fisheries - www.oceancreation.com The Way Forward - in 5 sections 1. How man must fish in the Oceans in the future 2. Necessary periods of Moratoria 3. Species that must be preserved and protected 4. Areas of the Oceans that must never be fished 5. Policing, Interdiction and Enforcement 1. How man must fish in the Oceans in the future. The rule is quite simple and to the point. A man, unaided, can only take from the Ocean, barring protected creatures, such creatures as he can pull from the water by his own bodily strength. General regulations A rod can be employed as a lever provided a man can lift this tool unaided. A net can be used if it can be gathered up, transported and used by one man (construction being of traditional materials). Nets which are invisible underwater are banned. A line of hooks can be baited and set as long as the man can pull the resultant catch from the water unaided and as long as the same does not constitute a fixed engine (that is the line is not left unattended for any period of time). The maximum number of hooks shall be between 3 and 10 depending on local rules. The use of lures or feathers is acceptable but the use of livebait is to be avoided if possible. Fishing by simple spear or simple traditional harpoon from the surface, or underwater, is allowed. Fishing from the surface, or underwater, using any mechanized spear or harpoon device is banned. Fishing using explosive devices or noxious substances is banned. Industrial type net fishing is banned. Bottom type net fishing is banned. The days of trawling are over. Dredging in any shape or form for shellfish is banned. Fixed net fishing is banned (gill nets). Long lines are banned in any shape or form. Methods that entrap whole shoals or have an unacceptable by-catch are banned. Wasteful and cruel methods of fishing are banned - an explanatory list will be prepared. Industrial fishing is banned. Methods that destroy the seabed or denizen habitats are banned. Collection of bait or food from foreshores by traditional method, and where enshrined in law (e.g Magna Carta) is permitted. Methods of fishing that pollute the environment to any significant extent are banned. Methods of fishing that deny any rights ascribed by law or custom to sea creatures are banned. Traditional fixed fish traps, which have been in existence for more than 50 years are allowed, all other traps must be dismantled and any further construction is banned. Traditional methods of fishing for crab and shellfish using baited traps will be allowed. Traditional fishing methods using birds, or other creatures, as the hunter, will be permitted. Collection of certain species, e.g. scallops, by diver is preferred due to environmental considerations. Fish farms and artificial attempts to "flourish" the waters are banned. Fishing on the oceans will take the pattern of men fishing in small boats individually and reporting back to a mother vessel (or fleet) which is there for safety considerations, to allow catch inspection and to process the catch. Special allowance will be made for representations requesting the continuing of traditional group methods of fishing, either by boat or shore, if a strong cultural case can be made for the practices and there is no slaughter of protected creatures. In a sense the Oceans regain the men who toil and strive and dwell on the surface waters. Men regain their respect for and empathy with the "Mother of All". Top 2. Necessary periods of Moratoria. The minimum period for recovery of a fishery shall be 5 years. The period 10 to 15 years is recommended. Recovery is linked to Cetacean Activities and population numbers and dynamics. If an area is thought to be a 'feeder' for other areas then a longer or total moratorium may be imposed. The key factor for recovery is allowing Cetacean populations to recover and providing protection for these creatures against hunting and other forms of exploitation. All nursery areas such as estuaries, designated reefs or habitats must not be fished on a commercial basis but true subsistence fishing is allowed. Sport fishing is allowed and is particularly encouraged on a catch and release basis. All catches must be reported, whether commercial, subsistence or recreational to the local constituted authority. Reintroduction of fishing into an area subject to a Moratorium will be subject to the rules given above. The key rule is as follows. A man, unaided, can only take from the Ocean, barring protected creatures, such creatures as he can pull from the water by his own bodily strength. Moratoria can be lifted or imposed only with the agreement of the local constituted authority in accordance with national and international guidelines and consensus. All disputes and requests for guidance are referred to the International Court of the Oceans or similar authority. Top 3. Species that must be preserved and protected. All Cetaceans, large and small. All dolphins and porpoises. Endangered mammals. Endangered rays and sharks. Endangered fish or other creatures as decided by relevant authority/authorities. The construction of artificial reefs, with due consideration for other users of the oceans in planning and development, including the military, is to be encouraged, particularly with regard to providing havens for young fry. Top 4. Areas of the Oceans that must never be exploited. The deep areas of the ocean, including the abyss and deep continental shelf areas must be left completely alone and undisturbed. Cetacean breeding areas must be left undisturbed. The Antartic Ocean must be left as the planet's main reserve. Areas polluted by dangerous materials or devices must be left undisturbed until safe means of cleansing the areas can be devised. All designated nursery areas or marine reserves must be protected. Areas that would be hazardous to fishermen, for whatever reason, must also be avoided. Top 5. Policing, Interdiction and Enforcement. This is the responsibility of all who harvest the sea's resources with there being recourse to a local or regional 'constabulary' who report to a national or governmental authority (this includes the courts) who contribute to and abide by the proceedings of the International Court of the Oceans. Policing, Interdiction and Enforcement of what is agreed as necessary to the regeneration of the Oceans can only be achieved through education and enlightenment of those who live by the sea. The development of an Oceanic Code or Rule of Law that is fair, understandable and applicable to everybody, is essential. This must be accomplished quickly through treaty and agreement by the world's nations. Top Geoff Carlin 27th February 2002 Back Home