Bradshaw demands global deep sea action

Marine and Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has urged countries around the world to stop destructive deep sea fishing practices that damage marine environments.

Action must be taken now to protect sensitive ecosystems such as seamounts and other deep sea environments from bottom trawling, he said.

Talking to leading marine scientists at the 11th International Deep Sea Biology Symposium in Southampton today, he said: “The international community needs to change direction, and quickly.

“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.”

Mr Bradshaw said that the UK's Government and the scientific and research community are leading the world with their work to improve the marine environment.

But he stressed that worldwide action is required.

The international community needs a more integrated approach to oceans governance, he explained.

This would involve establishing marine protected areas for the high seas, and more effective management of the deep sea bed's genetic resources.

The United Nations general secretary is expected to publish a report shortly on this subject.

It will review what steps the international community is taking to combat destructive fisheries practices on sensitive ecosystems.

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

Further information

See:

• News release
• Marine environment and fisheries pages