In response to today’s report, Greenpeace Senior Oceans Campaigner Phil Kline said:
“The Global Ocean Commission has almost entirely hit the mark with its recommendations toward securing a healthy ocean. To ensure the commission’s vision becomes a reality, it will take a sustained commitment from governments, corporations, NGOs, ocean advocates and individuals across the globe. The report recognizes the dire state of our ocean, but rightfully shows that it’s not too late for meaningful action to turn things around.
“Acknowledging the continued problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the commission advocates for a necessary ban on transhipment at sea and a sustainable seafood sourcing commitment with effective traceability. The report also recommends mandatory identification numbers and transponders for all fishing vessels, which would help bring shadowy vessels into the light of day. All of these steps would make an immediate impact and deserve global support.
“The report offers valuable recommendations around keeping plastics out of our ocean. Importantly, the commission also calls for the UN to move ahead with negotiating and implementing an agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea for needed marine protected areas on the high seas to protect biodiversity beyond national borders.
“Unfortunately, the one area where the report falls short is around its recommendations for offshore oil safety and environmental standards. The reality is there is no such thing as safe offshore oil drilling — the consequences of doing so are catastrophic for both our ocean and planet as a whole. To truly address climate change and the health of our ocean, we must keep fossil fuels in the ground.”
To read the entire report, click here: http://www.globaloceancommission.org/wp-content/uploads/GOC_2016_Report_FINAL.pdf
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Contact: Perry Wheeler, Greenpeace Media Officer, P: 301-675-8766
