Sample Letter

Abraham Iyambo
Minister
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Metje Behnsen Building
Private Bag 13355
Windhoek Namibia
tel: 0026461 240201
fax: 0026461 235269

Dear Sir:

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.

Namibia has 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 Namibian ports to unload their illegal catch with next to no questions asked. Allowing pirates to land their illegal catches in our ports means that Namibia 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 Namibia immediately ends this association with illegal fish pirates and bans landings of toothfish immediately.

Namibia is also one of the main flag-of-convenience countries known to provide easy registration for the vessels of companies seeking to avoid the tight regulations imposed by their home countries. I am shocked that this country provides an easy registration option for those who pay no heed to environmental considerations designed to protect the world's oceans and seas. I demand that Namibia end this association with pirate fishing and maintain a shipping register of which your nation can be proud.

Sincerely,