The slideshow generated some fantastic discussion. In the audience was a local man who has been involved in fishing all around world and spent many years on deep sea fishing vessels. He shared anecdotes with the audience of the mass depletion he had seen over this time and of the weird array of creatures dragged up as bycatch. His stories* really brought home for people the message of deep sea destruction and the need for urgent action. Loads of postcards and information went home with people so that they could use them to tell friends and family about what they'd heard.

Our information stall was also running hot - almost 600 postcards were signed by people concerned for the plight of the deep sea. It made quite the sight in Cathedral Square as we posted off the messages to the Prime Minister.

Talking of the Prime Minister, now that she has confirmed a Government, and even has a new Minister of Foreign Affairs, there should be no excuse for our NZ officials at the United Nations not being given clear instructions to champion the much needed moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters.