Fragile Northwest Atlantic marine areas gain better protection amid controversy

WWF

Vigo, Spain – The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) navigated a choppy sea of contrasting opinions to reach an agreement that will maintain bottom fishing closures in 13 existing areas and see similar closures in two new areas, a measure that ensures vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) continue to be protected in the regulatory area.

 
The new fishing closures will cover a larger area in the south-eastern Flemish Cap, and a new area in the south-western Flemish Cap. Both are considered important habitats for cold water corals and sponges, and will remain off-limits until 31 December 2020. 
 
Six seamount protection zones were also maintained, but not fully closed in spite of extensive reviews by NAFO’s Scientific Council, which concluded that all these areas are VMEs.
 
“We are happy NAFO has agreed to increase the protection of some vulnerable marine ecosystems, but were hoping for more ambitious measures,” says Daniela Diz, a senior marine policy expert with WWF Canada. “This is especially troubling given how long this issue has been on the table – and let’s not forget the science behind this, which clearly states how vulnerable these seamounts are,” she added. 
 
Other areas did not fare so well, including part of the eastern Flemish Cap (areas 13 and 14), which remained open to bottom fishing in spite of strong support for a closure from Canada, Norway, the US and Iceland. Similarly, discord among NAFO delegates prevented the extension of the New England and Corner Rise Seamounts protection zones to cover shallower peaks in the area. 
 
What’s the catch? 
Efforts were made to ensure that accurate catch data is available to support the long-term sustainable management of valuable stocks, a long-standing problem at NAFO. Despite progress made in establishing a reporting mechanism to the Secretariat of catch information, the ultimate agreed measure was watered down, restricting the information only to the NAFO Scientific Council. 
 
“The data will not be used for enforcement purposes, and only encourages reporting on the top 3 species captured in a single haul. This means that data on other captured species is unlikely to be reported,” said Diz. “Scientists need a comprehensive understanding of the marine ecosystems and all species in the area to make accurate assessments. We hope the catch data will be extended to all caught species and be used for enforcement purposes,” she added. 
  
Transparency, oil and gas, and fisheries 
In other areas, the Fisheries Commission chair skillfully untangled a knot of discord in discussions around making meetings more open, with NAFO delegates agreeing to more transparency, and opening the floor to observers for statements throughout the Fisheries Commission session. 
 
The US, Norway, Canada and the EU showed leadership on diverse issues including improving the reliability of catch estimates, VME closures, and moving towards a comprehensive bycatch and discards strategy. NAFO also took steps towards a more integrated ocean management approach by giving the Secretariat a mandate to engage in a dialogue and information sharing with the oil and gas sector. 
 
“Oil and gas exploration and exploitation overlap with the NAFO regulatory area and seismic activities have already displaced fisheries surveys and activities on the high seas.  We hope the agreement will ultimately lead to comprehensive protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems and fisheries resources from oil and gas activities,” said Daniela Diz.  
 
The US and Norway also showed strong leadership by setting total allowable catches based on best available scientific information, as required under the UN Fish Stocks Agreement. Regrettably, scientific advice was not followed for all stocks, 3M redfish, 3M cod, 3NO white hake, and 3LNO skates in particular. 
 
WWF recognizes the difficult and complex nature of decisions that can impact social and economic activities as well as quota allocation issues. However, WWF also advocates that the productivity and resilience of marine ecosystems and stocks depend on conservation and management measures that are based on best available science. 
 
“We are hopeful that the implementation of NAFO’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Roadmap will strongly contribute to the health, recovery and enhanced productivity of the Northwest Atlantic and help the area bounce back as a diverse and productive ecosystem for the benefit of all,” Daniela Diz said.  
 
Notes to Editors
 
Other highlights from 2014 NAFO Annual Meeting include
 
  • NAFO continued to reject a joint EU / US proposal on a shark fins naturally attached policy, which would provide a best practices model to other RFMOs around the world. 
  • An US/EU proposal on IMO vessel numbers was adopted to strengthen measures against IUU fishing. 
  • 3L shrimp fishery was closed. 
  • 3NO Witch flounder was re-opened, despite scientific uncertainties. 

Click here to view WWF’s full set of recommendations for NAFO’s Annual Meeting


For more information contact
Chris Chaplin, WWF-Canada, +1 416 669 9155, cchaplin@wwfcanada.org