European Union Common Fisheries Policy Being Reviewed
The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the European Union’s instrument for the management of fisheries and aquaculture. The first common measures in the fishing sector date from 1970, when it was agreed that, in principle, EU fishermen should have equal access to Member States’ waters. However, in order to ensure that smaller vessels could continue to fish close to their home ports, a coastal band was reserved for local fishermen who have traditionally fished these areas. Measures were also adopted for a common market in fisheries products. A structural policy was set up to coordinate the modernisation of fishing vessels and on-shore installations.
All these measures became more significant when, in 1976, Member States extended their rights to marine resources from 12 to 200 miles from their coasts, in line with international developments. Member States also decided that the European Union was best placed to manage fisheries in the waters under their jurisdiction and to defend their interests in international negotiations. After years of difficult negotiations the CFP was born in 1983.
Two decades later, the policy underwent a radical reform. The 2002 reform of the CFP aimed at ensuring the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic resources. The reform introduced a precautionary approach to protect and conserve living aquatic resources, and to minimise the impact of fishing activities on marine ecosystems. The reform aimed to contribute to efficient fishing activities within an economically viable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture industry, providing a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities and taking into account the interests of consumers.
In 2008, the Commission launched a review of the Common Fisheries Policy which will be based on an analysis of the achievements and shortcomings of the current policy, and will look at experiences from other fisheries management systems to identify potential avenues for future action. The review will be led by the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. It will be based on an analysis of the achievements and shortcomings of the current policy, and will look at experiences from other fisheries management systems to identify potential avenues for future action. The analysis and the evaluation of options for a reform will be enriched and validated through targeted consultations with stakeholders and a broad public consultation, which is scheduled for 2009. After the public debate the Commission will develop a proposal to be presented to the Council and the European Parliament with a view to adoption for a reform to be in effect from 2013.
The last two decades have seen growing awareness of modern industrial fisheries. However, much more still needs to be done. Most European fish stocks remain overfished, and the EU fleet still suffers from overcapacity. Catch limits continue to be set significantly higher than scientific advice would recommend, and the industry is economically inefficient, as the recent crisis sparked by rising fuel prices has amply demonstrated. European fisheries are still locked in a vicious downward cycle, in which shrinking resources mean that more and more effort is required to catch the same number of smaller, less valuable fish. As a result, the short-term interests of the industry are no longer aligned with the pre-requirements for the long-term sustainability of the sector.
We hope that the Commission will recognize and address these significant issues during their review process.
Where is the Canadian Oceans Agency?
In a recent news conference, Canada’s top astronaut Steve MacLean said he was pleased with the federal government’s contribution of $110 million towards robotics research, saying it would allow the Canadian Space Agency to be ready when other nations announce major projects. Mr. MacLean said, “This $110 million allows us to protect the leading-edge technologies that we have.”
Canada’s federal budget (announced Jan. 27) called for the agency to receive $110 million to support development of space technology and advanced robotics. Mr. MacLean, speaking alongside Minister of Industry Tony Clement, praised the government’s commitment, saying he was “very pleased” with the amount of money the agency received and said it will allow Canada’s industry to be poised to act when other nations move forward with future plans.
While Marport is also very pleased for the funding received by our colleagues from outer space, we ask the question, “Where is the Canadian Oceans Agency?”
At over 240,000 km, Canada has the world’s longest coastline. Our ocean related industries currently contribute more than $22 billion annually to the national economy; and over 7 million Canadians live in coastal communities.
Canada’s prosperity is linked to our offshore and inland waters, which form a maritime highway that serves both national and international traffic. In trade with countries other than USA, 97% of Canadian exports and 70% of our imports move across ocean trade routes. Our 550 ports handle 400 million tonnes of cargo each year, and serve as the gateway to over 100 world economies.
Have we forgotten that we are a maritime nation? Our social, economic and physical security is dependent on modern integrated oceans management. However, the current approach to ocean technology is fragmented, complex, lacks transparency, and is often focused on solving problems usually after they appear. Given the importance and expanse of Canada’s oceans and waterways, federal and provincial governments need to develop a comprehensive strategy to more effectively manage this critical and strategic resource.
One should not confuse the need for a Canadian Oceans Agency with Canada’s existing Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). DFO’s mandate clearly states: “On behalf of the Government of Canada, DFO is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada’s scientific, ecological, social and economic interests in oceans and fresh waters.”
Let’s compare that with the mandate of the Canadian Space Agency – “The mandate of the Canadian Space Agency is to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.”
If this country were to establish a Canadian Oceans Agency, it could be inspired to adopt an almost identical mandate to that used by the Canadian Space Agency – except replace the word “space” with “oceans”. The mandate would read something like this:
“The mandate of the Canadian Oceans Agency is to promote the peaceful use and development of our oceans, to advance the knowledge of our oceans through science and to ensure that ocean science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.”
Given the importance of our oceans as a source of protein, energy and scientific knowledge isn’t it high time for the federal and provincial governments to properly develop a strategy to address the significance of our oceans?
Deepwater: A Robust Market in a Climate of Uncertainty?
A new study published last week by energy business analysts Douglas-Westwood, ‘The World Deepwater Market Report 2009-2013’ forecasts that the deepwater oil & gas sector will spend $162 billion over the period 2009 to 2013.
Steve Robertson, Douglas-Westwood’s Oil & Gas Manager, commented, “Overall, despite more moderate levels of expenditure during 2009 and 2010 relative to 2008, the deepwater sector is forecast to continue its growth trend, with annual expenditure reaching over $35 billion by 2013.”
The bulk of deepwater developments are being led by major oil companies and well-placed NOCs that we believe will not be hit by the economic downturn and turmoil in the debt markets to the same extent as smaller players. The analysts note, however, some impact on the sector may be felt through those deepwater operators that are reliant on external project finance. The result is that some delays to projects are inevitable until the financial markets become more settled. Oil prices appear to be less of an issue at present – their survey of deepwater operators indicates that most are planning against conservative assumptions and expect oil prices to recover to $50-70/bbl in the medium-term.”
According to Douglas-Westwood, the “golden triangle” of deepwater, namely Africa, the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, will account for nearly 75% of global expenditure.
For Africa, a large number of world-class developments are underway or planned for the forecast period and valued at $60 billion. North America, which in deepwater terms means the US Gulf of Mexico, is set for substantial spend with $29.3 billion forecast for the 2009-2013 period. Latin American activity (also $29 billion) is dominated by Brazil and, given the potential of the country’s reserves, this is likely to remain the case for some time. The emergence of Asia as a significant region should not be overlooked, with expenditure over 2009-2013 increasing by 90% when compared to 2004-2008 and accounting for 9% of forecast global spend.
Three main elements dominate spend over the forecast period, namely: pipelines, the drilling and completion of development wells, and platforms.
Pipelines and control lines will continue to play a vital role in providing the necessary infrastructure for deepwater developments. The opening up of reserves further from the coast and the incorporation of satellite fields into deepwater hubs will drive expenditure with a total forecast spend of $57.7 billion. Expenditure on the drilling and completion of subsea development wells will amount to $53.8 billion. These two components of activity account for nearly 70% of all expenditure. The number and cost of deepwater floating production platforms is also set for major growth, with a total of 86 units forecast at a cost of $38.2 billion.
Overall, the analysts retain a positive outlook on the deepwater sector – ultimately this is where the majors need to play to secure significant reserve replacement and incremental production and there are simply not enough world-class opportunities elsewhere. They believe those that are currently active in this sector are most sheltered from the financial and economic turmoil and that as a result the sector will continue to be a promising long-term business area throughout the oil sector value chain.”
The World Deepwater Market Report 2009-2013 forms part of a series of reports that are used by companies in more than 50 countries. These include leading corporations, investment banks and agencies of governments. The report considers the prospects for this growing market and values future expenditure through to 2013. The report also reviews technologies and drivers and details prospects.
For more information, visit: Douglas Westwood.
Council Moves to Ban Commercial Fishing in Arctic
This past Thursday, a federal advisory group recommended prohibiting commercial fishing in nearly 200,000 square miles of U.S. waters in the Arctic Ocean, with support from both conservation groups and the fishing industry.
By a unanimous vote, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has adopted a plan that would close the Arctic to all commercial fishing in Alaskan waters north of the Bering Strait and east to the Canadian border.
While no large-scale fishing operations currently exist in the area, extensive ice melts in recent summers raise the prospect of more vessels entering the area in future. Conservation groups say barring fishing in the region will lessen the stress on an environment they say already is rapidly changing because of global warming.
The plan was praised by numerous environmental groups and by industry. The plan was also supported by native communities, who will see their traditional fisheries protected.
“The decision signals a new day in the Arctic, where science comes first and where we think about the consequences of our actions before we take them,” said Janis Searles Jones, vice president of Ocean Conservancy.
Fishing interests also are concerned. “We just don’t know what the resource is up there and whether something could be sustained,” said Dave Benton of the Marine Conservation Alliance, a fishing industry group. “The right thing to do is to stand down, close the waters of the Arctic and let science catch up.”
The council’s recommendation sends a strong message to other Arctic nations about conservation of marine resources and response to climate change. The recommendation now goes to the U.S. Commerce Department for a final decision.
Coastal Countries Failing to Comply with Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
From ancient times, fishing has been a major source of food for humanity and a provider of employment and economic benefits to those engaged in this activity. The wealth of aquatic resources was assumed to be an unlimited gift of nature. However, with increased knowledge and the dynamic development of fisheries, this myth has faded in face of the realization that aquatic resources, although renewable, are not infinite and need to be properly managed.
In recent years, world fisheries have become a market-driven, dynamically developing sector of the food industry and coastal countries have striven to take advantage of these new opportunities by investing in modern fishing fleets to meet growing international demand for fish and fishery products. It has became clear, however, that fisheries resources can no longer sustain uncontrolled exploitation and development, and that new approaches to fisheries management that embrace conservation and environmental considerations were urgently needed. Noting these and other important developments in world fisheries, the FAO adopted of a global Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries establishes principles and standards applicable to tile conservation, management and development of all fisheries. The Code, was unanimously adopted on October 31, 1995.
However, a recent tri-national study headed by the University of British Columbia finds that although there are many stock conservation laws to prevent over-fishing, few countries take them seriously. The study found “dismayingly poor compliance” among countries around the world with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The time has come for responsible fishing guidelines to be enforced as international law because the voluntary code of conduct currently in place has failed to save the world’s fish from being depleted, fisheries researchers say.
The researchers examined fishing practices of 53 countries that land 96 per cent of the global catch.
Some key findings were:
- More than 90 per cent of the countries failed to deal with their own excess fishing capacity.
- Over 80 per cent of them had “unsatisfactory” scores when it came to irresponsible practices such as catching juvenile fish.
- Only a few countries had methods to ensure fish and shellfish won’t be fatally trapped by lost fishing gear and traps.
Only Norway, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Iceland and Namibia received overall compliance scores of 60 per cent, and 28 countries that haul in 40 per cent of the global catch had “unequivocal fail grades overall,” the study said.
Developing countries tended to receive lower scores, but the report noted that “disappointing scores from some European Union nations, with the resources and know-how to implement the code, reinforce a low priority given to improving fisheries management.”
It added that while it may have been necessary 13 years ago to make the agreement voluntary, there is more widespread agreement now that continued overfishing is hurting ecosystems and threatening food supplies, and international laws for stock conservation need to be enforced.
Onward and Downward – Google Earth Opens Oceans of Possibility
Since Google Earth launched in 2006 millions of people have used its virtual globe to “travel” around the planet, climb a digital version of Mount Everest and even fly into space – all from the comfort of their homes. Now the company plans to take on one of the last bastions of the unknown: the depths of the ocean.
Google Ocean, which will be included in Google Earth 5.0, will allow users to swim around underwater volcanoes, watch videos about exotic marine life, read about shipwrecks, contribute photos and watch unseen footage of historic ocean expeditions. The new additions to the program will include views of the ocean, and portions of the seabed. They will also provide detailed environmental data that will enhance information about the effect of climate change on the world’s seas and oceans.
Sylvia Earle, oceanographer and Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society, said: “I cannot imagine a more effective way to inspire awareness and caring for the blue heart of the planet than the new Ocean in Google Earth. For the first time, everyone from curious kids to serious researchers can see the world, the whole world, with new eyes.”
The world’s oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the planet’s surface and contain 80 per cent of all life on Earth, yet humans have only ever explored around 5 per cent of our oceans. Although it’s been said that we know more about outer space than our oceans, we do know that this great body of water holds deep secrets to our very existence.
Nearly 3,000 people have reached the summit of Mount Everest; over 450 people have been in outer space; 12 American astronauts have walked on the surface of the moon, but only two people, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh, have been to the bottom of the ocean. And that happened in 1960 – nearly 50 years ago!
Marport is convinced that our planet’s future lies below the surface of our seas. As such, we will continue to innovate and develop advanced technologies to help explore and understand the world’s oceans.
Rising CO2 levels acidifying oceans, threatening sea life
According to an international group of scientists, carbon-dioxide emissions are threatening marine life and human food supplies by making the oceans more acidic.
More than 150 leading marine scientists are calling for immediate action to reduce CO2 emissions sharply so as to avoid widespread and severe damage to marine ecosystems from increasing ocean acidification—the “other CO2 problem”. They issued this warning in the Monaco Declaration, released on 30 January, 2009.
The surface ocean currently absorbs about one-fourth of the carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere (more than 20 million tons per day) from human activities, namely from fossil-fuel combustion, deforestation, and cement production. However, when CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid. That increases the acidity of seawater, making it easier for the water to dissolve the shells of corals and shellfish. This ongoing ocean acidification also reduces the ability of many marine organisms to build their shells and skeletal structure. Increasing acidity and related changes in seawater chemistry also affect reproduction, behaviour, and general physiological functions of some marine organisms.
The scientists note that ocean acidification is accelerating. They caution that its negative socio-economic impacts could destroy coral reefs, threaten the fishing and tourism industries and affect the food supplies of millions of people unless policymakers work to curb carbon dioxide levels, the declaration said.
Measurements show that the acidity at the surface of the ocean has increased by 30 per cent since industrialization began in the 18th century. Scientists predict that if nothing is done to reduce CO2 emissions, most of the world’s oceans could be inhospitable to coral reefs by the middle of this century. The reefs currently provide important fish habitat and protect coastal areas from flooding. The rising acidity could also make it more difficult for the oceans to absorb additional carbon dioxide, thus exacerbating climate change.
For more information on this important topic, please visit The Ocean Acidification Network.
Marport Enters Product Design Competition
Marport recently entered its upcoming SeaFire® – Underwater Acoustic Telemetry System in the red dot award: product design – the world’s largest product design competition.
Here’s the official entry (which had to be limited to 800 characters):
SeaFire is a compact, robust instrument designed for wireless acoustic communications in harsh underwater environments. The electronics are “software defined” – a novel technique that enables the instrument to be dynamically re-configured for different functions. Each instrument can be re-programmed for various operating parameters such as frequencies, modulation schemes and waveforms. Its internal enclosure protects the electronic circuitry and is pressure rated to 5,000 metres depth. The high visibility external housing is streamlined for underwater hydrodynamic performance and enhanced user functionality. All other technical and ergonomic qualities, innovative features, value and performance advantages are expressed by the look and feel of the product.
The sought after trophy is an internationally established seal of design quality and is awarded to products with excellent design quality. With thousands of entries from around the world, and issued annually since 1988, the award honours design innovation. Among former recipients are Apple, BMW, Pininfarina, Nokia, Siemens and other leading companies.
The official award ceremony for all winners of the “red dot award: product design 2009” will take place on June 29, 2009 in Germany.
U.S. Military Contracts for Next-Generation Software Defined Radio
The JTRS can be configured for multiple platforms. Shown above is a 2 channel man-pack form factor.
Software Defined Radios (SDR) are an important battlefield lifeline. The U.S. military use SDRs to reduce communications difficulties between naval, terrestrial and airborne units through the use of common waveforms, creating greater situational awareness and enhanced survivability for warfighters. Experiences in the Gulf War and Iraq have highlighted the need for fully interoperable, seamless communications to shape operations and win decisively. Technological advances such as battlefield wireless networking are addressing the need for real-time data and video feeds on top of input from traditional voice systems.
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program was initiated to develop a device that could connect legacy communications and create new functionality to meet future service needs. A family of software reprogrammable radios built around an open software architecture, JTRS is designed to provide reliable multichannel voice, data, imagery and video communications. The software-based nature of the system permits users the flexibility to select optimal waveforms to meet mission demands.
The radio’s core modules can be configured for multiple platforms. Digital signal processing provides flexibility and operational simplicity through end-to-end communications connectivity. The system also supports low-probability-of-intercept and anti-jam capabilities, transmit power controls and encryption. JTRS provides broadband radio coverage in a frequency range from 2 megahertz to 2 gigahertz. Additional capabilities include local area network services for both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight data and voice links and the use of adaptive routing techniques to enhance network survivability.
As JTRS systems are deployed across the military, they will replace legacy units, but not entirely on a one-for-one basis. There are some 750,000 radios in use by the U.S. Defense Department. Many platforms, such as high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles, use up to five radios to meet all of their communications needs. Because of its multifunctional nature, a single JTRS unit will replace multiple radios on an individual platform.
Marport’s Software Defined Sonar® has been developed using the same design philosophy as Software Defined Radio. Today, Internet Protocol (IP) is being introduced to every part of the battlespace. The move toward everything over IP, coupled with pushing IP everywhere, has allowed data to be delivered in a timely way to commanders. This data turns into information and the information turns into knowledge – which is especially important in the network-centric battlespace.
The US military is now moving to consolidate its tactical radio purchases across participating services, in order to reduce unit costs. Both Thales and rival Harris Corporation are now competing for delivery orders under the U.S. Defense Department’s Consolidated Interim Single Channel Handheld Radio program – orders that could total over $9 billion if all options are exercised!
Over time, the benefits proven by Software Defined Radio are expected to drive demand for Marport’s Software Defined Sonar®.
Note: Software Defined Sonar is a registered trademark of Marport Deep Sea Technologies Inc.Marport and Koden Conduct Joint Product Planning Session
This past week, senior technical and commercial personnel from Marport and Koden attended a product planning session in Orlando, Florida. The session was related to the Strategic Alliance Agreement that Marport and Koden signed in May, 2008. Under the terms of that agreement, both companies are collaborating on the development of new sonar products based on Marport’s Software Defined Sonar technology and Koden’s significant experience in marine electronics. Koden also distributes Marport’s commercial fishing products in Japan and has already realized commercial success, particularly within the Hokkaido fishing fleet.
Today, companies are trying to balance customer demand for increased innovation and shorter time-to-market. As a result, many leading technology companies are changing the way they develop new products. The existing synergies between Marport and Koden are obvious, and the decision to co-develop new products is demonstrating the value of Software Defined Sonar technology across a broader market segment.
Koden has a long and distinguished history in marine electronics. The company was founded in 1947 – two years after World War II – by Dr. Y. Ito, whose position was pivotal at the Naval Technical Research Department as a Captain in the former Japanese Imperial Navy. His hope was to make a peaceful contribution to the world by leveraging the advanced technologies that were developed in his naval days. For Japan and its people, this new era was a restart from “nothing”. The whole country was suffering from shortages in practically everything, and the most crucial of all, obviously, was the shortage of food. Koden’s marine electronics were welcomed into the Japanese fishing fleet and made significant contributions to increase catch efficiency. Over the years, Koden continued to introduce major technical innovations, such as transistors, integrated circuits, computers, and color visualization into its products ahead of competitors. The company has released a large number of ground-breaking marine electronics – including automatic radio direction finder, synchronized sonar, the world’s first color echo sounder and marine color radar.
