High Seas Showdown Looms in Turbot Dispute

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

>> HIGH SEAS SHOWDOWN LOOMS IN TURBOT DISPUTE

  
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                    GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>> HIGH SEAS SHOWDOWN LOOMS IN TURBOT DISPUTE
Canadian Coast Guard orders Spanish trawler to halt for boarding
 
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland March 26, 1995 (GP) The Greenpeace
charter vessel Cape Mugford reports that a showdown is underway
between Canadian fisheries patrol vessels and the Spanish fleet
fishing for turbot.  A Spanish trawler, the Verdel, is surrounded
by four Canadian patrol vessels, including a tow ship.  Canadian
officials have ordered the Verdel to heave to and prepare to be
boarded.  The Verdel has refused.     Using visual surveillance,
radar and radio intercepts the Greenpeace Cape Mugford
reports that the Spanish fleet has increased to 18 vessels.  The
Mugford reported that at 10:00 a.m. EST at least seven were in
tight formation moving towards the Nose of the Grand Banks, with
nets in the water. 
 
The Spanish patrol vessel Vigia has instructed all 18 vessels to
rendezvous in a single location about 60 miles north of the tail,
and about 20 miles outside Canada's 200 mile economic zone.  The
Cape Mugford is also moving towards that location.  
Meanwhile, Spanish radio reports that water cannons are being
used by Canada against a trawler in the Spanish fleet, according
to an interview with the captain.
 
 
For further information:
 
St John's - Catherine Stewart, Fisheries Campaigner: 
709-726-4980, Room 434             
 
Toronto -   Steve Shallhorn:  416-597-8408
            David Robbins:         "