MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ welcomes “positive step” by Argentina in marine conservation and fisheries management

However MLA Dr. Elsby reminds Argentina that an area of Burdwood Bank falls within the Falklands Inner & Outer Conservation Zones

The Falkland Islands Government has welcomed the announcement by the Senate of Argentina of the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the area of Burdwood Bank which lies within the Argentine Economic Zone, describing it as a “positive step” in the interest of marine conservation and fisheries management.

However the inclusion of an area of Burdwood Bank which falls within the Falklands Inner & Outer Conservation Zones (FICZ & FOCZ respectively) has been rejected by the Falkland Islands Government.

In a letter sent on behalf of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, Dr Barry Elsby said practical co‐operation on safeguarding straddling fish stocks was the responsibility of both the Falkland Islands Government and the Argentine Government.

The Falkland Islands Government, he said, was willing to discuss any actions which could be reasonably taken to support the Government of Argentina in these efforts. MLA Dr. Elsby encouraged the resumption of scientific exchanges under the auspices of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission, which last met in full in 2005. Thereafter, Argentina became increasingly uncooperative over the workings of the Commission.

Dr Elsby said the Falkland Islands Government hoped the formation of the Burwood MPA heralded a more positive and constructive approach to issues in the South Atlantic and towards the Falkland Islands. “By cooperating in areas of mutual interest, talking to one another as democratically elected representatives of our respective countries we might find areas of common ground.”

Below is the letter sent to the Foreign minister Hector Timerman:

26 July 2013
Foreign Minister Hector Timerman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
Buenos Aires, Republic of Argentina
Your Excellency:

The Falkland Islands Government has noted with interest the recent public announcement by the Senate of Argentina on the establishment of a Marine Protected Area within the area of Burdwood Bank which falls within the recognised boundaries of the Argentine Economic Exclusion Zone.

Such a positive step by the Government of Argentina in the interest of marine conservation and fisheries management is welcomed by the Falkland Islands Government. However, we firmly reject the applicability of Argentine domestic legislation within the area of Burdwood Bank which falls within the Falklands Outer Conservation Zone (FOCZ) and the Falklands Inner Conservation Zone (FICZ). Within these areas the Falkland Islands Government retains the sole authority and responsibility for marine management and conservation matters.

In acknowledging this measure, we would welcome the resumption of scientific exchanges under the auspices of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission (SAFC).

It is a matter of profound regret that the Government of Argentina withdrew its participation from the SAFC. Both the Falkland Islands Government and the Government of Argentina have an important responsibility, both to the environment and to future generations, to resume practical co‐operation on safeguarding straddling fish stocks within our respective economic and conservation zones.

To this end the Falkland Islands Government would welcome sight of the Marine Protection Area’s management plan to better understand its implications for the wider region. We are willing to discuss any actions that we could reasonably take to support the Government of Argentina in these efforts.

Conservation and sustainability have been the cornerstone of our fisheries policy since the establishment of the Falklands fishery 25 years ago. It is therefore important, in the view of the Falkland Islands Government, to exchange data and discuss the scientific rationale behind policy decisions such as season start dates and allowable cast volumes.

Resumption of dialogue with Argentina, involving relevant experts from the United Kingdom, would be a crucial step forward. However, it must be clearly understood by all parties that such exchanges would only cover practical issues of mutual benefit and will not involve, or be regarded as a precursor to, discussions about the sovereignty of our Islands. As was evidenced by the overwhelming number of eligible Falkland Island voters in our recent referendum (99.8%), we are extremely happy to maintain our current political status as a British Overseas Territory.

The Falkland Islands Government hopes that the creation of a Marine Protected Area within the area of Burdwood Bank which falls within the recognised boundaries of the Argentine Economic Exclusion Zone heralds a more positive and constructive approach to issues in the South Atlantic and towards the Falkland Islands. By cooperating in areas of mutual interest, talking to one another as democratically elected representatives of our respective countries we might find areas of common ground. Attempts to ignore or dismiss the Falkland Islanders are not the actions of a modern democracy which respects human rights or the rule of law.

Yours Sincerely

The Hon. Dr Barry Elsby MLA
On behalf of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly