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Aus hot on heels of poachers
19/08/2003 10:54 - (SA)
Sydney - The pursuit of a Uruguayan trawler caught poaching Patagonian toothfish in Australia's Antarctic fishing zone went into its 11th day on Tuesday.
Australia's Southern Supporter fisheries patrol vessel has kept up the chase across the Southern Ocean despite mountainous seas and freezing temperatures.
The South African government has promised help in catching the Viarsa.
Last year, a Russian-flagged vessel was impounded by Australian and South African authorities at the end of a 6 100km chase.
The boat, with toothfish worth Aus$1m onboard, was apprehended in international waters 390km south of Cape Town.
The toothfish is a delicacy in Japan, where it sells for up to US$50 a serving in restaurants.
International environmental group Greenpeace alleges about three-quarters of the illegal catch is landed in Mauritius, 75% sold to Japanese traders.
Greenpeace estimates poachers catch 70 000 tons of toothfish each year.
Rather than the current system of national quotas, which are difficult to police, Greenpeace has advocated an outright ban on fishing for toothfish in the Antarctic until stocks recover. - Sapa-DPA
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