MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Pacific fisheries surveillance planned

Australia and Chile will be holding a round of talks next August to explore the possibility of a regional agreement that would include New Zealand, for the conservation of marine living resources, given the growing threats from poaching.

The event will take place in Canberra, Australia's capital with the participation of Felipe Sandoval, Chilean Deputy Fisheries Secretary, announced Foreign Affairs minister Ignacio Walker following a meeting with Australia's Foreign Affairs and Trade minister Michael L'Strange.

Mr. Walker was recently in Australia with the delegation of Chilean president Ricardo Lagos who in mid July made an official visit to Australia.

"As happened fifty years ago when together with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, Chile sponsored the 200 miles exclusive economic zone, which today has become a foundation of International and Sea Laws, maybe this time we can also reach a regional agreement involving the management of South Pacific fisheries", pointed out Mr. Walker.

"We have closer trade and investment relations with Australia and we believe it's time to address the fisheries issue and conservation which are exposed to illegal and unreported fishing", added Mr. Walker.

Australia is Chile's fifth largest foreign investor.