[BCNnet] Fwd: [Marine_Biology_International] Pirate Fishing Menaces Albatross

[Gary Sibio]

Thought this might be of interest:



>Last Updated: Saturday, 13 March, 2004, 03:53 GMT
>
>
>Pirate fishing menaces albatross
>
>
>Conservationists are predicting tragedy for 19 albatross species
>Pirate fishermen are driving the albatross to extinction, wildlife
>campaigners have warned.
>The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is appealing to
>bird lovers nationwide to join the call to crack down on illegal
>longline fishing.
>
>The RSPB says over 300,000 seabirds, including 100,000 albatrosses,
>die each year because of the practice.
>
>It involves boats casting lines up to 80 miles long, with thousands
>of baited hooks, in which birds get caught up.
>
>   We are at the eleventh hour and face tragic consequences if action
>is delayed
>
>Dr Mark Avery, RSPB
>Conservationists are hoping to collect thousands of signatures
>urging the United Nations to act against the pirate fleets.
>
>If nothing is done, the RSPB is predicting tragedy for the
>albatross, with 19 of the 21 species in imminent danger of
>extinction.
>
>Dr Mark Avery, director of conservation at the RSPB, said: "This is
>a senseless slaughter and one that must be halted before we lose
>albatrosses for good.
>
>"We are at the eleventh hour and face tragic consequences if action
>is delayed.
>
>"Albatrosses are some of the most evocative birds in the world.
>
>"They are a magnificent sight, gliding thousands of miles on
>globetrotting journeys across the southern hemisphere."
>
>UK criticised
>
>Experts say bird deaths drop to just a few hundred a year when legal
>longline boats use measures to keep them away.
>
>The UK government has been criticised by conservationists for not
>ratifying a global treaty against long fishing lines, which came
>into force in February.
>
>The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP)
>was ratified by Australia, Spain, Ecuador, New Zealand and South
>Africa.
>
>British participation is important as its overseas territories of
>the Falklands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha are breeding
>grounds for the bird.
>
>Dr Avery said: "We need help to force governments to combat the
>appalling actions of these pirates.
>
>"It is astonishing that many, including the UK government, have not
>done so.
>
>"If they do not act, many albatross species face extinction very
>soon."



Gary J Sibio
garysibio@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~garysibio/

You know you're having a bad day when Elton John rewrites the lyrics to 
"Candle in the Wind" for you.