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JapanJapan is the largest market for toothfish (called mero here) and imports over 50% of the world catch. During the first half of 1999 Japan imported 714 tonnes of toothfish from Mauritius - the number one pirate port. CCAMLR countries, including Japan, make up more than 90% of the toothfish market. Charged with conserving the toothfish, these countries are instead driving the illegal toothfish "gold rush" fishing by providing markets for trade in the fish.Contact the Japanese government today
Sample Letter Shoichi Nakagawa, Minister I am extremely concerned about the continued unlicensed and unregulated plunder of toothfish from the Southern Ocean. The fishing methods employed by these 'pirate' vessels, which operate outside of any regulatory oversight, are unsustainable. Scientists estimate that at current rates the toothfish fishery will collapse within two years. In addition, thousands of endangered and threatened sea birds are hooked and entangled in the pirates' longlines each year. The entire Southern Ocean ecosystem is at risk. As a member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), Japan has both the opportunity and responsibility to act on behalf of this fragile ecosystem. I urge you to demand a moratorium on fishing for toothfish in the Southern Ocean until the pirate fishing is eliminated. We should oppose the resumption of fishing for toothfish in the Southern Ocean until it can be demonstrated that the fishery can withstand the impact of commercial fishing and that effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are in place to prevent the return of pirate vessels. Furthermore, since Japan is the world's largest importer of Patagonian toothfish, it has particular responsibility to address the problem of pirate fishing. I urge this government to press for and adhere to a ban on the trade in toothfish until the problem of pirate fishing and the declining Southern Ocean ecosystem is adequately addressed. Regards
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International Office Address: © Greenpeace International |