Upcoming NAFO reform meeting
The talks have the potential to significantly change these fisheries to become more sustainable. In a report released today, WWF-Canada outlines the key measures that should be used to test if NAFO is serious about reform, or if other more drastic measures need to be considered.
“NAFO is responsible for the management of most fish stocks beyond Canada’s 200 mile exclusive economic zone. Unfortunately, the majority of these stocks, including cod, have been severely overfished and few show signs of rebuilding,” said Dr. Robert Rangeley, Director, Atlantic Marine Program, WWF-Canada. “If these measures outlined in the report are addressed, it may be possible for this ecosystem to recover, but if progress is not immediate, it may be too late.”
Despite fishing moratoria on nine out of nineteen stocks managed by NAFO, imposed when stocks collapsed due to overfishing, many stocks continue to be at historically low levels, and many others show alarming signs of decline. Progress in rebuilding stocks has been almost negligible.
At last year’s Annual Meeting, in recognition of mounting public pressure, all NAFO members committed to significantly reform the organization in order to manage stocks more sustainably.
WWF applauds this commitment and in an effort to support NAFO’s reform process, the WWF report released today outlines several key measures that NAFO must undertake to deliver on their promise. These reforms are critical to ensuring the economic survival of coastal communities – in Canada, in Europe, and all the countries that are part of NAFO.
Based on the report, titled High Seas Reform: Actions to Reduce Bycatch and Implement Ecosystem Based Management for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, WWF-Canada proposes five steps to ensure that NAFO manages fisheries sustainably.
NAFO must move to protect stocks by:
1. Committing this year to developing and implementing recovery plans for all stocks under moratoria or at low biomass levels, as moratoria on their own without appropriate recovery measures will continue to fail;
2. Committing to reducing bycatch by setting measurable targets and timelines, and
3. Implementing ecosystem-based management, such as protecting corals and other habitats that are vulnerable to trawling.
As well, NAFO must reform its internal structure to better reflect a commitment to sustainable fisheries by:
4. Adhering to scientific advice by basing quotas on science not politics, and
5. Strengthening enforcement to stop illegal fishing. In particular, governments must take responsibility for the actions of their fleets, including prosecuting their own fishermen when they break the rules.
“We know that many fisheries around the globe are in danger of collapse due to poor management. That’s why reducing bycatch, where some 30 million tonnes of fish and other marine life are thrown back dead into the ocean, is a global priority for WWF,” said Dr. Simon Cripps, Director, Global Marine Programme, WWF International. “This September, NAFO delegates have an opportunity to set a global precedent in the way international fisheries are managed, one that can ensure sustainable fisheries and the health of communities that rely on them. Hopefully this upcoming meeting will prove NAFO is capable of being a global leader in this regard.”
WWF congratulates NAFO and its Contracting Parties for committing to reform and for their efforts over the last year to develop recommendations. However, these reforms must result in decisions this year that help rebuild stocks, reduce bycatch and protect sensitive habitats like coral.
In the words of David Bevan, Chairman of NAFO and the head of Canada’s delegation at last year’s meeting, “The eyes of our leaders and the public are on us and expect us to act…” WWF will continue to monitor NAFO’s progress and support reforms that result in more sustainable fisheries.