Legal toothfish operators
around the world have today applauded the international operation led by
the Australian government, which has seen the capture of the Uruguayan
flagged Viarsa. COLTO members acknowledge those in the Australian, South
African, United Kingdom and United States Governments who combined to put
an end to the extensive ocean chase of the Viarsa.
A spokesman for the group
extended COLTO’s congratulations to those officers, crew, fisheries
officers and servicemen on Government vessels involved in the chase, and
especially those on the Australian civilian patrol vessel, the Southern
Supporter. COLTO members also praised those on the South African and UK
vessels who provided the backup and boarding capabilities to bring the
chase to a successful conclusion.
Through their recently formed
association, The Coalition of Legal Toothfish Operators, (with 27 member
companies in ten countries), said the capture of the Viarsa will send a
strong message to illegal toothfish operators that environmental vandalism
and theft of toothfish stocks will not be tolerated by Governments,
conservationists, and legal industry alike.
COLTO spokesperson Jenny
Hodder said COLTO members would continue to fight to stop any toothfish
being taken illegally.
“We will continue to work
closely with governments, conservation groups and the general public to
stop these criminal activities before legal operators are put out of
business, toothfish stocks are decimated, and the unique Antarctic
environment is destroyed. To see international cooperation in the marine
environment on this scale is almost unprecedented, and is a powerful
message to all toothfish pirates that Governments have declared war on
illegal toothfish operators.” Ms Hodder said today
COLTO was officially launched
in Brussels in March this year with a $US100, 000 Wanted Campaign designed
to attract information leading to the capture and conviction of toothfish
pirates and companies involved in illegal operations.
Ms Hodder said the campaign
had so far been very successful and COLTO had received valuable and
damming evidence of ongoing pirate operations. It would be working on a
number of strategies to send a clear message to illegal operators that
they should get out before being caught and prosecuted for illegal
activities.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Jenny Hodder
Manager Media and Public Affairs COLTO
Phone1 + 61 8 9202 2457
Phone2 + 61 8 9443 6052
Mobile + 61 (0) 412 005 400
email: media@colto.org
