Sample Letter

Mozambique has also been identified as a "pirate port" country. This means that fish pirates who have been plundering the toothfish of the Southern Ocean know that they can go to Mozambique ports to unload their illegal catch with next to no questions asked. Allowing pirates to land their illegal catches in our ports means that Mozambique plays a significant role in the pirate fishing problem and unnecessarily brings this country's reputation, both regionally and internationally, into disrepute.

I ask that the Government of Mozambique immediately ends this association with illegal fish pirates and bans landings of toothfish immediately.

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. Mozambique must end this association with illegal fishing.

Sincerely,