[Greens-Media] Urgent action needed on Pacific overfishing

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Urgent action needed on Pacific overfishing
Monday 28th April 2008
 
The Australian Greens today renewed calls for urgent action to prevent
the collapse of threatened Pacific fisheries, urging the Australian
Government to show renewed leadership on regional fisheries management.
 
"Around the world increasing pressure on marine environments has led to
the collapse of a number of key fisheries, and many more are in crisis,"
said Greens spokesperson on Marine & Fisheries, Senator Rachel Siewert.
 
"Pacific fisheries face increasing pressure from illegal fishing and
over-fishing, and from destructive fishing practices like bottom
trawling. If we do not act soon Pacific fisheries could be overfished to
the point of collapse."
 
Senator Siewert was responding to the release of new evidence of
overfishing by Greenpeace.
 
"I am alarmed that this research is showing that increased use of Fish
Aggravation Devices (FAD) in the Pacific to lure schools of skipjack
tuna is resulting in high levels of bycatch of juvenile bigeye and
yellowfin tuna," she said.
 
The Greens are calling for a 50% cut in the take of all species in the
Pacific to maintain fish stocks.
 
"Australia has played an important leadership role in addressing
overfishing on the high seas. It is imperative that we take action
through the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to cut
overfishing of tuna stocks before it is too late," said Senator Siewert.
 
"It is in Australia's interest to ensure that these fisheries, which are
the key economic resource for a number of our small Pacific neighbours,
do not collapse. We need to ensure long-term sustainable use of these
precious natural resources," she concluded.
 
For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au