[Greens-Media] Australia shows leadership on protecting deep-sea biodiversity

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Monday, 25 September 2006

Australia shows leadership on protecting deep-sea biodiversity

Senator Siewert has welcomed the announcement that Australia will lead
the way on the protection of marine biodiversity by proposing tough new
measures at this year's United Nations General Assembly.

"Australia will propose a ban on potentially destructive fishing
practices, such as deep-sea trawling, in fragile marine ecosystems,"
said Senator Siewert.

"Australia is finally recognising the need for urgent action to
complement long term measures to protect deep sea biodiversity."

"The important point is that the ban will require proponents to
demonstrate scientifically that any proposed activity will not cause
damage to these ecosystems before any fishing can recommence," said
Senator Siewert.

"If this is backed up by strong scientific criteria and rigorous
compliance measures then it will be world's best practice in
science-based sustainable management." 

"Australia will have its work cut out for it in the lead up to the UN
General Assembly determination in November," she said. 

"It will have to convince the US (along with its supporters Canada and
Japan) to move away from their current unhelpful position and to support
sustainable long-term science-based protection and management of our
deep seas."

"The Government announcement is also significant as it was only a few
months ago that they refused to support my motion calling for short-term
measures to protect the deep seas from the destructive fishing practice
of bottom trawling until longer term arrangements were in place," said
Senator Siewert.

For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au