Media Advisory: Briefing on opportunity for NAFO to promote long term recovery and establish rebuilding strategy for cod at next week’s annual meeting

WWF

Thursday, September 16, 2010
10:00 AM ADT

WWF will hold a media briefing to outline the management measures that the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) should take to ensure the recovery of Grand Banks cod and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems. The potential long-term economic benefits of these measures are evident from the increasing number of retailers pledging to source only sustainable seafood – many dropping depleted stocks from their seafood supply in favour of those that meet the criteria for well managed fisheries.

NAFO will be holding its Annual Meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, from September 20 – 24. During this meeting, the WWF expects NAFO to finally develop a plan for cod recovery. After a 16 year moratorium in the southern Grand Banks, a recovery strategy is the only way to ensure that NAFO will be able to successfully manage a fragile cod recovery, and will set a precedent for how all fisheries should be managed in the Northwest Atlantic. NAFO has a responsibility under the Convention to take decisive action, which is also in the best economic interests of those relying on sustainable fisheries for their livelihoods.

WWF will also seek the adoption of conservation and management measures in line with the requirements of recent United Nations General Assembly resolutions on sustainable fisheries regarding vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Speaking will be:
• Dr. Bettina Saier, Director, Oceans, WWF-Canada
• Shelley Dwyer, Fisheries Conservation Advisor, WWF-Canada, Atlantic Region

In addition, in attendance will be:
• Dr. Robert Rangeley, Vice President, WWF-Canada, Atlantic Region
• Dr. Daniela Diz, Consultant, Conservation Approaches, WWF-Canada
• Stacey McCarthy, Communications Manager, WWF-Canada, Atlantic Region

Media may attend the briefing in our office at:
5251 Duke Street, Suite 1202
Halifax, Nova Scotia

If unable to attend in person, media may obtain a conference call in number.

A press release will follow the briefing.

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For more information or to arrange for a conference call number contact:

Stacey McCarthy
Communications Manager, WWF-Canada
Tel: 902.482.1105 x 41
Cell: 902.229.6066
Email: [email protected]