Australia to impose two-year fishing ban on 'super trawler'

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/sep/11/australia-fishing-ban-super-trawler


Greenpeace activists on an inflatable boat intercept the world's second largest factory fishing trawler, the FV Margiris, blocking it's attempt to enter Port Lincoln in south Australia. Photograph: Greenpeace/AFP/Getty Images

Australia plans to block a controversial "super trawler" from fishing in its waters for two years in a victory for environmental activists worried about the impact on fish stocks and other marine life.

Environment minister, Tony Burke, will introduce the legislation on Tuesday, which will give him the power to ban the vessel from fishing until further scientific research is carried out.

Burke said there was too much uncertainty surrounding the environmental impact of the 142-metre trawler, reportedly the world's second-largest fishing vessel.

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1. 142-metre, 18,000 ton cargo: the size of a Great Lakes ore freighter

Almost: the largest vessels on the lakes are the 1000-footers (300 m).