San Francisco, 24/03/2004 – The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)—an organization created by the NAFTA environmental side accord—today announced the first three wildlife species to be safeguarded under a new trinational effort to protect species of common conservation concern in North America.
The leatherback turtle, humpback whale and pink-footed shearwater were jointly selected by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States, in cooperation with environmental groups, as pilot species for the first North American Conservation Action Plans. The action plans will establish a common conservation approach across the continent, and will act to reduce threats, share expertise and provide key information to the public and wildlife officers.
Representatives from the three federal governments, nongovernmental organizations, academics, indigenous and industry groups will meet in San Francisco over the next three days to begin drafting the individual action plans for each species. Future plans will include terrestrial species as well.
"Canada, Mexico and the United States are committed to protecting the leatherback turtle, humpback whale and pink-footed shearwater within the next five years," said Hans Herrmann, head of the Conservation of Biodiversity program at the CEC. "Migratory species do not recognize national boundaries, and hence depend upon coordinated conservation policies for their survival."
In June 2003, the three North American governments adopted a long-term strategy for the conservation of critical species and habitats in North America. The action plans form a key element of this strategy, as does a complementary process aimed at establishing a North American Marine Protected Areas Network.
"These plans will provide a blueprint for migratory species conservation that governmental and nongovernmental organizations can look to in building innovative partnerships for safeguarding our continent's biological diversity," said Simona Perry, project director of the Biodiversity Education Network. "In addition, outreach activities undertaken as a result of these plans can serve to better educate and inform North American citizens on how to act as responsible, life-long stewards of both wildlife species, and of the ecosystems they inhabit."
As marine species, the three selected face a variety of threats associated with unsustainable fishing practices. The leatherback turtle, for instance, is frequently entangled in pelagic longline fishing gear, which can stretch 40-60 miles in a single set. Humpback whales are also threatened by fishing gear entanglement and ship collisions, although there are new fears regarding food availability and noise pollution. Likewise, the pink-footed shearwater, which migrates from Chile to Alaska, is vulnerable to longline entanglement and potential food source depletion as a result of fishing practices.
Selection of the three species was based on a range of factors, including a common understanding of the threats faced by each species, their geographic location, profile and feasibility of success. The final action plans will be presented for public comment in the fall.
Note to photo editors: high-resolution images of the species are available upon request.
For more information, please contact Spencer Tripp at (514) 773-6237.
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