'Be A Fisherman's Friend' Campaign Goes National

Bristol East Greenpeace were at the Harbourside to help publicise the national launch of the new campaign to get reform of the EU Common Fishing Policy.  We managed to secure a prime location at the start of the walkway going down towards the Watershed.  Plenty of people were out to enjoy the great weather and many were heading for the Vegfest, being held nearby.  As a result we netted a healthy 254 signatures from those supporting our cause to reform the CFP and get a better deal for the struggling small-scale fishermen who tend to fish using more sustainable methods.  Many thanks to Iain, Loz, Rich B, Ian, Sue and big fish Richard L and Stacey!  A good catch!

What do Greenpeace and sustainable fishermen want from the new CFP?

The new CFP should:

• Give fishing rights to those who can clearly demonstrate environmental and social benefits, rewarding those who support local communities and look after their fisheries.

• Stop using public money to bankroll destructive fishing practices both in Europe and around the world, and ensure that strict European rules apply equally to all European vessels wherever they fish.

• Put the health of our seas and oceans, and the fish stocks they support, at the very heart of the CFP. The CFP must bring an end to needless discarding, match fishing effort to fish stocks and create a better tomorrow for those that fish sustainably.

The national website is now live so you can find out more about the broken CFP here and see the' What Shall we Do With The Broken Fish Laws' sea shanty sung by the folk group Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends.  There is an opportunity to personalised your own sea shanty as part of the petition to Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon!  Also go to the 'Be A Fisherman's Friend' Facebook page.

The video below The Last Fishermen has been made especially for the Be A Fisherman's Friend campaign.  The small scale industry is in crisis and it is part of the great British maritime history that will be lost if reform of the CFP is not successful.  I'm proud to be a Friend of the FIshermen.