Sample Letter

I am extremely concerned about the uncontrolled pirate fishing for toothfish in the waters of the Southern Ocean. Scientists estimate that at the current rate of fishing, the fishery would collapse within two years. In addition, many thousands of vulnerable species of seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, are dying on hooks intended to catch toothfish. The entire Southern Ocean ecosystem is at risk.

Canada is seen to be involved in the trade in toothfish to US markets. Pirate fishing companies are able to sell their illegally caught fish in the international legal markets, which drive the fishery. Consumers and fish buyers cannot be confident that a pirate vessel did not catch the toothfish in their markets and restaurants. Until pirate fishing in the Southern Ocean is eliminated and seabirds are no longer being killed as bycatch, I urge the Canadian government to ban all trade in toothfish.

Sincerely,