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07/10/2005
Attenborough backs albatross campaign
Broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has become the latest public figure to support a campaign to save the albatross.
Sir David, vice president of the RSPB, announced his support for a scheme, organised by the RSPB and BirdLife International, which trains fishermen to use fishing techniques aimed at preventing seabird deaths.
The organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race have also announced their support for the campaign, which is backed by the Prince of Wales and record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Around 100,000 albatrosses are killed each year, after taking bait on hooks suspended on longline fishing boats. The birds take the bait from the lines, which can be up to 130km long, and became snared and then drowned.
The RSPB said that 19 of the world’s 21 species of albatross are now facing extinction.
Sir David said: “Albatrosses have survived in the harshest marine environments for 50 million years; more than 100 times longer than our own species. However, these magnificent birds are unable to cope with man-made threats, such as longline fishing.
“Albatrosses should be free to circle the globe for millions of years to come – we must stop this needless slaughter now to prevent an entire branch being torn from the evolutionary tree. It is unthinkable that the only record we will have of these birds will be the attempts of broadcasters, like myself, to share the beauty of our natural world.”
The organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race echoed Sir David’s comments. Glenn Bourke, Chief Executive, said: “As a racing sailor myself, I cannot imagine the loneliness of crossing the Southern Ocean without being accompanied by these fellow ocean voyagers. Yet, within the lifetime of many sailors – perhaps even my own – that will be the case if we don’t act now.”
A new website has been launched as part of the campaign to raise funds for the Operation Ocean Task Force programme, which aims to place trained people on longline fishing vessels to show the crews techniques to prevent seabird deaths.
The RSPB and BirdLife International said that hanging streamers near fishing lines to scare birds away, weighting lines to make hooks sink more quickly and dyeing bait to make it less visible to seabirds could all be used to prevent albatrosses being killed.
More information on the campaign is available from www.savethealbatross.net
(KMcA/GB)
Sir David, vice president of the RSPB, announced his support for a scheme, organised by the RSPB and BirdLife International, which trains fishermen to use fishing techniques aimed at preventing seabird deaths.
The organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race have also announced their support for the campaign, which is backed by the Prince of Wales and record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Around 100,000 albatrosses are killed each year, after taking bait on hooks suspended on longline fishing boats. The birds take the bait from the lines, which can be up to 130km long, and became snared and then drowned.
The RSPB said that 19 of the world’s 21 species of albatross are now facing extinction.
Sir David said: “Albatrosses have survived in the harshest marine environments for 50 million years; more than 100 times longer than our own species. However, these magnificent birds are unable to cope with man-made threats, such as longline fishing.
“Albatrosses should be free to circle the globe for millions of years to come – we must stop this needless slaughter now to prevent an entire branch being torn from the evolutionary tree. It is unthinkable that the only record we will have of these birds will be the attempts of broadcasters, like myself, to share the beauty of our natural world.”
The organisers of the Volvo Ocean Race echoed Sir David’s comments. Glenn Bourke, Chief Executive, said: “As a racing sailor myself, I cannot imagine the loneliness of crossing the Southern Ocean without being accompanied by these fellow ocean voyagers. Yet, within the lifetime of many sailors – perhaps even my own – that will be the case if we don’t act now.”
A new website has been launched as part of the campaign to raise funds for the Operation Ocean Task Force programme, which aims to place trained people on longline fishing vessels to show the crews techniques to prevent seabird deaths.
The RSPB and BirdLife International said that hanging streamers near fishing lines to scare birds away, weighting lines to make hooks sink more quickly and dyeing bait to make it less visible to seabirds could all be used to prevent albatrosses being killed.
More information on the campaign is available from www.savethealbatross.net
(KMcA/GB)
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27 April 2005
Prince and Dame Ellen lend support to albatross campaign
Prince Charles and record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur have both lent their support to a campaign to save the albatross from extinction.
Prince and Dame Ellen lend support to albatross campaign
Prince Charles and record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur have both lent their support to a campaign to save the albatross from extinction.
29 January 2015
Search Resumes For Missing Trawler And Fishermen
A major search operation for a trawler and four fishermen missing off the Kent coast has resumed this morning. An air and sea search was launched on Wednesday afternoon following reports the Belgian fishing boat was missing in rough seas and gale force winds.
Search Resumes For Missing Trawler And Fishermen
A major search operation for a trawler and four fishermen missing off the Kent coast has resumed this morning. An air and sea search was launched on Wednesday afternoon following reports the Belgian fishing boat was missing in rough seas and gale force winds.
10 July 2013
Smaller Fishing Fleets Benefit From Quota Ruling
Smaller fishermen are to benefit from the redistribution of fishing rights, following a High Court ruling. The Eu allocates fishing quotas, which is a permit to fish for anyone who makes a living from the sea.
Smaller Fishing Fleets Benefit From Quota Ruling
Smaller fishermen are to benefit from the redistribution of fishing rights, following a High Court ruling. The Eu allocates fishing quotas, which is a permit to fish for anyone who makes a living from the sea.
12 January 2005
Helicopter dispatched to rescue crew of Spanish fishing boat
A Coastguard helicopter has been dispatched to rescue 19 crew aboard a stricken Spanish fishing vessel, which is in difficulties 180 miles west of the Isle of Lewis. Earlier today an RAF Nimrod aircraft located the FV Cibeles, in the same area as the signal from an emergency radio beacon, after voice contact with the vessel had been lost.
Helicopter dispatched to rescue crew of Spanish fishing boat
A Coastguard helicopter has been dispatched to rescue 19 crew aboard a stricken Spanish fishing vessel, which is in difficulties 180 miles west of the Isle of Lewis. Earlier today an RAF Nimrod aircraft located the FV Cibeles, in the same area as the signal from an emergency radio beacon, after voice contact with the vessel had been lost.
11 January 2005
Conservatives launch new fisheries policy
The Conservative have unveiled their plans for the future of the UK fishing industry. The Tories "Green Paper" is reportedly based on the successful policies adapted by countries such as Canada, the USA, Iceland and Norway.
Conservatives launch new fisheries policy
The Conservative have unveiled their plans for the future of the UK fishing industry. The Tories "Green Paper" is reportedly based on the successful policies adapted by countries such as Canada, the USA, Iceland and Norway.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
