UN moratorium on high seas bottom-trawling

Final U.N. General Assembly resolution

2006-12-14T18:45:00.000-04:00

As expected, on December 8, the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly adopted a broad international fisheries resolution that failed to include language that would have put in place a temporary moratorium on high seas bottom-trawling. Bottom trawling is a fishing method that involves commercial vessels dragging heavy nets across the sea floor, indiscriminately destroying delicate marine life in their paths.

A pathetic draft resolution adopted by the committee recommends that nations ensure vessels are not causing harm, or cease to authorize vessels flying their flag to bottom trawl on the high seas.

United States Assistant Secretary of State Claudia McMurray said "there were several countries that really didn't want any controls at all. Unfortunately the resolution comes up short. We're very disappointed this is the result we ended up with".

The UN committee's alternative measures are the status quo, leaving it up to countries to decide whether bottom trawling gear is used.

It is a tragic setback for the protection of high seas biodiversity after so much progress has been made during the last two years in gaining international support, and a majority of nations sought immediate control of high seas bottom trawling.

Some statements made on December 7th, 2006 at the U.N. Oceans Debate are provided below.

Australia (Statement by HE Frances Lisson, Ambassador and Dep. Permanent Representative):

Australia welcomes this year's resolution which we see as an important advance in international efforts to regulate high seas bottom trawling....Australia is disappointed, however, that the resolution does not contain a prohibition on bottom trawling in unmanaged high seas areas. Such a ban would have been an effective incentive for the establishment of competent and modern RFMOs, while providing protection for vulnerable marine ecosystems in the absence of such regulation.

Pacific Island Forum Nations (Stated made by Ambassador to Palau, Stuart Beck):

We consider that an interim prohibition would have been the clearest and most effective means for dealing with the impacts of bottom fishing in areas where there are no multilateral measures in place, and none in prospect. An interim prohibition would have further encouraged the development of new RFMOs for unregulated areas. We were further disappointed that a small number of States were not willing to consider a freeze on the expansion of bottom fisheries in unregulated waters from current levels.

A sad day for the world

2006-11-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

Early this morning, the U.N. negotiations came to an end. And while Australia, New Zealand, and many other nations were pushing for a moratorium on the unregulated high seas, in the end a moratorium was not included in the resolution to be passed by consensus. Sadly, a critical opportunity to effectively address the critical destruction of bottom-trawling was lost today. You can read a joint press release from Canadian environmental groups here:

http://www.ecologyaction.ca/news/116430772641729.html

Also, it has become abundantly clear that if the governments of the world are not going to take critical action to protect marine habitat, then it is up to the public to vote with their wallets and not buy fish that are caught in an unsustainable manner. To find out what SEAFOOD CHOICES you can make to ensure that you are not supporting the destruction of the marine environment, go to: www.seachoice.org

Susanna Fuller in New York

2006-11-21T20:28:00.000-04:00

Sponge biologist Susanna Fuller is in New York as the Canadian NGO representative at the U.N. negotiations on bottom-trawling. This round of negotiations began on Friday, November 17th and end on Wednesday, November 22nd. Here Susanna shows off her stylish orange evening gown for her glamorous evenings in New York.

Marine life seeks refuge at the U.N.

2006-11-21T20:16:00.000-04:00

On Monday, a crab, fish, and lobster sought refuge at the United Nations from the bottom-trawlers on the high seas.

Cats for a high seas moratorium

2006-11-21T20:08:00.000-04:00

Guinness the cat, from Chester Basin, Nova Scotia, shows that even cats understand that unregulated dragging means no fish habitat and that means no fish.

Just read the science!

2006-11-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

Researchers Dr. Richard Haedrich, Dr. Evan Edinger, and Dr. Paul Snelgrove stand with graduate students at Memorial University to show their support for a moratorium on high seas bottom-trawling. All three professors research aspects of the deep-sea environment. They stand here holding various scientific papers and quotes from well-known researchers that deal with the state of the deep-seas and the impacts of bottom-trawling. They ask the government to simply "JUST READ THE SCIENCE!"

St. John's East MP stands up for the high seas

2006-11-09T13:26:00.000-04:00

NDP MP Lorraine Michael just won the by-election in St. John's East. She stands here with CODCO's Greg Malone to show that she supports a U.N. moratorium on high seas bottom-trawling.

Former fisherwoman supports a moratorium

2006-11-09T13:21:00.000-04:00

Julie Huntington, former prawn fisherwoman and net maker, has seen firsthand the damage that bottom-trawling can cause. She stood up last Monday for the high seas, asking Canada's Fisheries Minister to support a moratorium.

Support from Cowtown!

2006-11-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

Here, supporters from Calgary, Alberta give a thumbs up to a high seas moratorium on bottom-trawling.

No seafood by 2050.......

2006-11-02T22:50:00.000-04:00

Dr. Boris Worm, Dr. Heike Lotze, and PhD biology students at Dalhousie University dress as tubeworms on Halloween to show their support for a high seas moratorium on bottom-trawling.

Dr. Worm and Dr. Lotze are co-authors of a paper in Science that was released today that indicates that fish stocks will be gone in 50 years if humans do not make drastic changes, including seriously address the impacts of bottom-trawling.

Read about this new finding here:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/11/02/ocean-ecosystems.html

Witches for a moratorium!

2006-11-02T22:47:00.000-04:00

This witch sent in a photo demonstrating that even wicked witches support a high seas moratorium on bottom-trawling

Don't drag us down!

2006-11-02T22:44:00.000-04:00

Graduate students in the Biology Department at Dalhousie University dressed up as marine life to show their support for a moratorium. Don't be a crab, support a moratorium!

Standing up for the high seas in Times Square

2006-11-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

While visiting in New York City, Dalhousie University student Tyler Jordan took this photo in Times Square, showing his support for a moratorium on bottom-trawling.

Fish friends support a moratorium

2006-11-02T21:51:00.000-04:00

Sue Westby of Northwest Cove, Nova Scotia, sent in this photo of support for the U.N. call for a moratorium on bottom-trawling in international waters

Scientists support a high seas moratorium!

2006-11-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

The research labs of biologists Dr. Lawrence Dill and Dr. Isabelle Cote at Simon Fraser University sent in this photo of support for a high seas moratorium

Moratorium Monday in Toronto

2006-10-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

Torontonians at Bloor and Spadina saw witches and goblins in the streets yesterday demonstrating their support for a high seas moratorium.

Mr. Hearn, do the right thing

2006-10-31T21:27:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, Robin Wilcocks stood on Parliament Hill with a simple message for Loyola Hearn "Do the right thing".

Scientist standing up for the high seas

2006-10-31T21:25:00.000-04:00

Dr. Evan Edinger of Memorial University stands outside the Newfoundland and Labrador Confederation Building to urge Canada to support the UN moratorium on bottom trawling. Dr. Edinger studies deep sea corals and says that they will only survive in areas that are not bottom trawled. We need to protect them now because if we damage them they will not grow back in our lifetime.

Moratorium Monday in St. John's

2006-10-31T21:19:00.000-04:00

Citizens gathered in St. John's to urge Minister Hearn to be "Loyal" to oceans protection by supporting an international United Nations temporary time out on bottom dragging.

Moratorium Monday in Edmonton!

2006-10-31T21:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in Edmonton, supporters of a high seas dragging moratorium stood on Whyte Avenue with signs, handed out fact sheets to pedestrians, and enjoyed the honks of support from passing cars.

2006-10-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in Halifax, professors, graduate students, and scientists in biology, oceanography, and environmental science stood in the streets to ask Loyola Hearn and PM Harper to listen to scientists and support a moratorium. Read a Chronicle-Herald article about the event here:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/537661.html

They love reefs!

2006-10-30T15:03:00.000-04:00

Graduate students in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University demonstrate their love of reefs in Halifax today. They joined other biologists for Moratorium Monday in Halifax, asking the Fisheries Minister and Prime Minister to stop ignoring scientists and support a moratorium

Tubeworms for a moratorium

2006-10-30T14:56:00.000-04:00

A tubeworm stood on the streets of Halifax today and wiggled to the honks of motorists that agree that high seas dragging is a drag. Tubeworms everywhere support a high seas moratorium on bottom-trawling.

Greg Malone stands up for the high seas

2006-10-26T10:05:00.000-03:00

Greg Malone, former member of the Canadian comedy troupe CODCO, says "Support the international waters moratorium, it just makes sense".

Labradorians for the high seas

2006-10-26T10:02:00.000-03:00

Roberta Benefel, from Goose Bay, Labrador and an unknown gentleman lurking in the background support a U.N. moratorium and encourage Labradorians to show their support too.

Fishing for a moratorium

2006-10-26T09:58:00.000-03:00

Judy Norman and Betty from Labrador are show here visiting the fishermen's museum in Lunenburg. They support a moratorium and hope that fishing continues sustainably.

More Fish...Moratorium

2006-10-26T09:55:00.000-03:00

Bruce Cox from Greenpeace and Denys Bourque, from St. Jacques New Brunswick, stand here asking for a temporary moratorium on high seas bottom-trawling in international waters.

Mr. Hearn, protect our future

2006-10-26T09:51:00.000-03:00

Kestrel Musselman sent in this photo of herself with her fish "Stella", made by well known local folk artist Barry Colpitts. Kestrel asks Mr. Hearn to protect the future for her generation as well as the world's fish stocks by supporting a moratorium.

West coast Sportfishing guides stand up for the high seas!

2006-10-23T22:49:00.000-03:00

Salmon fishing guides in the Queen Charlotte Islands stand here together to support a U.N. moratorium on deep sea dragging.

Law students object!

2006-10-23T22:44:00.000-03:00

Students in the Dalhousie Environmental Law Student Society object! They stand here for the high seas and support a U.N. moratorium on dragging.

Stop ignoring the science. Support a moratorium

2006-10-19T15:38:00.000-03:00

Dr. Ransom Myers at Dalhousie University asks Loyola Hearn and PM Harper to stop ignoring the science and support a U.N. moratorium on high seas dragging. Dr. Myers says "imposing a moratorium on deep-sea dragging is an absolute no-brainer. It would be shameful and ignorant for Canada not to support a U.N. moratorium on high seas dragging".

A moratorium would be temporary and in unregulated international waters, where no Canadians currently bottom-trawl. Thus, a moratorium would have no effect on Canadian fishermen.

Listen to scientists, support a moratorium

2006-10-19T15:30:00.000-03:00

Benthic marine ecologist, Dr. Bob Scheibling, at Dalhousie University has a very simple message for Fisheries Minister, Loyola Hearn. Listen to scientists, support a moratorium.

For years scientists have been urging the world to put a moratorium in place in order to give time for them to find the areas on the high seas where dragging would have a negative impact (such as on seamounts and coral reefs) as well as the areas where dragging could continue without much impact (such as areas of sandy bottom). But without a moratorium, how can Loyola Hearn find these areas before they are all dragged to destruction?

Don't let the net drop, make dredging stop!

2006-10-19T15:20:00.000-03:00

Lindsay Janes (blue fleece vest in centre) and students from Old Scona Academic in Edmonton, Alberta made posters and took this photo while on a school trip off the north east coast of Vancouver Island to demonstrate their wish for Loyola Hearn to support a moratorium on high seas dragging.

Photo support from the sea!

2006-10-19T15:11:00.000-03:00

Nele and Kenzie, co-presidents of the Old Scona Academic Environmental Club in Edmonton, sent in this photo while on a marine biology trip off the coast of Vancouver Island on the Island Roamer. They say that they're very disappointed with Loyola Hearn's decision.

High seas dragging scrapes the bottom of the only barrel we know!

2006-10-19T15:03:00.000-03:00

Writer and editor Amanda Jernigan, and photographer John Haney send their support from St. John's Newfoundland. Without a moratorium, we'll continue to scrape the bottom of the high seas without knowledge if the area being bottom-trawled is of ecological importance or not.

Photo from Cape Breton

2006-10-19T14:57:00.000-03:00

Taking a break from eating turkey on Thanksgiving in Cape Breton, artists Adriana Kuiper and Ryan Suter join Judith Fuller in sending a message to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. They support a time out on the high seas, where fishing is unregulated - until such time as countries of the world can establish regulatory regimes that will ensure the sustainability of the marine environment.

Support from Salt Spring Island, B.C.

2006-10-15T11:45:00.000-03:00

Brian Smallshaw, Jan Slakov, Andrew Lewis, and an inspired Dutch tourist stand in Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island, B.C. showing their support for a moratorium on bottom-trawling.

They point out that the negative impact of bottom-trawling is a result of both the physical destruction of benthic habitat and the by-catch of untargeted species. Between 1996 and 2002, the B.C. bottom trawling fleet discarded 68 million kilograms of by-catch, the amount it would take to fill a convoy of pickup trucks, bumper to bumper, between Vancouver and Prince George (Living Oceans Society, www.livingoceans.org).

Fishermen support a moratorium

2006-10-14T09:02:00.000-03:00

Fisherman Bill Williams, chair of the South West Nova Fixed Gear Association in Nova Scotia sent in this photo to ask the Fisheries Minister "Are you your own man?"

Mr. Hearn knows just as well as Bill Williams that dragging destroys fish habitat. Mr. Williams wonders what, or who, is influencing Mr. Hearn to ignore scientists and fishermen that support a temporary moratorium on this destructive practice.

Loyola, show us the seamounts!

2006-10-14T08:44:00.000-03:00

Concerned citizens in Halifax ask Loyola Hearn to show them the seamounts he plans to protect on the high seas.

How can Loyola Hearn's plan to protect seamounts and other ecologically important ecosystems be effective if scientists don't even know where these habitats that need protecting are yet?

Unfortunately Mr. Hearn is ignoring scientists that say that a moratorium gives the time needed to find areas of sensitive marine habitat before they are destroyed by dragging.

Fishermen support a moratorium

2006-10-14T08:34:00.000-03:00

Fisherman Mil Nickerson, chair of the Tusket River Gaspereau Dipnetters Association, writes in to state the support of his organization for a moratorium on high seas dragging. These fishermen from Nova Scotia join others, like the PEI Fishermen's Association in opposing Loyola Hearn's position on a moratorium.

Researchers of sustinable livelihoods support a moratorium

2006-10-14T08:29:00.000-03:00

Participants at an international Sustainable Livelihoods workshop held in Phnom Phem, Cambodia show their support for a moratorium on high seas dragging. The group included Cambodians, Vietnamese, Filipinos and Canadians.

NDP MLA, Howard Epstein, urges Loyola to listen to scientists

2006-10-14T08:19:00.000-03:00

Howard Epstein, the NDP Member of Legislative Assembly for Halifax, Nova Scotia stands here to point out to our Fisheries Minister that you can't protect seamounts and deep-sea corals if you don't know where they are. Scientists tell us that it can take several years to find ecologically important habitat. They stress that a moratorium is needed so that we can find the areas that need protecting BEFORE they are destroyed.

Mr. Epstein is also a lawyer and part-time law professor.

Fisherfolk leaders support a moratorium

2006-10-14T08:10:00.000-03:00

Maria Abanueza and Fernando Tiburcio, leaders of the Filipinno fisherfolk network PAMANA KA, urge Canada to support a moratorium on high seas dragging.

No habitat, No fish, No food, No fun

2006-10-14T08:03:00.000-03:00

Mark Beasy and a friend sit down to empty plates to point out that if bottom-trawling continues destroying fish habitat, then there will be no fish and no food for the future.

Oceanographers support a moratorium!

2006-10-10T21:08:00.000-03:00

This photo, courtesy of Dr. Alan Pinder, shows Megan Saunders, a Ph.D. candidate in biological oceanography at Dalhousie University, underwater in St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia. She and other oceanographers urge Loyola Hearn and Stephen Harper to listen to the scientific evidence that a moratorium is needed now!

To see the statement made by 1452 scientists urging the world to impose a moratorium, click here: http://www.mcbi.org/what/what_pdfs/dsc_signatures.pdf

Appuyons le moratoire

2006-10-10T21:05:00.000-03:00

Marianne Marcoux, a grad student at McGill University sent in this photo ask the Conservatives to join the world and 'Appuyons le moratoire!'

Time to listen to reason.....support a moratorium!

2006-10-10T21:02:00.000-03:00

The student group Greening McGill at Mcgill university asks Loyola Hearn to stop ignoring the science and support a moratorium on bottom trawling.

Canada's Conservatives plan to let down world

2006-10-06T21:23:00.000-03:00

Even after President Bush announced his call for the end of unregulated high seas bottom trawling and even after Canadian fishermen announced their support of a moratorium, Canadian Fisheries Minister, Loyola Hearn, announced today that Canada will not be joining the U.S., U.K., Australia, and other countries in supporting a moratorium.

Scientists, fishermen, ecologists, and other Canadians expected this government to listen to the science and support a moratorium, a temporary time-out on bottom trawling. Most of the high seas have absolutely no regulation of this destructive fishing practice. Therefore, a moratorium is needed to give scientists time to identify where the fragile and ecologically important habitats are before they are destroyed. Furthermore, because the development and implementation of management policies does not happen overnight, a moratorium is needed to provide the time to put these policies in place, before these habitats are destroyed.

Currently, no Canadian vessels bottom trawl on the high seas, so a moratorium would not affect Canadian fishermen or coastal communities. In 2004, 1000 scientists from around the world urged the world's leaders to put a moratorium in place to prevent the further destruction of high seas habitat. If scientists, fishermen, ecologists, other countries, and George Bush support it, then why doesn't the Conservative Party of Canada?

It looks like Loyola Hearn still needs to know that Canadians care.

PEI Fishermen support a moratorium!

2006-10-06T21:18:00.000-03:00

Ed Frenette, executive director of the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association, announced on Wednesday that Island fishermen support a moratorium on high seas bottom trawling, and they're looking for Canada's fisheries minister to follow the lead of George Bush and the United States on this issue.
You can read the whole story at the link below:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2006/10/04/bush-dragging.html

Come on Canada! Bush is showing you up!

2006-10-06T21:10:00.000-03:00

Whitney, an American living in Belgium sent in this photo, encouraging Canada to live up to at least George Bush's environmental standards and support a moratorium.

The Conservative government must be pretty behind the times if the Bush administration is more forward thinking than they are.

Biologists across Canada support a moratorium

2006-10-06T21:04:00.000-03:00

Don't be a drag, Canada! These biologists ask Loyola Hearn to stop ignoring the science and support a moratorium before it's too late.

From left to right: Sarah, Troy, Sonja, Quinn, Heather, Jason, and Paul.

Newfoundlander for a moratorium!

2006-10-06T21:00:00.000-03:00

Janice Villagomez, from Gander, Newfoundland stands up to ask Loyola Hearn to listen to the hundreds of scientists that in 2004 urged the world for a moratorium on high seas dragging.

Students from around the world want a moratorium!

2006-10-05T10:23:00.000-03:00

Students from around the world urge countries to support a U.N. moratorium on deep seas bottom trawling. This photo was sent in by students and professors at the United World College in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

Pictured from left to right, back row: Yerko Rubio (Chile), Daniel Clerk (Ghana), Hugo Cervantes (México), Keally Cieslik (USA), Julianna Gärtner (Germany), Sima Seidalkidani (Palestine), Mattia Gerin (Italy), Bruno Hardy (Belgium), David Opoku (Ghana), Yangli Lim (Malaysia). Front row: Atalya Levy (Israel), Carl Rosenberg (Norway), Gaspar Opiyo (Kenya), Ken Hoffman (Canada)

U.S. calls for end to dragging on the high seas!

2006-10-03T17:44:00.000-03:00

Today, the White House announced that President Bush is "calling for an end to destructive fishing practices, such as unregulated bottom trawling on the high seas". Click on the link below to read the press release.

President Bush must know that Americans, just like Hollywood actress Jane Alexander, support a high seas moratorium on dragging.
Well we Canadians support one too! If President Bush can recognize the destruction of high seas dragging, so can Loyola Hearn and PM Stephen Harper? Come on Canada! Support a moratorium!

Click here to read the press release from the White House:
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061003-1.html)

Australia and New Zealand plan to work together to gather support for moratorium

2006-09-29T14:03:00.000-03:00

On Monday, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters announced that New Zealand and Australia would work together to seek the support of other nations at regional meetings and at the United Nations General Assembly for an immediate moratorium on high seas bottom trawling outside of regional fisheries management organizations. We urge Canada to join New Zealand and Australia in supporting a high seas moratorium on dragging. Come on Canada!

Day 42: Stop trawling so crabs can keep crawling!

2006-09-29T08:46:00.000-03:00

Grade 6 students from William King Elementary School in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia made this beautiful and clever poster as their way of showing their support for a moratorium on bottom trawling. They said that they will be following this important story and are happy to have the opportunity to have a voice on this issue.

Day 42: Stop monkeying around and support a moratorium!

2006-09-29T08:43:00.000-03:00

Lil Macpherson, founder and co-owner of the Wooden Monkey restaurant in Halifax, and co-owner Christine Bower take a moment to say "Fish nets are for legs, not for dragging!"

Day 42: Save the habitat to save the fishies!

2006-09-29T08:36:00.000-03:00

Pam Johnston of Pickering, Ontario makes a fishy face to ask Canada to save the fishies by supporting a U.N. moratorium to save fish habitat.

Day 39: The NDP supports a moratorium!

2006-09-26T10:42:00.000-03:00

The NDP Fisheries Critic, Peter Stoffer, sent in this photo of himself holding up a sign asking Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn to join other countries in supporting a U.N. moratorium on dragging.

Day 35: Deep sea fishes will only be left in jars....

2006-09-22T13:31:00.000-03:00

Students in Dalhousie University's 'Ecology and Evolution of Fishes' class support a U.N. moratorium on high seas dragging. They hold up a sign reading "Deep sea fishes will only be left in jars if there isn't a moratorium on high seas dragging".

Day 35: Islanders for the high seas!

2006-09-22T11:12:00.000-03:00

Dr. Irene Novaczek, Director Institute of Island Studies (PEI) and Sara Roach-Lewis of the Women for Environmental Sustainability (PEI) ask Canada to realize that if there's no habitat, there's no fish. Vulnerable and ecologically important habitats can be scientifically difficult to find. Without a moratorium to give scientists time to discover these areas, dragging may destroy these habitats before we can even know they exist. Today, Australia revealed that it will be taking a strong stand at the U.N. and will call for an immediate moratorium on bottom trawling on the high seas. We applaud Australia's leadership and ask that Canada start acting proactively as welll.

Day 34: Standing up for the high seas in L'Anse aux Meadows

2006-09-21T08:28:00.000-03:00

Dr. Trudy O'Keefe of St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Gretchen Fitzgerald of Duncan's Cove, Nova Scotia (and St. Anthony, NL), sent in these photos of them standing up for the high seas near L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. Trudy and Gretchen say "Think before you act .... remember the cod."

Day 33: Don't be crabby, support a moratorium!

2006-09-20T09:02:00.000-03:00

Here's a great photo of Heather McKibbon doing a crab dance in Dartmouth yesterday, drawing attention to the fact that dragging in the high seas results in the destruction of habitat for a variety of marine creatures.

Day 33: Come on Canada! Stop dragging your feet!

2006-09-20T08:46:00.000-03:00

A crab, a lobster, a piece of coral, a fish, and a gaggle of sign-holding, Canadian flag-waving people were in the streets in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia yesterday outside the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) meeting. While motorists honked in agreement, members and volunteers of the Ecology Action Centre and CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) held up signs encouraging Canada's Fisheries Minister to join other countries in supporting a moratorium on dragging. You can read the article about the event at: www.thechronicleherald.ca/Search/529263.html

Day 32: It's time to be RIGHT and HONOURABLE

2006-09-18T09:53:00.000-03:00

Dr. Christopher Gerow, retired Pacific fisherman Gordon Olsen, and his daughter Moriah Olsen daughter stood at a busy intersection in Courtenay, British Columbia on September 16th to demonstrate their support for a moratorium. They say that it became clear from all the honking horns that passing motorists also supported a moratorium. Mr. Gordon says "The Right Honourable Loyola Hearn needs to get off the fence and support the U.N. moratorium on deepsea bottom trawling". Their signs send the clear message that it's time that Loyloa Hearn be RIGHT and HONOURABLE.

Day 32: Is Loyola Hearn still his own man?

2006-09-18T09:43:00.000-03:00

Silver Donald Cameron wrote an opinion piece on Loyola Hearn and his upcoming decision on dragging in yesterday's Halifax Chronicle-Herald. You can read the article at http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/528817.html. To see a photo of Silver Donald Cameron supporting the moratorium, click on 'The Mowats and the Camerons' in the left side bar.

Day 32: Don't strip our reefs!

2006-09-18T09:36:00.000-03:00

Jocelyn Rankin, Lilith Wyatt, and Zoë Caron, take a break from studying at Dalhousie University, to cut to the chase and make their message clear "Don't strip our reefs! Act now!"

Day 32: Project Seahorse stands up for the high seas

2006-09-18T09:31:00.000-03:00

Members of Project Seahorse at the University of British Columbia, take a moment to show their support for a moratorium on high seas dragging. Project Seahorse is an interdisciplinary and international organization committed to conservation and sustainable use of the world’s coastal marine ecosystems. Their research and work can be found at www.projectseahorse.org.

Day 32: Saving the oceans for future generations

2006-09-18T09:28:00.000-03:00

Barbara Negus of Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, wants Canada to save the fish for her generation and future generations.

Day 32: Dragging destroys

2006-09-18T09:15:00.000-03:00

While visiting Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, from Boston, Jack Miller stood up with his sign, pointing out that longlining is a more sustainable way of fishing than dragging.

Day 32: Fish biologist stands up for the high seas!

2006-09-18T09:12:00.000-03:00

Canadian Lisa O'Neill takes a time-out from sampling Halibut in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to say: "The time is NOW, Canada, to support a 'time-out' from high-seas bottom trawling! We/future generations cannot afford to wait!!"

Day 32: We do KNOT like bottom dragging

2006-09-18T09:01:00.000-03:00

Paula Naugle, from Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia does not like what's happening to the oceans and does KNOT like bottom dragging.

Day 32: Come on Canada! Support a moratorium!

2006-09-18T08:50:00.000-03:00

Tyler Schulz and Susan Gass stand on the streets in Halifax, telling the government that it's Canada's turn to join the other countries supporting a moratorium on dragging. Tyler is a Ph.D. student at Dalhousie University studying sperm whale communication and Susan is a Ph.D. student at the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory in Scottland, studying the impact of the oil and gas industry on deep-sea corals.

Day 32: Photo from Australia

2006-09-18T08:46:00.000-03:00

Marco from the Netherlands (front, centre) and his friends from England and the Netherlands send a message while sailing in the Whitsunday's in Australia. Although their sign blew away, their message is clear "We, and our respective countries, support a ban on high-seas dragging...so why is Canada still dragging it's feet?"

Day 32: Boatbuilder for the high seas

2006-09-18T08:35:00.000-03:00

Wyatt Lawrence, a boatbuilder from Mascarene, New Brunswick, understands the impact that dragging has on the fish and the boat building industry. He reminds Canada that fish are indeed few.

Day 32: We want more fish than goldfish!

2006-09-18T08:31:00.000-03:00

Mandy O'Neill and daughter, Jenna, sent in this photo from Lindsay, Ontario, saying "Don't let these fish be the only ones your kids know! Support a moratorium on high-seas bottom trawling!"

Day 32: Standing up on Salt Spring Island!

2006-09-18T08:18:00.000-03:00

Here at Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island, Brian Smallshaw, Jan Slakov, Andrew Lewis, and a friend from the Netherlands, hold up their signs supporting a moratorium on dragging.

Day 31: I DO.....want a moratorium!

2006-09-17T18:26:00.000-03:00

Amy Harvey and Conor McGlynn, who recently got married in Bermuda, take a moment during their wedding to show their love for eachother and a high seas moratorium on dragging. Congratulations!

Day 31: One Fish, Two Fish, Dragged Fish, Blue Fish

2006-09-17T18:21:00.000-03:00

Lisa and her niece, Hailey, in Downeyville, Ontario (along with some help from the wise Dr. Seuss), plead for the Canadian government to support a ban on high-seas dragging, so that there may be fish/other marine life thriving in the future.

Hailey is sad for the 'sad' fish that has lost it's home, and thinks we should build it a new one. But, that will take a very LONG time, so we're working to stop the destruction of the fish homes.

Day 31: Dragging destroys the ocean bed

2006-09-17T18:17:00.000-03:00

Tom Miller from Borneo, Nova Scotia, says that dragging is destroying the ocean bed

Day 27: As we imagine the not-so-bottomless ocean...

2006-09-13T16:34:00.000-03:00

This poster, titled "As we imagine the not-so-bottomless ocean," was made by Carey Jernigan and Shakeel Rehemtulla in Toronto, Ontario. Their creative poster points out that high seas dragging can affect species far removed from those targeted by the fishery.

Day 26: Standing for the high seas in Calgary!

2006-09-12T22:30:00.000-03:00

Jana McPherson and her father, Heiner Schulz, stand by the banks of the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, asking Canada to NOT BE A DRAG and to join other countries in supporting a U.N. moratorium.

Day 26: Dragging is for the birds!

2006-09-12T22:19:00.000-03:00

Russel Crosby and other birders on Brier Island, Nova Scotia stand up against high seas dragging.

Day 26: Just say no to dragging

2006-09-12T22:16:00.000-03:00

Courtney and Annette Cantell, from London, Ontario show their support for a U.N. moratorium on bottom trawling.

Day 26: Dragging seems fishy....

2006-09-12T22:08:00.000-03:00

This couple in Halifax took the time to stand for the high seas and point out that drag net fishing seems a bit fishy and that it's time for a high seas moratorium.

Day 26: Support from Wallacetown!

2006-09-12T21:54:00.000-03:00

Kelly and Blair Dodd from Wallacetown, Ontario sent in these photos asking Canada to support a U.N. moratorium.

Day 26: Standing for the high seas in Capreol

2006-09-12T21:42:00.000-03:00

Matthew and Nicole Gillies from Capreol, Ontario demonstrate their creativity and support for a U.N. moratorium.

Day 26: Harvest Festival visitors stand up for the seas!

2006-09-12T21:33:00.000-03:00

On Sunday, visitors to the Harvest Festival in Halifax collectively stood up for the high seas and asked the Canadian government to support a high seas moratorium.

Day 25: The Mowats and the Camerons stand up for the high seas!

2006-09-11T10:32:00.000-03:00

Farley Mowat is the author of 'Sea of Slaughter', a harrowing account of human destruction of the life forms in the Western Ocean since Europeans began to exploit it 600 years ago. Claire Mowat is a young-adult novelist and social chronicler. Marjorie Simmins is an award-winning essayist and journalist. Her husband, Silver Donald Cameron, is the author of 16 books, notably 'The Living Beach'. They stand collectively here in River Bourgeois, Cape Breton, making their own protest against deep-sea trawling.

Day 25: Everybody must care to protect our seas!

2006-09-11T10:23:00.000-03:00

Haley and Megan Lewis show their support here for the U.N. moratorium on dragging in the high seas. They write to us that they care a ton about the oceans and that we all need to help out to save its future.

Day 24: Saving the oceans for our children

2006-09-10T20:28:00.000-03:00

Lee, Jacob, Kyle, Nick, Nicholas, and Superman from Union Street in Halifax support the idea of no dragging on the high seas and hold a sign here asking adults to stop the dragging of high seas coral and sponge gardens.

Day 23: Oceanographers for the high seas!

2006-09-09T09:39:00.000-03:00

Faculty and students of Dalhousie University's Oceanography Department stand together to ask the Canadian government to support a moratorium on high seas dragging and protect ocean habitat.

Day 23: Fisherman against dragging

2006-09-09T09:36:00.000-03:00

Randy Nickerson, from Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, has been a trawler fisherman for more than 20 years and stands here in Halifax to say that Dragging Destroys Fisheries and support a moratorium on high seas dragging.

Day 23: Dragging moratorium just makes sense

2006-09-09T09:30:00.000-03:00

Julie Blomquist, owner of The Sprout restaurant in St. John's, and a friend want Canada to support a moratorium on dragging on the high seas. Who wouldn't?

Day 23: Dragging hurts whales and dolphins too!

2006-09-09T09:14:00.000-03:00

The Whitehead Marine Mammal lab at Dalhousie University stand together on the Dalhousie campus to let people know that dragging doesn't just negatively affect coral, sponge, and fish species, but also whales that rely on a productive and stable marine ecoysystem.

Day 23: Dragging destroys coral beds

2006-09-09T09:13:00.000-03:00

Anne Pryde stands in the streets of Halifax on Friday dressed as a piece of coral to make it clear that dragging in the high seas results in the destruction of deep water coral beds. One motorist stopped to talk to Anne and then later wrote about the encounter on her blog....http://giftedtypist.blogspot.com/

Day 23: Marine mammalogists for a moratorium

2006-09-09T08:59:00.000-03:00

Graduate students from Memorial University's Whale Research Group, Claudio Corbelli and Steven Benjamins stand up in St. John's to support a moratorium on dragging on the high seas.

Day 23: Firefighter against the high seas

2006-09-09T08:41:00.000-03:00

Kevin Reade, a firefighter from Halifax, says that protecting high seas habitat from draggers is the same sort of idea as preventing fires; preventive measures reduce the risks of catastrophe. It's time we took action before vulnerable seamounts and other fish habitat are destroyed beyond repair.

Day 22: Former Fisheries Minister John Crosbie stands up for the high seas!

2006-09-08T11:40:00.000-03:00

Former Conservative Fisheries Minister, John Crosbie and his wife Jane Crosbie take a moment to show Loyola Hearn and Harper's Conservative government that they want fish habitat protected and a moratorium on high seas dragging.

Day 21: Stop bulldozing the high seas!

2006-09-07T12:40:00.000-03:00

Wayne Eddy, a fisherman from Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia stands next to a bulldozer with a sign "What this does to the land, bottom dragging does to the oceans". Mr. Eddy says "I have seen the damage caused by dragging and how it hurts the fisheries. I fully support a high seas moratorium on dragging".