Howdy,
O-dog</u>; I have, believe it or not, given great consideration to your point and only decided to proceed after watching, reading, and waiting for a lengthy period of time. During this time I learned that there are many ardent Sportfishermen like myself who frequent this forum who are rigorously opposed to fishfarming and see it for what it 'truly' is - A TOP-FIVE THREAT TO THE SURVIVAL OF OUR BELOVED WILD PACIFIC SALMON!
Yes, being reasonably well informed about fishfarming - and feverishly opposed to it - has moved me to 'dive-in' on previous posts on the topic to add my 2-cents worth. But truthfully, it was not until Barbender began to chime-in and 'defend' the industry that the hair on the back of my neck really stood on end. I realized then, after sitting on the sidelines for the past five years, that it was time for me to join the battle again. For that, I thank you Barbender.
In addition, O-dog, if you honestly think my words aimed at sinking this filthy industry are merely rhetoric, I would encourage you to do some research on fishfarming yourself; you will soon learn that the information I have chosen to share thus far - is quite accurate.
But then - as you likely own or work for a farm - you already know what I'm talking about.
Mr. Reynolds;</u> Thanks for your post. If you are indeed the 'same' Mr. Reynolds that D'stoy refers to, we could sure use your support in this thing.
With all due respect, I should advise you that I am well aware that there are existing groups out there who are opposed to fishfarming. As I have previously stated, I attended a strategy session in Vancouver in 02' that was organized in response to the 'lifting of the moratorium on expansion of the industry'.
The meeting was well attended by representatives from several environmentalist 'heavy-weight' groups: Suzuki Foundation/Sierra Legal Defence/Steelhead Society/Georgia Straight Alliance etc.
Amoung that group was me. I was the only Independant Sportfisherman</u> in the room - representing NOBODY but the average Joe Sportfisherman. And as such - because I did not have any significant 'tree-hugging' or 'fish-hugging' credentials - I was ignored, and sat back and watched the meeting digress into a shoving match of the 'who's-who' in the environmentalist movement.
Clearly, there are many groups out there (especially volunteers) who contribute great and useful things towards helping our environment and wildlife. However, many of these groups have only one agenda - to make $$$.
Lastly, and please enlighten me Sir, about these 'other' existing groups/organizations out there doing such great work in the oppostion to the net-pen industry, let me ask you this:
WHY DO WE STILL HAVE FISHFARMING ON OUR COAST?
It is because I believe there are many out there like me - Sportfishermen - who, undoubtedly, have the most to lose with the passing of these magificent Wild-Fish, that I have launched this initiative. For I believe that we - and only we - have the intestinal fortitude and passion required to succeed in this war, where others have yet failed.
Cheers,
Terry Anderson
