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