United Nations Moratorium

Living Oceans Society believes that an important step toward developing ecologically and economically sustainable fisheries is to protect deep sea habitat. To bring that about, in 2006 Living Oceans joined the international effort to ensure the passage of a proposed United Nations moratorium on high seas bottom-trawling.

Although most U.N. member states, including the U.S. and Australia, backed the moratorium, Canada flew in the face of international opinion, siding until the last moment with Iceland and Spain.

On October 6, 2006, Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn announced that Canada will not be supporting a moratorium on high seas bottom trawling at the U.N. General Assembly. Read his statement.

This is potentially disastrous for the 64 percent of the high seas that are completely unmanaged. In the end it was Iceland who blocked consensus on a moratorium in unmanaged areas of the high seas, ensuring that piracy will continue unabated into the foreseeable future.

Despite the disappointing outcome of the U.N. vote, Living Ocean’s campaign succeeded in raising Canadians’ public awareness about bottom trawling.

"With regard to bottom trawling, the Committee questions Canada's decision to oppose a proposed UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) resolution in temporarily banning the practice on the high seas in international waters where there are no RFMOs (Regional Fisheries Management Organizations). The moratorium was a reasonable, precautionary response to protect ecologically sensitive marine habitats. Despite statements to the contrary, Canada's fishing industry would have been unaffected."

Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, February 2007