The deep seas, where many species face extinction, generally fall under international jurisdiction, beyond the spheres of influence of individual nations.

The study said that although only 300 of the world's 3 million fishing vessels are trawlers, their activity has led to depletion of deep-sea fish stocks. Most of those operate under the flags of 13 nations. The study also said trawl fishing's contribution to global food security was negligible - about 0.5 percent of the global marine catch.

The study urged the United Nations to adopt legally binding protections of the deep seas, including marine protected areas (Agence France-Presse, Feb. 10).

Copyright, National Journal Group, 2004