Turbot Fishing Protest-Inflatable Launched

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

>> GREENPEACE LAUNCHES INFLATABLE BOAT IN PROTEST AT SEA


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                    GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>> GREENPEACE LAUNCHES INFLATABLE BOAT IN PROTEST AT SEA
Turbot fishing continues
 
St. John's, Nfld., 29 March 1995 (GP) Greenpeace today protested
continued Spanish fishing in the area of the Grand Banks.  A
zodiac inflatable boat, launched from the M/V Cape Mugford,
impeded the "Ria de Pontevedra" as it fished for turbot on the
Sackville Spur.
 
The Greenpeace vessel M/V Cape Mugford had 12 Spanish vessels on
radar this morning and has visually confirmed that fishing is
taking place on a deep-water extension of the Grand Banks known
as the Sackville Spur.  This area is just outside the "nose" of
the banks.
 
"Greenpeace is not concerned with arbitrary lines drawn on
water,"  said Catherine Stewart, Greenpeace Canada Fisheries
Campaigner.  "The turbot don't recognize our boundaries, and the
stock is headed for trouble.  We are taking our
demand for a moratorium straight to the Spanish fishermen."
 
Greenpeace sent the Cape Mugford to the centre of the turbot
conflict one week ago and has continuously monitored the
activities of both sides in the dispute.  As an independent
influence on the fishing grounds, the environmental organization
has successfully underscored the need for immediate, effective
enforcement and a halt to overfishing.  Greenpeace is demanding
an immediate moratorium on turbot fishing.
 
As Canada and the European Union struggle towards a deal to
resolve the conflict, Greenpeace campaigners in Brussels, Madrid,
New York and St. John's remain concerned about the long-term
health of marine fish stocks.  
 
"We are encouraged to hear reports of substantial movement by the
EU towards real enforcement and monitoring measures," said Riki
Aguilar, Greenpeace Spain Fisheries Campaigner on board the Cape
Mugford.  "But until fishing fleets are brought under control, we
remain convinced that fishing for turbot should cease."
 
ENDS
 
For more information, call:
 
Catherine Stewart, Fisheries Campaigner, St. John's: 
709-726-4980, Room 638 Steve Shallhorn, Campaign Director,
Toronto:  416-597-8408
David Robbins, Information Officer, Toronto:  416-597-8408