2007 Representatives from countries throughout the South Pacific plus the European Union (EU), Japan, Russia, China, the US and others start a meeting today in Noumea, New Caledonia, to discuss a new regime for the management of one of the largest unregulated areas of ocean in the world.
Continue reading Nations Meet to Discuss Unprotected High Seas of South Pacific
4 May 2007 – Renaca, Chile. Up to 25% of the high seas are to be protected from bottom trawling following a landmark decision by nations fishing in the South Pacific. The South Pacific high seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction) contain the last and largest pristine deep-sea marine environment on earth.
President Remengesau reported that the Pacific Islands Forum, and other Chief Executives at previous meetings, agreed, within the limitations of their political status, to support a temporary ban on the destructive practice of deep sea bottom trawling, and to take a precautionary approach until measures are in place within relevant regional fisheries management organizations (“RFMOs”) to effectively manage and regulate such practices.
Continue reading Western Micronesian Chief Executives Announce Moratorium Support
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition has condemned northern fishing nations, the European Community, South Korea, and Russia for blocking measures which would have protected deep-sea life in the South Pacific. Those participants stubbornly opposed attempts by countries negotiating a new regional fisheries management organisation to put in place strong measures, including measures that would have protected vulnerable marine ecosystems from the damage caused by bottom trawl fishing in international waters.
