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View Full Version : Open season in international waters


RacerX
8 Nov 2001, 13:57
With all the hoohaa about the election and the Taliban a few other issues have slipped off the radar screen. So heres an issue I reckon needs attention.

Heard on the news today that a japanese whaling fleet set sail for the Southern Ocean round Antartica. They estimate they will catch and slaughter 400 Minke Whales over the next 6 months.
Recently it was also reported that the international commision on the southern bluefin tuna (SBT) were unable to agree on any quota for future fishing - the SBT stocks have dropped significantly over the last decade.

I would liken the current situation to the farming practice known as "slash and burn". Unfortunately, slash and burn farming only works for relatively small populations in a relatively large ecosystem.

IMO the overfishing of SBT will continue until the stocks collapse, just like the Newfoundland Cod. Seems a shame when you can actually make more money by managing the stocks.



I'll just change that title - everyone will think the topic is about the boat people or the war.

RacerX
8 Nov 2001, 14:07
Whoops - seems you can't change a title after posting.

Apologies to anyone who thought this was about the war or the boat people (god forbid).