14 June 2007
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stop Deep Sea Trawling."
Details of petition:
"One day there will be no fish…. so we must have more control over the fishing industry. Fishing practices are wasteful and destructive… Our seas are over fished… marine life is in decline. I’m not asking to an end to all fishing, but more common sense before its too late. Fish stocks should be allowed to recover…. Think about it!"
Read the Government’s response
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) discussed a Sustainable Fisheries Resolution in New York from 16 to 23 November 2006. Of particular interest was the section of the draft Resolution relating to bottom fisheries, notably bottom trawling, and their impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems.
For too long the international community has turned a blind eye to the devastation which can be caused by this practice. However, an improved scientific understanding of its impact on sensitive ecosystems in our deepest oceans and proven evidence of the damage it causes, gave the Government hope that the international community would take the opportunity offered by the UNGA discussions to agree truly significant and effective measures to stop this destructive activity.
While there is now a framework in place to end destructive bottom fisheries over the next two years, the Government is disappointed that we were not able to go further. We had hoped to agree a more accelerated and stronger package of measures to end this destructive, unregulated practice which is wrecking so many marine creatures and habitats.
We will continue to press for effective worldwide action. With the European Union, we will ensure that everybody meets their responsibilities to prevent this kind of fishing destroying in minutes what has taken thousands of years to develop and that high seas fisheries are founded on a clear sustainable basis.