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No scientific, economic reason for Canada to oppose high seas moratoriumSeptember 14, 2006 - VANCOUVER - Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn should immediately show real leadership and support a moratorium on the highly destructive fishing method of bottom trawling in international waters, says the David Suzuki Foundation. While a vote on the United Nations resolution for a moratorium is not scheduled until November, many countries are fence sitting on the issue, preferring to wait for others to take the lead, says Bill Wareham, David Suzuki Foundation acting director of marine conservation programs. “This is Canada's chance to shine on the international stage,” says Mr. Wareham. “We encourage Minister Hearn to show leadership, make the right decision and tell his cabinet colleagues Canada supports a moratorium.” The Foundation believes the minister has been extensively briefed on the issue and is poised to make his recommendation to the cabinet. He’ll likely announce Canada’s position before October 4, when the UN meets to discuss high seas fishing. By coming out in favour of a moratorium now, the minister could encourage other countries to follow suit. Mr. Wareham said the decision will affect Canada’s international reputation and the future health of the world’s high seas ecosystems. He said supporting the moratorium would have no impact on Canada's economy and would help protect world fish stocks. “There’s no rational reason why Canada should oppose this moratorium. There is no management or governing body on the high seas that currently regulates and limits the destruction of sensitive marine environments on the high seas,” Mr. Wareham said. Scientific reports have revealed that bottom trawling, or dragging, is the most destructive form of commercial fishing in use today. Giant, heavily weighted nets are dragged across the sea floor capturing almost all the marine life in their path. Deepwater coral reefs, sponges and vital nursery areas for fish found on deep-sea seamounts are destroyed under their crushing weight. Critical habitat is being lost, fish stocks are destroyed and biodiversity is being greatly diminished. The David Suzuki Foundation is a member of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, which supports the UNGA resolution for a moratorium. For more information about marine conservation in Canada, have a look through the rest of the Foundation's Oceans site at http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Oceans. For more information contact: Don Hauka
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