While at sea, Greenpeace was able to document clear evidence of the impact of bottom trawling, including a tree-sized piece of ancient coral that was hauled up by the New Zealand vessel, Waipori.

"The Rainbow Warrior is coming into Nelson to talk", said Carmen Gravatt, "We want to talk with the community of Nelson about what is happening out in international waters and why Greenpeace is calling for a UN moratorium on high seas bottom trawling." said Gravatt. "Bottom trawling in international waters is the biggest threat to deep sea life."

The Rainbow Warrior will also hold a series of open days for the public in Nelson, Wellington and Auckland before it travels to Matauri Bay, for the twentieth anniversary of the bombing of the first Rainbow Warrior. Members of the public will be able to come onboard over the weekend to learn about the workings of the ship, it history and the impacts of bottom trawling on deep sea life.

Carmen Gravatt, Greenpeace New Zealand campaigner on board Rainbow Warrior on 00872 1302412 or 00872 324 453 510

Dean Baigent-Mercer communications officer in Auckland 021 790 817