August 15, 2006

UK environmental group plans international protests against fish farms

The Salmon Farm Protest Group (SFPG) has announced plans Monday (Aug 14) to hold UK-wide 'Action Hour' outside the nation's supermarkets on Oct 14.

On that day, the group's supporters would distribute leaflets highlighting the "damage" that fish farms have done and are doing do to wild salmon and sea-trout.

SFPG chairman, Bruce Sandison alleged that fish farms are polluting coastal and freshwater lochs and wild fish are being killed off by fish farm sea lice.

Moreover, the toxic chemicals used to treat diseases are spilled into the sea while the farmed fish themselves contain high levels of PCBs and dioxins, Sandison said.

Furthermore, the consolidation of the industry has led to a litany of job losses in rural communities, he added.

The SFPG held a similar event in 2002 when supporters spoke to shoppers in more than 100 cities and towns in the UK.

Sandison said he is calling for an even greater turnout this time, adding that the only way to get the salmon industry to clean up is to persuade consumers to think twice about buying their fish.

Similar events are being planned during the week of Oct 7-14 around the world, including USA, Canada, Chile and Europe with the theme, 'The Farm Salmon Scam'.