Following Ian May's email someone who is not a subscriber sent the URL of the
New Zealand report. It is at:
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Press/Minister+proposes+emergency+action+for+seabirds.htm
An NZ government observer on board reported 51 albatrosses, 7 petrels, and 2
leatherback turtles being caught on the one trip. Some were released alive.
As a result the Minister is proposing a 3 month ban on all surface long-lining
in the fishery, along with a requirement throughout NZ waters for ton lines and
night setting in relation to surface long lines. This provides time to decide
on longer-term measures.
There is a 2001 international agreement for tuna fishing, led by Australia,
which requires similar measures south of latitude 30. However this case
involved fishing for swordfish (surface lines are also used for tuna) and the
Kermadec Islands lie both north and south of that latitude.
There was a meeting last month in relation to the international agreement on
the conservation of albatrosses and petrels but I do not know the outcome.
So - please press our government to respond to your concerns about this case.
And when buying fish, ask where it came from.
Michael Norris
==============================www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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