15 February 2005

Nice one Jim

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton needs to be congratulated for committing New Zealand to promoting a moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas, the Green Party says.

"It will be difficult to get the agreement from all United Nations countries for a moratorium, but it is fantastic that New Zealand is holding its head up and taking the lead in seeking protection for all areas in the high seas where there are no rules in place," Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

"When Pacific Islands' nations meet later this year at the annual Forum, I am expecting New Zealand will now join in the support for Palau's calls for a moratorium in areas where no effective protection exists.

"Bottom trawling is clear-felling magnificent corals and destroying precious ecosystems. We cannot ignore this problem just because it is out of sight under the waves.

"The commercial interests of the fishing industry can no longer be allowed to take priority over the preservation of unique marine ecosystems," Ms Fitzsimons says.

ENDS

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