Arctic fishing moratorium needed, say scientists

Arctic fishing moratorium needed, say scientists

A group of more than 2,000 scientists from 67 countries for a moratorium on commercial fishing in the Arctic called, until further research on the waters that once were covered throughout the year on ice can be completed.

Scientists say the loss of permanent sea ice has opened up to 40 percent of the Arctic Ocean during the last few summers, and is therefore viable fishing industry for the first time.

But she said such activities should be banned until it can better understand the habitat and the sustainable catch quotas are set.

“The ability of the fish is not the same as with scientific information and management systems for fisheries management needs,” the scientists said in an open letter published Sunday by the U.S. Pew Environment Group.

“Canada should take the initiative to craft an international agreement to prevent the onset of industrial fishing.” Trevor Taylor, director of policy for the seas of northern Canada

The letter was published on Earth Day, as an important week of the conference in Montreal, started bringing the researchers, the impact of climate change in the Arctic to discuss.

More than 500 Canadian scientists signed an open letter

The scientists said the Arctic countries, the United States, Russia, Norway and Denmark belong, should work together to protect the ocean.

Even if the fishing industry still has not occurred in the northernmost part of the Arctic, said the group recently reported that the open waters could soon be a destination for fishing idustrial.

The scientists said they concerned a lack of regulation, it could be a target for large bottom trawls, in turn, stress on fish populations.

“is Atlantic Canada has the lead damage that unregulated fishing, experienced, even though 200 miles (320 km) border,” Trevor Taylor, Policy Director for Oceans Canada’s North, which is connected with the Pew Environment Group , said in a statement.

“Canada should take the initiative to craft an international agreement to prevent the onset of industrial fishing. This is to protect the environment and strengthen Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.”