FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 09 AUGUST 2004 (Lee Hazell)
Internet News:
NAVAL TASKS LOST:
Sir Alan West has warned that recent Navy cuts could cause the loss of two Naval tasks. In an article in the Daily Telegraph, he said that Britain’s commitment of a single frigate to NATO’s standing Naval force in the North Atlantic had been withdrawn and there will have to be another reduction. The next high priority task above the NATO commitment is in the South Atlantic. Withdrawing that ship, he said, would raise the spector of the Falklands conflict, which resulted in the Royal Navy’s decision to withdraw its presence there. Admiral West stated that the Navy needs at least 30 destroyers and frigates but the recent axing of three type 42s and three type 23s left it with only 25.
CHILEAN EXPEDITION:
Chile is making an exhibition to the South Pole. The Navy, Army and Air Force will embark on the mission with the aim of collecting climate related data. This data will enable scientists to study the impact of Global Warming, which is considered by Chile to be one of the main scientific challenges in the coming decades, given the consequences this could have in Antarctica and in the rest of the world. The expedition will be equipped with a snow cat that can tow other vehicles and also has a crane. A Twin Otter will provide air support.
VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM:
Australia has taken the lead with the adoption of a vessel monitoring system, or CAMS. Australia, New Zealand and the US have joined forces to help convince local CCAMLR members on the value of a centralised monitoring system. Parliamentary secretary responsible for the Australian Antarctic Division, says that CCAMLR has a catch documentation scheme that tracks taking, landing and trade of Toothfish but states that more tools are needed to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Dr. Stone also said that although flag states currently monitor their vessels, it was essential that claims made by vessels about where Toothfish were caught were also to be independently verified and validated. A seminar discussing the use of CAMS is happening in Canberra today.
CLUSTER BOMB FIND AT PORT HOWARD:
Yesterday at 1515 a report came in from Port Howard Lodge that a cluster bomb had been found in a field near the settlement. This morning, Sergeant Dan Dare from the JSEOD flew out to deal with the find. It was destroyed at midday today.
HEY, DO YOU WANT A QUICK MILLION?
There are two more scams doing the rounds in the Islands. I asked Sergeant Dave Roberts (DR) from the Royal Falkland Islands Police to tell me more.
DR: This is a new one asking you to confirm your account details with Citibank then it gives you a link to what looks like the Citibank Website. It’s not actually the official Citibank Website. Citibank are aware of it. It’s another internet scam. They are trying to steal your details, steal your identity. This one is actually reported as a spoof and they are aware of it.
LH: So, what do people do if they get sent these e-mails?
DR: Don’t go on to the link because it is possible that it attracts viruses to your e-mail account or it could give them an opening to blast you with loads of junk mail. We usually forward it to: [email protected]. The scam is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission as well so they are taking this very seriously.
LH: And, there’s another money scam which we got faxed this morning as well.
DR: This is commonly known as the 419 scam. It’s given the name because it is the postal region in Nigeria that these scams originate from. The powers that be have awarded this type of scam with that number. Interpol and the FBI have named the scam. If you do get these, forward them to me and I will deal with them for you. The best way to send them is by e-mail so if there are any headers we can find out what they are. My e-mail address is [email protected].
HARBOUR, FISHING AND SHIPPING NEWS:
In the harbour news, Saturday saw a number of vessels coming and going. A South Georgia licensed Long-liner came in for fuel and stores and sailed back the same evening. The Argos Vigo was also alongside FIPASS for fuel and stores and the reefer, Qatar went into Berkley Sound for Bunkers. She joins the Zalgares. Last night the Tamar sailed for Bleaker. This morning, the American Krill trawler, Top Ocean, is in Port William. She arrived in last Thursday for bunkers but stayed in over the weekend while divers inspected the hull. The HMS Leeds Castle is alongside FIPAS. She’s due to leave Stanley tomorrow. There are now 32 vessels fishing in the zone, where Loligo catches have dropped from an average of 21 tonnes to 16.t tonnes. The fleet have now positioned themselves to the east of Lively Island. The two Long-liners are still catching well and the Korean ray boats are catching between 5 and 10 tonnes a day. The other finfish vessels are catching between 10 and 30 tonnes with the majority of the catch being Hoki.
