A new review of implementation by RFMOs of the UN resolution on high seas bottom fisheries management has said there is “still a long way to go”.
Conducted by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, the interim review of UN GA 61/105 examines the progress achieved by RFMOs against their deadline of implementation by December 2008 and finds that most fall a long way short. Under the terms of the resolution, there should be a halt to bottom fishing in areas where the deadline has not been met.
The UN is due to conduct its own review in 2009 and the Coalition is calling for discussions on next steps to take place at the UNICP in June rather than behind closed doors later in the year.