RE: Support UN moratorium on Pacific longline and gillnet fishing

Dear President Bush,

For the sake of food security for all of humanity and for the health of the world's oceans and their ecosystems, I strongly urge you to support a United Nations moratorium on pelagic longline and gillnet fishing in the Pacific Ocean.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 70 percent of marine fish species are on the brink of collapse due to overfishing. Meanwhile, globally, 44 billion pounds of fish are discarded every year, 25 percent of the entire world catch. This figure doesn't include sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds and sharks that are being caught and killed as well.

The impact of pelagic longline and gillnet fishing in the Pacific on endangered leatherback sea turtles is driving the species to the brink of extinction. Hundreds of prominent marine scientists and non-governmental organizations have joined together in calling for a UN moratorium on pelagic longline and gillnet fishing in the Pacific. This broad support from marine experts should send a clear signal that the UN and the US need to rise to the challenge of creating more sustainable global marine policies. Please support a UN moratorium on pelagic longline and gillnet fishing in the Pacific that harm or kill endangered sea turtles and other species.

I will join many millions of concerned citizens in the United States and around the world in monitoring your actions on this vital issue.

Most Sincerely,

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