Brussels, 09/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 8 May Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Joe Borg, welcomed measures taken last week in Chile by the members of the fledgling Regional Fisheries Management Organisation for the South Pacific (excluding management of tuna) (EUROPE 9416). During their meeting from 30 April-4 May, the countries of the zone in question (EU, Australia, Chile, New Zealand) agreed to freeze fishing activity at the 2006 level for the so-called “deep water” species (orange roughy, alfonsin and toothfish) and to place a ban on new areas being opened to fisheries using bottom trawlers until 2010. A ceiling was also placed on the number of vessels authorised to catch pelagic fish stocks (especially jack mackerel).
The results of the meeting “demonstrates, once more, the crucial role that RFMOs can play in improving the international governance of high seas fisheries”, commented Joe Borg, saying he was “impressed” by these voluntary measures - given that the regional organisation in question is not yet officially established. Finally, he stressed that RFMOS are the right fora for the implementation of the UN resolution on sustainable fisheries, which is to stop the most devastating fishing practices. A fourth meeting is necessary to establish this new regional fisheries organisation in the South Pacific. (lc)