| UK. Bradshaw urges world to tackle illegal fishing on high seas |
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| Monday, 28 November 2005 | |
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Environmental news: Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to tackle illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing on the high seas. In an address to the United Nations General Assembly, he described the practice as a fundamental threat to sustainable fisheries and ocean ecosystems. He said it also led to a major loss of revenue for States, notably developing countries. Mr Bradshaw, speaking at the UN General Assembly's Oceans Debate on behalf of the European Union, also highlighted the work of the High Seas Task Force, which he chairs. The Task Force is a group of world fisheries ministers and international Non-Government Organisations working together to combat IUU fishing in international waters. Mr Bradshaw said the group will report in March 2006 with concrete recommendations for urgent action on IUU fishing. The Minister also highlighted two forthcoming UN processes, which he urged the international community to engage in rigorously with a view to taking the necessary further measures. The first is the Secretary-General's review of actions by States to protect sensitive marine ecosystems, such as seamounts and cold-water coral reefs from destructive fishing practices, including the use of prohibitions. The second is the UN's wide-ranging consideration in February 2006 of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Mr Bradshaw said the international community will need to consider new approaches, such as marine protected areas, to conserving deep sea marine ecosystems, including their valuable genetic resources. He said: "What happens to marine life in the high and deep seas is of vital importance to the world. "If the international community doesn't control damaging fishing practices in these waters there will be a major impact not only on fish stocks and marine ecosystems, but also on economies." Mr Bradshaw also urged States to enhance efforts against terrorism through early ratification and implementation of two new Protocols on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts in regard to the safety of maritime navigation. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 28 November 2005 ) |
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