Greenpeace claims evidence of bottom trawling destruction

Campaigners say this picture shows endangered corals being hauled aboard a New Zealand-based bottom trawler in international waters near Norfolk Island. Picture / Copyright Greenpeace

Greenpeace has produced photographic evidence today which it says disproves claims that deep-sea bottom trawling does not damage the environment.

Greenpeace and Amaltal Fishing have been locked in a battle on and off the ocean after a confrontation between the Rainbow Warrior and Amaltal's trawler Ocean Reward in the Tasman Sea last week.

Nelson-based Amaltal filed for an injunction against Greenpeace after the confrontation, saying activists cut the trawler's nets in an act of high seas "piracy".

Company director Andrew Talley labelled Greenpeace's statement that deep-sea bottom trawling was damaging the environment as "unsubstantiated claptrap".

However, Greenpeace fired back at Mr Talley today, posting photographs on its website which it claimed showed Tasman Pacific Company trawler Waipori hauling up a bycatch of endangered red and black corals near Norfolk Island.

"Again and again, we have caught the bottom trawling industry red-handed with the evidence of deep sea destruction in their nets," Greenpeace oceans campaigner Carmen Gravatt said today.

"We'd like to see the fishing industry swallow their pride, realise that bottom trawling is not sustainable, and support our calls for a United Nations moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters."

Greenpeace filmed a range of bottom-dwelling species that were also in the Waipori's haul, including a rare crab, Ms Gravatt said.

Mr Talley could not be contacted today for comment. Amaltal's website states: "Sustainability of fishing is incorporated into all levels of the company.  Fish are targetted using a combination of modern technology and each crew's expertise."

- nzpa