Rt Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs
05 April 2006
Media Release
Peters signs Maritime Surveillance Agreement with France
The signing of an agreement between New Zealand and France to cooperate on maritime surveillance and combat illegal
fishing makes a significant contribution towards protecting Pacific fisheries resources, says Foreign Minister Winston
Peters.
Mr Peters signed the Joint Declaration on Maritime Surveillance and combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU)
fishing with France’s Minister for Overseas Territories HE Francois Baroin at Parliament today.
“For most small island states in the Pacific fisheries is their single most valuable economic resource," said Mr Peters.
“This agreement will help secure the protection and sustainable development of this resource which is of fundamental
importance to the region.”
Australia is also a party to the agreement, with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Mr Baroin signing last month.
Mr Peters said the need for greater cooperation on maritime surveillance in the region is highlighted by the fact that
IUU fishing in the Pacific is estimated to be worth up to NZ$570 million per year.
"Fisheries in the Pacific are valued at around NZ$2.8 billion per year, of which NZ$1.1-$1.3 billion is taken in the
waters of Pacific Island countries."
This arrangement outlines the intention of the three parties, including:
- Australia, France and New Zealand’s commitment to combating IUU fishing in the Pacific Islands region.
- Australia, France and New Zealand will work in partnership with Pacific island countries, and regional
Pacific organisations, and international bodies to strengthen cooperation on maritime surveillance.
- Australia, France and New Zealand will exchange information to facilitate practical, flexible and
coordinated responses to maritime surveillance in the region through the use of aerial surveillance and surface ships.
"This demonstrates the strength of the relationship we have with France and Australia in the region and our combined
commitment to protecting the fisheries resources for the benefit of Pacific island countries," concluded Mr Peters.
ENDS