Third Annual Working Meeting
Kamchatka, Russia
May 29 - June 1, 2006

click on the map to see an enlarged view

The 2006 meeting of the International Bering Sea Forum was an unprecedented success. The meeting built on the momentum of the 2005 gathering in Seward, Alaska.

The goals of the meeting were to:
1. Define strategy and next steps for moving forward on an International Bering Sea Treaty;
2. Evaluate and develop working group policy actions that lay the groundwork for achieving an international treaty; and
3. Task and direct executive committee with creating a strategic plan to ensure IBSF independence by 2008.

At the meeting, Forum members passed three resolutions (click to read the text):

• A resolution calling for a comprehensive network of Marine Protected Areas in the Bering Sea, based upon the best available science and local traditional knowledge;
• A resolution to defend Bristol Bay from threats presented by proposed offshore oil and gas development and the development of North America’s largest gold and copper open pit mine; and
• A resolution calling for the reform of shipping safety standards in the Bering Sea.

For more information about these and other Bering Sea conservation topics, visit Pacific Environment's website.