TAIWAN TO INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE HIGH SEAS DRIFT NET

UNCLAS TAIPEI 003835 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS AIT/W STATE FOR EAP/RSP/TC, OES/OMC - KEVIN RIDDLE COMMERCE FOR NOAA/NMFS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIS SENV PREL PHSA TW ESTH SUBJECT: TAIWAN TO INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE HIGH SEAS DRIFT NET FISHING REF: A) SECSTATE 166567 B) RIDDLE - THOMAS EMAIL 9/12/05 ¶1. This is an action message. Please see para 4. ¶2. Per ref A, AIT ECONOFF discussed the reported sightings of high seas driftnet vessels with Taiwan Deep Sea Fisheries Deputy Director Chen Yu-Chen. AIT left a written copy of the questions posed in ref A, as well as the pictures sent by email of the suspected ship. Ms. Chen said, based on the information provided by AIT, that the ship is probably a foreign flagged vessel. Ms. Chen explained that Taiwan prohibits high seas driftnet fishing on Taiwan flagged vessels or any ships that dock in Taiwan ports. ECONOFF pointed out that evidence in ref A suggests that the owner of the foreign flagged vessel is based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Ms. Chen promised to investigate the matter and provide any information she finds. ECONOFF emphasized the importance of trying to provide information prior to the upcoming ICCAT bilateral meetings on 28 and 29 October 2005. Ms. Chen promised to do her best to respond as soon as possible. ¶3. AIT ECON Chief also raised this issue September 14 with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, North American Affairs Division Deputy Director General Kelly W. Hsieh. Hsieh said his office will work with the Fisheries Administration to answer the questions posed in ref A. He asked for information on the exact location of the vessel and any additional information that would help to identify the ship. AIT ECONOFF is following up on his request. ¶4. Action Request: We would appreciate any further information to respond to the questions posed in para 3. KEEGAN