Global action needed on deep sea destruction

Destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling must be stopped to prevent the ongoing destruction of sensitive marine environments such as seamounds, UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has announced. Speaking at the International Deep Sea Biology Symposium, the Minister called on Governments around the world to introduce stricter regulations and an integrated approach to the problem. The establishment of marine protected areas for the high seas and the sustainable management of resources of the deep sea bed were among the proposals cited.

"I want to see the end of destructive deep sea bottom trawling. As a next step we should stop bottom trawling where it threatens seamounts, cold water corals, hydrothermal vents or similar vulnerable ecosystems,” said the Minister.

A report on the actions of the International Community into tackling destructive fishing practices in sensitive areas is set to be published by the UN General Secretary in the coming weeks.

"This will be the trigger for countries to decide what might be achieved at the UN General Assembly later in the year, " commented Mr. Bradshaw