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New ZealandAlthough a member of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, New Zealand contributes to the problem of pirate fishing in the Southern Ocean by continuing to grant fishing licenses for toothfish there. The continued trade of toothfish is providing the cover for pirate fishers to unload their illegal catch. There is no scheme currently in existence that can adequately determine whether a fish has been caught legally or illegally. It's time for New Zealand to push for and adhere to a trade ban on Patagonian toothfish.Contact the New Zealand government today
Sample Letter Felicity Wong 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. Despite widespread recognition that illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean is raging out of control and very little is known about the extent and impact of illegal fishing, New Zealand continues to place additional pressure on this unique environment by licensing still more fishing. This cannot be considered precautionary. It is apparent that New Zealand is currently placing more importance on pressure from commercial fishing companies than to the need to conserve this Antarctic fish. Pirate fishing companies will continue to find ways to disguise their trade in illegally caught fish as long as there is toothfish caught under CCAMLR licence on the market. As a member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), our government 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, backed by a trade ban, 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. Sincerely, Other Officials to Contact: Phil Goff Matt Robson |
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