Reframing Protest

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In December 2009, the United Nations climate change meetings took place in Copenhagen, Denmark. Around the world, people took to the streets, demanding action. In Canada, Greenpeace scaled the Parliament buildings to draw attention to Stephen Harper’s stance on climate change. At the same time, peaceful acts of protest, large and small, took place across the country.

Reporting on the protests, CBC news took a playful tone, asking: does protesting change anything? The broadcast seems to conclude that groups like Greenpeace protest because we don’t have access to the corridors of power. We can’t afford expensive lobbyists. We don’t play golf. Our only alternative: climb buildings, put up banners. If only we could reach policy-makers by conventional means, the broadcast implies, we’d hang up our grappling hooks for good.

That’s not exactly true. First, Greenpeace does lobby politicians. As implied, we don’t use expensive lobbyists. Like other Canadian residents, we write letters, we circulate petitions, we comment on political platforms, we hold forums. In addition, we often develop relationships with our elected representatives, sharing our scientific research and policy expertise. Sometimes we hold meetings with them, attempting to influence their decisions. Sometimes it works.  

MSC strikes again…ocean floor most recent victim

scallopsThe MSC announced today that the eastern Canada offshore scallop fishery with be certified, allowing it to carry the blue and white sticker denoting alleged sustainability.  Dredged aea scallops, found on Greenpeace’s Redlist, are FAR from sustainable, and once again the MSC is sending a confusing message that a fishery that uses a fishing method akin to bulldozing the ocean floor is worthy of a stamp of approval.  Like another fishery up for certification- the longline swordfish fishery- the scallop fishery is known to incidentally catch sea turtles, as well as a variety of other non-target species.  If you’re a consumer craving scallops, avoid these ones and go for a greener choice such as those that have been farmed using suspension culture.

Tokyo 2 trial-phase one complete

justicevigilIt’s been over a week since the trial of the Tokyo 2 began and it’s time for some reflection on the trial and to take the time to highlight the out-pouring of support from our loyal co-defendants around the world.

Minister Shea: the best advocate for overfishing votes can buy

sheagail_cpcWhile the EU commission recommends that the EU supports a listing of bluefin tuna under Appendix I of CITES (albeit with some ridiculous conditions), Canada has decided to not only refuse to support the listing but try to influence other countries to do the same. Thanks Minister Shea, you’re such a great advocate for sustainable fisheries. Oh wait…

(Photo source: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)

NZ fishing southern bluefin to death

As the rest of the world is focussed on banning trade of northern bluefin tuna in an attempt to avoid a catastrophic collapse, the NZ government has decided that increasing fishing on the critically endangered southern bluefin is a  smart idea.  Something’s amuck down there and we need your help to tell them that instead of increasing the quota by 25% they need to let them be! Find out more info here http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/news/nz-increases-bluefin-quota

Click here to take action! http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/action/tuna/

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SAVE THE BLUEFIN NOW!