the
biological diversity of the seabed in areas beyond national
jurisdiction.