Please outlaw fishing now!

Instead of seaweed, people are taught to consume fish thanks to their wholesome effect, which the fish get from seaweed, etc. However, nutritional ain't the same as healthy. Medical proof confirms that animal protein behaves carcinogenic and otherwise antagonistic towards herbivores like humans. Some people are even allergic to seafood without realising. And in case you wish to experience food poisoning, seafood is one of the main courses to enjoy. Fish are the perfect source of methyl mercury and extreme levels of accumulated chemical leftovers, like PCB. Or you just don't care until you get a terminal diagnosis? Not only do we mess with our own health and the fish lives. We gamble away indispensable treasures and Mother Nature. Biodiversity and connected maritime protection are necessary for the oceans – and planet earth's survival. Oceans are responsible for half of the total oxygen production.

But some obviously believe they are righteously giving this urgent matter the middle finger, while claiming Mother Nature is meant to be raped and animals made for us to eat. Apart from being a vital part of the ecosystems, animals want to teach us compassion. Just because we are capable of exploitation, doesn't mean we should. Neither do we have the right to do so since animals should not serve as our slaves, nor products. Our greatest benefit is allowing the fish to live their lives as they please and let nature take its course, as she knows what is best. Then we all would thrive in symbiosis.

Mutilation, murder and accidental execution is what we normally call fishing. Can you just imagine a hook penetrating you? What do you think happens when you jerk a fish out of the water by the way? Indeed, she starts suffocating and gets in a state of shock. Yet millions of people still go on recreational fishing and spend billions endeavouring their sadistic satisfaction. Ironically, the intention with catch-and-release is conservation. Despite seeming relieved and happy to be alive, experts and researchers warn that 43 % of catch-and-release victims die within 6 days, due to the trauma and injury caused by humans. Amusement games, sport- and hobby fishing tortures around 25 % of overfished saltwater species to death. Less than 10 % of bycatch survives through commercialism. Over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals die annually thanks to fishing equipment remains (hooks, lines, nets, etc.) by ingestion and entanglement. On a global average, a person consumes almost 20 kg per year, in comparison to the 1960s when the consumption was approximately dimidiated. As well as our population. And both numbers are escalating, continuing the critical fish depletion. What's even worse, there are still few restaurants and retailers who transparently sell certified fish. Endangering species and illegal business is a staple in other words.

It has become a profound part of our traditions and cultures, which we are so proud of passing on to our susceptible kids. And the spiral of ignorance and desensitization continues, causing casual violence, hate crimes and even wars. Farfetched you may say, but there is correlational evidence. How can we feel compassion towards mankind, if we don't even show our most vulnerable and exposed fellow beings any consideration? Now, don't confuse consideration with guilt trips and the art of the ego. Sure, you saved two homeless cats and one dog from the fork. Or perhaps a fish, someone you decided to keep in your tank ever since. Yes, it is a safer place and there will always be a bigger fish lurking in the wild waters. And yes, you too prefer being imprisoned so you won't get killed by a mugger or a car out on the street, right? But what about the one you ate for dinner the other day? While some fish serve as food, others are considered pets. But who are we to judge which one is which? If the fish is edible and tasty, or cute and colourful? Wait a second, isn't this conventionally accepted double standard called racism (or speciesism in animals' case)? I see, so discrimination only applies to humans? You might even argue that some support their entire families thanks to subsistence fishing. Sure, if we still lived during the stone age it would be understandable. But do you really think it is justifying exploitation of already threatened innocent beings and marine life in 2020? It's no wonder COVID-19 has been reported to originate from a wet market in China, who recently boycotted salmon to curb a new pandemic.

We need to wean our ingrained angle and demeanour thoroughly, reprogram our subconsciousness, inside out from the bottoms up, which are chiefly controlled by profitable, short-term norms. Exchange our peer pressured, brainwashed ruts for some aware, responsible self-thinking and -acting, instead of causing unrepairable ecological buttprints and damage, in desperate hunts for convenience, sheer gastronomic pleasure, habits and traditions. Contradictory enough, change is a necessity for evolution which enables inherited values such as tradition. I know, it is easier said than done.

Mammal's and fish's pain receptors and sentience are similar. Meaning that fish do not only possess physical sensation, but they are also conscious about their feelings, just like humans. They can even recognize faces. And if they can feel pain, they may also feel pleasure, omnidimensionally. Thus they also need compassion, protection and welfare, and are hereby entitled and deserve it, just like humans. Especially when animals have done so much for us and the planet. If we as humans want to be considered compassionate, or at least moral, we need to bestow the animals these basic rights. We owe them at least that.  

Does it seem like a utopia, an unreasonable dream to ban fishing altogether? Considering all the consequences, the answer is no. A ban hardly guarantees anything though. Except illegal activity maybee or circumvention attempts. But wouldn't that be kind of an insult for self-proclaimed morally capable and civilized beings like humans to need a ban which keeps us from exploiting innocent animals? Unfortunately, for those deficient in compassion, morals and general knowledge – enforced laws and rules are necessary to maintain some common sense and order. By signing this petition, you understand fish exploitation is inhumane luxury, yet still continued at unaffordable expense because it is a lucrative business, convenient, tasty tradition and a sadistic sport and -hobby. You are showing you care enough to make this crucial turning point a paragon before the situation becomes irreversible. When we've gathered as many signatures as possible, the least we can do is use this petition to contact concerned leaders and legislators to enforce a form of law and regulation against the destructive fishing in our respective areas. After all, it is a universal predicament and not merely a regional matter. Try bargaining with your local authorities, because almost any deal is more gracious than the current, especially for the helpless fish. Peace on earth and good will towards mankind cannot be shortcut without compassion and equity towards animals and our dearest mother – nature. Thanks for your compassion~

Always with infinite Love!

/Yngve Riling