VZCZCXRO4438
RR RUEHIK
DE RUEHFR #0115 0331720
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 021720Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY PARIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8202
INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
RUEHZN/ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLECTIVE
RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS PARIS 000115
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR OES ASSISTANT SECRETARY JONES FROM AMBASSADOR RIVKIN
COMMERCE FOR NOAA - Dr. Rebecca Lent
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV KSCA CITES AORC UNEP
SUBJECT: Request for Guidance on USG Bluefin Tuna Policy in CITES
Ref: 09 STATE 125262
1. (SBU) Since January 2009 when the USG listed France as a country
that tolerates Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing,
French public attention to the depletion of Mediterranean and
Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks has grown. More importantly,
Prince Albert of Monaco has asked me about the USG policy toward
his proposal to list bluefin tuna under CITES Appendix I. Embassy
Paris understands that at the end of this week, the GOF may make a
decision on supporting either Appendix I or Appendix II status for
bluefin tuna, and the French press will certainly seek our position
as well. I fully expect that this issue will be discussed during my
forthcoming lunch with forty French Senators.
2. (SBU) The Department, and OES in particular, appear to be on the
verge of success in rousing the French to action. I applaud your
sustained effort. To gather the full benefit, I would greatly
appreciate receiving forward-leaning guidance as soon as possible on
our bluefin tuna policy that I can use with Prince Albert, with the
Government of France, and with the French public.
RIVKIN