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September 5, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Thirty-five youth delegates representing seven counties from around the world will launch an international signature campaign promoting the ratification of the United Nations Charter STRADDLING FISH STOCKS and HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH STOCKS, during the Summit of the Sea Conference in St. John's, Newfoundland. This campaign will be the basis of an international network focusing on environmental issues relating to the ocean. While attending conference sessions, the youth delegation decided they would take action with a petition and establish a network so they could play a larger role in the promotion of ocean issues.

The UN Charter legally binds countries to conserve and manage fish stocks, and to settle peacefully any disputes that are raised over fishing on the high seas. Governments would be required to regulate high seas fishing or their vessels would not be allowed to fish.

We need to protect the ocean and prevent environmental disasters, such as the depletion of Newfoundland's cod stocks, said Gayle Russell of South Africa. Through the signature campaign this network plans to lobby governments who have not yet signed this charter. In addition, network members will co-ordinate local advocacy efforts in their own communities.

To promote international awareness on major environmental and ocean issues, the network plans to develop a web site with the help of such groups as UNESCO or other sponsors. "We will also use e-mail, workshops, and newsletters to keep us and new members up to date on current ocean issues and the progress of the campaign," explains Kris Drodge of Newfoundland.

To officially launch the signature campaign, there will an open forum at the Summit of the Sea, 9:30 a.m. on Saturday September 6, at the Delta St. John's Hotel and Conference Centre. Various international delegates from backgrounds such as science, government, education, and fisheries are expected to attend.

The student delegation participating in the Summit of the Sea were co-ordinated by the Canadian Association of Principles. Students were selected to attend the conference on the basis of essays and their leadership skills.

The Summit of the Sea, held from September 1-6, 1997, brings together industry representatives, scientists, ecologists, lawyers, policy makers, fishers and environmentalists from across the globe to discuss issues, policies and technologies that impact the marine environment and the people who depend on it.

Contact: The Summit of the Sea Media Centre, (709) 726-0476

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Representatives from the Youth Delegation will be available after the presentation to meet with media representatives.