WWF Calls for No-Go Zones for Tankers in U.S. Waters at Senate Hearing on Oil Tanker Safety

1/9/2003

From: Jan Vertefeuille for the World Wildlife Fund, 202-861-8362

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- In testimony today before the Senate Commerce Committee, World Wildlife Fund Executive Vice President David Sandalow urged the Senate to support the establishment of "no-go zones" in U.S. waters to protect environmentally and economically sensitive areas from oil spills, such as the recent spill from the Prestige tanker in Spain that is devastating European fisheries and beaches.

At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation concerning the phase-out of single-hulled tankers and recent oil spills, Sandalow -- former assistant secretary of state for oceans, environment and science -- testified:

"World Wildlife Fund urges the United States to lead efforts to build a global network of 'no-go' zones where tanker traffic is prohibited. International Maritime Organization rules provide an important multilateral mechanism for the designation of such zones, known as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs). PSSAs are areas of the ocean that need special protection because of their ecological or economic significance and their vulnerability to the harmful impacts of shipping activities. Within these areas shipping traffic can be more carefully regulated, or prohibited altogether. Coastal nations may petition the IMO to have important sea areas recognized as PSSAs -- a process that assures designations will reflect national priorities as well as international interests in maritime commerce. Our nation should be more actively promoting the use of this important conservation tool by the IMO.

"In our own waters, we should seek PSSA status for areas that are critical to the ocean web of life, or of special importance to commercial or recreational fishermen and others who rely on the sea. As a starting point, the United States should strongly consider petitioning the IMO for special protection of: -- Areas of recognized biological importance, such as our national marine sanctuaries, and -- Areas of special importance to the economy of coastal communities, including places designated as essential fish habitat under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act."

An attorney, Sandalow has served as senior director for environmental affairs at the National Security Council and associate director for global environment at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. At WWF, he is responsible for management of WWF's field conservation, advocacy and research programs around the world. A full transcript of his testimony can be found at http://www.worldwildlife.org/news.

World Wildlife Fund is a global leader in marine conservation. WWF's Ocean Rescue aims to protect the world's marine resources and ensure a future for our planet's oceans. Now in its fourth decade, WWF works in more than 100 countries around the globe.