In North America we have the full support of all of the national, provincial, state and local salmon associations, representing more than 150 organizations and 500,000 members. As you well know, wild Atlantic salmon populations are in serious decline around the world. Populations of large salmon of European origin in the ocean are at their lowest level in twenty-five years. In the United States, Atlantic salmon populations are so low in the State of Maine that they are candidates for listing under Endangered Species legislation. Mr. President, it is important for us to remember that when a river loses its run of wild salmon, we lose it for all time.
Extinction is forever.
The Accord outlines rationally and succinctly what must be done to save salmon. No government can ignore the urgency of the problem. Decisions made by them at these meetings will have tremendous impact on the future of the Atlantic salmon. That impact will be very positive if highseas fisheries are eliminated. Even the smallest harvest will be devastating.