4 September 2008
Fishing stocks and the Pacific
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With the Atlantic and Indian Ocean fisheries almost wiped out, fishing fleets are looking towards the Pacific as the next frontier. Some Pacific Island nations are tired of waiting for substantial international protections and have formed their own group to protect their valuable natural assets while others are succumbing to economic temptations and are selling licenses to fish to foreign fleets at bargain basement prices.
One suggestion is that a complete ban for a fixed period could give fisheries a much needed respite, and Greenpeace UK has been promoting the idea of a network of global marine reserves covering 40% of the world's oceans as a way of safeguarding long-term sustainability.
What would be the regional security implications if the Pacific stocks collapse, and should Australia be playing a more significant role in policing the high seas?
Guests
Quentin Grafton - Crawford School of Economic Research, ANU
Lagi Toribau - Pacific Oceans Campaigner Greenpeace
Andrew Wright - Chief Executive WCPFC
Duncan Kerr - Parliamentary Secretary Pacific Island Affairs
Grahame Southwick - President Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association
Further Information
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
Ausaid report on Pacific Fisheries
Publications by Quentin Grafton - ANU
2006 conference link with background papers
Presenter
Paul Barclay
Story Researcher and Producer
Matthew Leonard
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