February 16, 2006
Crunch time
A piece of gorgonian coral caught as bycatch © Greenpeace
Today the meeting started with a strange silence. Now we are waiting to see if the talk that followed the silence will result in something more than silence.
Today was crunch day inside the meeting for us. First up this morning was some discussion on interim measures, or in plain english, discussion about what action countries would take now, while a binding legal agreement is negotiated - a process that will in all likelihood take several years.
With all that anticipation, it seemed fitting that the chairs appeal for comment was met by an eerie silence. But then when the discussion started there was plenty of it! Many countries spoke on the issue, but unfortunately for the life in the deep sea, very few had the courage to actually propose anything meaningful. Some suggested there should be no interim measures at all and many others only wanted to talk about gathering data and scientific information.
It doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that collecting data for years and years is not going to stop the obvious harm being done to deep sea life right now. As our postcards and tour asked last year; How much more proof do you need How many more huge corals need to be dragged up before countries will actually do anything about it.
There were a few knights in shining armour though. Just when it seemed no one would even mention all the amazing critters that inhabit the deep Kiribati came galloping in and saved the day. They spoke about how this process will take a long time and that in the mean time the impacts of bottom trawling need to be addressed. They also said we didnt need more science to know that bottom trawling has a clear impact.
Vanuatu and France in respect of its territories also made good statements, and Fiji who called for an interim prohibition on bottom trawling until rules are in place to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems.
Greenpeace and many other environmental groups reminded the delegates of the plight of deep-sea life and the need for urgency. We told them about the thousands of messages sent in from you through our website and on the street stalls calling for action. One in particular seemed to say it all so we read that out to the meeting:
Future generations will congratulate you for your foresight
Unfortunately however, a distinct lack of urgency remains in the room and it is looking like the wondrous world of the deep will be left to bear the brunt of further inaction. There were many small groups squirreling away at the moment to draft text that countries will agree to as the basis for moving forward. First drafts though do not bode well for life in the deep sea.
Its not over yet though, tomorrow is the last day and the last hope for this meeting to make a difference. Stay tuned to find out whether words will turn into action tomorrow!
