Nations meet to save albatross
2001-01-29 12:47
Cape Town - Senior officials from 14 countries are meeting in Cape Town to finalise an agreement on the conservation of threatened southern hemisphere albatrosses and petrels.
Scientists and conservation organisations fear that up to 26 species of albatross and petrel may be in danger of extinction unless steps are taken to preserve them.
One of the main threats to the birds is uncontrolled longline fishing.
Opening the week-long talks on Monday, Environment Minister Valli Moosa said the government was very interested in looking at the policy implications of the discussions.
South Africa was fundamentally opposed to the plundering of natural resources. - Sapa
- SAPA