Anybody see Nemo around here lately?
The issue: PETAs Fish Empathy Project.
We suggest: Its unlikely to catch on along the bayou.
So, if you werent feeling guilty already for spending too much time and
money in and on your boat, now PETA wants you to know those fish youre
catching have feelings.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, one of the worlds most
high-profile animal-rights groups, has launched the Fish Empathy Project,
which contends fish have feelings and everyone from commercial fishermen
to recreational anglers are thrusting them into a life of pain and
torture. Karin Robertson, coordinator of the PETA project, said in a
Courier story published Feb. 13, the group plans to bring the campaign to
the Sportsmans Paradise over the next few months, but no tentative dates
have been set.
Activists connected to the campaign want you to know that fish are
"intelligent, sensitive animals who experience fear and pain and that they
are definitely not health food." The Fish Empathy Project also touts new
studies that "are blowing old ideas out of the water, proving that fish
are intelligent animals with impressive long-term memories who watch and
learn, use tools and form sophisticated social structures."
And besides, many of them are too cute to kill, right?
As an alternative to seafood, which campaign literature describes as
"fishy," PETA is urging consumers to investigate a vegetarian lifestyle. A
PETA news release says the project most recently visited fishing
communities in Michigan, handing out leaflets to children and protesting
with signs reading "Fish Are Friends, Not Food." In an effort to sculpt
its message to children, PETA has tied its campaign to popular animated
movies such as "Finding Nemo" and "Shark Tale."
We wouldnt knock anyone who wants to go along with PETAs suggestion to
give up the fish and substitute broccoli and califlower instead. Its
youre choice.
But weve got a distinct feeling that the Fish Empathy Project is in for
rough sailing here in the swamps and bayous of south Louisiana. Based on
the most recent data available, the economic impact of commercial fishing
on Louisiana totals $3.1 billion annually, with recreational fishing
adding another $1.5 billion a year.
But more than that, fishing is a way of life down here.
Bobby Samanie, a Houma resident and member of the state Wildlife and
Fisheries Commission, told The Courier the PETA campaign might be
overlooking the fact that fishing provides so many jobs and livelihoods.
To him, these are the only numbers that count.
"Nemo doesnt live down here," Samanie told The Courier. "Its just
hard-working people that are trying to keep up a culture and tradition."
Hes right. Nemo doesnt live down here, but lots of anglers and
commercial fishermen do. Were sure theyll welcome PETA if and when its
representatives arrive to spread the word that fish are our friends, not
our food. In the meantime, dont expect the lines running out the door at
the local seafood restaurants to get any shorter this Lenten season. At
least PETA will be happy to know that lots of us have given up meat for at
least a few Fridays out of the year.