WWF South Africa
lauds the action taken by the South African government
in assisting in the seizure of the illegal toothfish vessel
the Viarsa, and the arrest of her Captain and Crew.
Although the Viarsa was originally sighted fishing
illegally around Australia's Heard Island,
South Africa faces a very similar predicament in the
management of its marine resources around the Prince
Edward Islands. It is estimated that South Africa
has lost over R3 billion in potential income due to
Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing for Patagonian
toothfish around it's Prince Edward Islands since end 1996.
The Patagonian toothfish is now considered to be on
the brink of commercial extinction in this area. The
reason for the poor control of illegal fishing is
mainly due to the remote location of the fishing grounds, and
the consequent expense and logistical difficulties
associated with surveillance and enforcement. WWF
South Africa is greatly encouraged by the co-operation shown between the
governments of South Africa and Australia in the
arrest of the Viarsa.
"We believe that
this sort of co-operation between countries, in
patrolling and apprehending offending fishing vessels, is vital to
stamping out the illegal pillage of our marine resources in
the Southern Ocean", says Deon Nel of WWF South
Africa. "We are further encouraged by the bilateral
discussions that are currently underway between the South African and
Australian governments, aimed towards greater co-operation
and joint responsiblities in patrolling and protection of
the marine resources in their respective territories
and Economic Exclusive Zones (EEZs) in the Southern
Ocean. We are definitely heading in the right
direction and we encourage the governments of South Africa and Australia
to move as expeditously as possible towards concluding this
bilateral agreement. The events of the past few days
have illustrated the value of such co-operation".
For further
information please contact:
Dr. Deon Nel
Marine Programme Manager
WWF South Africa
Email: dnel@wwfsa.org.za
<mailto:dnel@wwfsa.org.za>
Tel: 888 2835
Mobile: 072 485 4570
