The Falkland Islands figure among the world top ten per capita wine consumption countries according to the Wine Institute (2008), which brings together all of California’s wineries and vineyards and manages a vast inventory of statistics with commercial purposes.
Deep sea fish species found in the North Pacific Ocean have mysteriously been caught in the southwest Atlantic in Falkland Islands waters. It is unclear how the animals, a giant rattail grenadier, pelagic eelpout and deep sea squid, travelled so far, according to a report by Matt Walker, Editor of Earth News.
Completion of the Falkland Islands Programme phase 1 is now a reality. The De-mining Contractor, BACTEC International Ltd, has persevered through one of the coldest and wettest summers to deliver a successful project within the single austral summer period that was demanded within the contract. Like all demanding programmes, many lessons have been learned but only a few will be elaborated in this article.
Seabird deaths caused by trawl fishing will be further reduced following the Falkland Islands Government’s approval of a new Action Plan. A ninety per cent reduction in seabird deaths was recorded in the long-line fishery the year after a similar Action Plan to introduce tori lines was put into effect in 2004. Both plans demonstrate the steps taken by the Falkland Islands to maintain their international reputation for the responsible and sustainable management of their fishing industry.
Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said that Britain’s stance of declaring sovereignty over the Falklands/Malvinas sovereignty “non-negotiable” is a “mistake” dictated by “unilateral practices” that have created insecurity in the world.
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has said there “cannot be negotiation on sovereignty unless and until the Falkland Islanders so wish,” following a statement by the Argentinean President.