Greenpeace Calls for Urgent Ban on Bottom Trawling to Protect Vulnerable Tasman Sea Coral Habitats
Auckland, New Zealand - Greenpeace Aotearoa is intensifying its campaign to halt bottom trawling in the Tasman Sea, citing newly gathered evidence of extensive damage to deep-sea coral ecosystems and highlighting the potential for permanent protection under the forthcoming Global Oceans Treaty. The organization is urging New Zealand to act decisively to safeguard this unique marine environment before irreversible harm occurs.
The Tasman Sea harbors a wealth of biodiversity, including fragile deep-sea coral reefs that provide critical habitat for numerous marine species. These corals, however, are acutely vulnerable to the destructive impacts of bottom trawling – a fishing method that drags heavy nets across the seafloor, obliterating everything in its path. Greenpeace’s recent expeditions to the area have documented the devastating effects of trawling on these delicate ecosystems, gathering crucial evidence to support calls for immediate action.
A historic prospect to protect the Tasman Sea is on the horizon wiht the Global oceans Treaty set to come into effect in 2026.The treaty enables the establishment of ocean sanctuaries in international waters, and the Tasman Sea is being considered as a priority site for one of the world’s first. However, Greenpeace warns that New Zealand’s continued allowance of bottom trawling within the area jeopardizes this prospect.
“We have a chance to preserve this amazing place for the future, but onyl if New Zealand stops bottom trawling now,” said a Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson. “The evidence is clear: bottom trawling is destroying these precious marine habitats. The Global Oceans Treaty offers a pathway to lasting protection, but it requires immediate action from the New Zealand government.”
Greenpeace is calling on supporters to join their efforts to defend nature and protect these vital marine ecosystems. The organization believes that a ban on bottom trawling is essential to ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the Tasman Sea and its unique biodiversity.Further information on the campaign and the Global Oceans Treaty can be found at https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/press-release/historic-ocean-treaty-to-enter-into-force/.
