1 January, 2012

As currently practised, deep-sea fishing has serious and widespread environmental consequences for deep-sea fishing countries, the international community, and ocean ecosystems. Studies reveal that deep-sea fishing fleets around the world are causing significant harm to the ocean ecosystem by damaging vulnerable marine ecosystems both within their Exclusive Economic Zones and on the high seas. Such damage occurs through bottom contact with fragile habitats and the overfishing of highly vulnerable deep-sea species. Many deep-sea species are now believed to be depleted regionally, if not globally.

Available in English.

1 December, 2004

Source: UNEP

This report presents comprehensive and up-to-date information and data on marine cold water coral reefs from around the world. Cold Water Coral Reefs: Out of Sight – No Longer Out of Mind aims to provide policy makers with the information required to take concerted action in the conservation, protection and sustainable management of these beautiful, largely unexplored and fragile coral reefs.

Available in English.

 

1 October, 2004

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is discussing proposals to provide urgent protection for the biodiversity of the deep seas from destructive activities, most specifically from high seas bottom trawl fishing. The European Union has proposed language that is significantly weaker than what it has already agreed to do within the context of the Northeast Atlantic. Moreover, the EU proposal fails to reflect the fundamental commitments and obligations of the European Union  and its member States as parties to the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (FSA), the Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS), and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Available in English.