Court gives Peru increased fishing rights

(Vatican Radio) The World Court has ruled a new maritime boundary which gives Peru an extra swathe of the Pacific Ocean while Chile retains a generous portion of its rich fishing grounds. Regional correspondent James Blears reports on the binding decision of the UN affiliated organization:

No one got exactly what they were aiming for. However, both sides had agreed to abide by this decison from the neutral World Court.
In 2008, Peru appealed to the World Court, which is also known as the International Court of Justice to draw the line, not in sand, but through the ocean.


It all started with the regional War of the Pacific from 1879 to 1883. Nowadays it's about the highly lucrative fishing industries of the two nations. At stake are shoals of anchovy, which when caught, is converted into fish meal, a key element in animal feed and fertilizer.


Peru's current President Ollana Humala hasn't commented and isn't celebrating the decision. But the country's ex-President Alan Garcia, who'd championed change, said Peru has gained something....and he's pleased about that.



LIsten to James Blear's report: