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The Maritime Fishermen’s Union (MFU) is taking a proactive approach to the health of the environment that feeds their livelihood – the sea. The organization has recently established a Clean Oceans Committee. This sets the stage for future actions and discussions within its own organization, other industry groups as well as the public, on the subject of environmentally responsible fishing.
In keeping with the environmental theme of our 30th annual convention in February of 2007, the MFU unanimously passed a resolution to undertake a new campaign to raise fishermen’s awareness of the importance of a clean environment in collaboration with the different levels of government.
This is not the first MFU initiative on the problem of marine debris and the benefits of a clean ocean. In 1989 the MFU’s Ship to Shore campaign created posters which were placed on wharves, and ran TV and radio ads in an effort to make those using the ocean think about bringing their waste back to shore. The campaign encouraged fishermen to become part of the solution and protect the health of the eco-system on which they depend. This past initiative succeeded in both reducing marine debris, and conveying a clear and lasting message.
The issue of the health of our oceans continues to grow in importance, and in this region, many fish harvesters, Harbour Authorities (HA’s), Government representatives and Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) have been meeting to deal with the growing problem of the disposal of frozen bait packaging. The MFU has been actively involved in these discussions and has been instrumental in rekindling interest in this and other environmental issues relating to our oceans. While bait packaging is a significant problem for the local marine environment, our committee sees a need to broaden that focus to one that views clean oceans and responsible fishing practices as basic to a sustainable future for our fisheries.
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