Hi all
Can anyone suggest how we could review the quoted "Minister of Fisheries
report" before launching our protest? Does the sinking albatross in
the web site photo raise any suspicions about how such a photo could be
taken? I would prefer to see the reported facts about the incident
and then make up my my mind about what action should be taken. In a
past life while working for Dept. of Environment, I was involved in
organizing regular surveys of pelagic birds off South Australia using
long line fishing vessels for transport and access to the continental
shelf. In more than 70 trips over three years, no birds were ever
observed caught by long lines and although over time fishing methods may
have changed, and birds may have learned to dive on baits, it is
unlikely that the problem is as bad as we are led to believe, .
In the late eighties, when first reading about the capture of albatross
on long lines, I was mildly sceptical and wondered, who is the
beneficiary from this new issue and since then, have read about as much
as one can digest about long line hazards to birds. I still remain
sceptical about the extent of the problem and while there is no doubt
about the importance of vigorously managing all fishing generated hazard
potential to birds, there appears to be a lot more politics and hidden
agendas behind this issue, not the least of which is anti fishing
sentiments and pressure for additional government funding to support
research employment.
Lets have a look at the original report and evaluate the information
before jumping off the cliff.
Ian May
St Helens, Tasmania
0428337956
michael norris wrote:
Thanks Inger
I've just written to Ian Campbell (see below), using the form available at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/senmin.htm
Maybe others would like to write something tougher!
Michael Norris
Dear Senator Campbell
I am writing to you as Minister for the Environment. I was shocked to learn that an Australian long-line fishing vessel was recently involved in the death of 51 Albatrosses.
See: http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2006/12/swordfish_ban.html
It is sad that our country, which has been such a leader of efforts to prevent such deaths, has been directly responsible for the slaughter of more of these wonderful, and threatened, birds.
May I please have your assurance that you will bring this to the attention of relevant ministerial colleagues as well as continuing to press for techniques and regulations which bring an end to this totally unnecessary environmental tragedy.
Thank you.
www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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