Protecting biodiversity of the deep sea: Policy and practice in Australia's response
The richest deep sea habitats are vulnerable to damage from bottom trawling. Significant damage has already been done (globally and regionally) which, within the time-scale of a human life, is irreparable.
Marine scientists and conservation biologists have been expressing serious concern over the continued use of bottom trawling in the deep sea for more than two decades. During this time new technology has increased the ability of fishers to work the deep sea. Major scientific reports and reviews confirm that, generally speaking, bottom trawling over complex biogenic habitat in the deep sea is biologically unsustainable. Several major international agreements require nations to protect ocean habitats, yet bottom trawling operations have continued, for the most part under little or no effective regulation.
The United Nations General Assembly commenced an examination of bottom trawl management options in 2002. In 2006, in spite of encouragement from several nations including Australia, the UNGA chose to delay strong action in favour of encouraging regulation through regional fishery organisations – with a track record of ineffectual management. Under a separate UN process, options for the establishment of high seas protected areas have been under discussion since 1998.
Recent management arrangements aimed at protecting deep sea biodiversity have not worked, and the new UNGA arrangements may also prove ineffective. A thorough assessment of these new approaches must be undertaken well before the review deadline of 2009.
Where individual nations (and fishing companies) have the will, new approaches running ahead of UNGA recommendations can be devised and implemented without delay.
The Australian government, through the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, has moved to restrict deep sea trawling within Australian waters. However, trawling for orange roughy is still permitted on the Cascade Plateau, and Australian vessels are still permitted to trawl deep sea habitats of the high seas.