Anthony Bergin

Albatross and longlining—Managing seabird bycatch

Seabirds can be accidentally injured or killed during certain types of fishing. The fishing method currently under most scrutiny for its impact on seabird populations is demersal and pelagic longlining. The main species of concern at present are albatross. This paper outlines current mitigation measures, both gear and operational changes, to deal with the problem. It is suggested that measures can be developed which achieve a reduction in bird loss and which are practical and economic for the fishing industry.

The politics of Antarctic minerals: The Greening of white Australia

On 22 May 1989 the Australian Government announced that it would not sign the Antarctic Minerals Convention that had been concluded in June 1988. Australia had been a strong supporter of the minerals treaty approach to regulating Antarctic mineral development. This case study in Australian foreign policy examines four well known approaches to foreign policy making in order to explain Australias volte face on the minerals treaty. It is concluded that domestic politics best explains Australias decision and that students of Australian foreign policy need to pay more attention to the domestic determinants of the policy making process.

Ocean governance in the Western Pacific purse seine fishery--the Palau Arrangement

The Pacific island states have developed various legal and political mechanisms to manage the regions vast tuna resource. This article discusses the most recent arrangement--the Palau Arrangement. It traces its history and identifies its strengths and weaknesses. The paper argues that the Palau Arrangement needs to be reviewed in light of recent developments in international law, in particular the conclusion of the UN Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks.

Taiwan's distant water tuna fisheries

Taiwans distant water tuna fleet in the 1990s has faced the twin burden of increasing operational costs and reduced catches, increasing the pressure on an industry which has in the past been able to restructure in response to both constraints and opportunities. Increasing operational costs have been matched with problems in attracting Taiwanese crew. Access arrangements to fish within a coastal states EEZ are even more problematic for Taiwan given its lack of diplomatic status. Taiwans ability to cope with the increasing constraints on the operations of its distant water fleet emphasises that it will remain a major tuna fishing nation. Taiwan will maintain its interest in high value tuna fisheries although it appears that the catch of these species is being brought under strict control by the Council of Agriculture.

Australia and the South Pacific: implementing the UNCED oceans agenda

Australia has significant political aid, as well as ocean interests in the South Pacific. This paper considers Australias role in assisting the island states to implement ocean programs as outlined in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, the action program of the UNCED meeting held in June 1992. It is suggested that Australia has played a useful role with respect to assisting the island states in realising their ocean potential as outlined in Agenda 21.

Aboriginal sea claims in the Northern Territory of Australia

Abstract In the Northern Territory of Australia Aboriginal sea claims have been given legislative recognition by providing for the closure of seas adjacent to Aboriginal land. Seventy-two percent of the Northern Territorys approximately 6,200 km coastline is Aboriginal land, thus making long stretches of it subject to closure under the Aboriginal Land Act. This paper discusses the policy and practice of sea closure legislation and recent developments with respect to Aboriginal interests in the seas of the Northern Territory. It is suggested that a multiple use management regime rather than a succession of sea closures is more likely to produce beneficial results for all sea users.

The UN fish stocks agreement—a new era for international cooperation to conserve tuna in the central western pacific

The new UN Fish Stocks Agreement has profound implications for the management of tuna resources in the central western Pacific. The agreement mandates cooperation between distant water fishing nations (DWFNs) and coastal states and requires the development of a conservation regime for the tuna resources. The article argues that the island countries will be required to improve management and conservation of tuna within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and to determine an appropriate framework for cooperation between themselves and DWFNs. The outcome of this process will depend on the level of trust between all sides engendered through the negotiation process.

Recent developments in Australia's Antarctic policy☆

Antarctica. With the increased international interest in Antarctica due to the possibilities of exploitation of the region’s resources, Australian policy makers have had to attempt to formulate a national strategy with respect to Australia’s Antarctic territory. While Australia has been a prominent player in Antarctic councils, no such strategy has yet emerged. This paper considers some recent developments in Australia’s Antarctic policy.

Law and order at sea in the South Pacific : the contribution of the Pacific Patrol Boat project

Under the Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) program, Australia has supplied twenty-two 31.5 m patrol boats to 12 island countries in the South Pacific. While the primary task of these boats is fisheries protection, they have also been used for a range of other national tasks, including search and rescue, medical evacuations, hydrographic surveying, anti-smuggling and sovereignty patrols. As well as the boats themselves, the program comprises resident maritime surveillance and technical advisers, crew training and through-life logistic support. The PPB program has proven to be highly successful with the benefits of the program exceeding those originally sought by the Australian Department of Defence in establishing the program.

The last jewel in a disintegrating crown— The case of japanese distant water Tuna Fisheries

Japan retains its position as one of the worlds major distant water fishing nations. This article analyzes Japans distant water Tuna Fisheries, which are currently facing significant external and internal constraints on operation of their vessels. It examines multipronged strategies that the industry and the government have adopted to ensure survival of Japans tuna operations—the last important distant water fishery that remains for Japans fishing industry.