International legal expert calls for Tokyo 2 acquittal

More from the T2 trial in Amori today where Prof. Dirk Voorhoof took the stand arguing the T2’s case for acquittal. Find more info in the press advisory below.

A HUGE thank you to all those lending their voice and support for the T2….Watch a personal thank you from Junichi and Toru here.

Farmed salmon exposed-watch video online

An enlightening glimpse into Canada’s salmon farming industry can now be seen online in Damien Gillis’ documentary entitled “Farmed Salmon Exposed: The Global Reach of the Norwegian Salmon Farming Industry”. Click here to watch.

Closed containment systems are being offered many environmental organizations and scientists alike as the solution to many of the problems exposed in this documentary. From systems that reuse water and others that use the solid waste produced from the farm to feed other crops, closed containment systems that also ensure sources of fish feed are sustainable and don’t rely heavily on wild fish stocks, and ensure sources of broodstock and energy use are also strictly assessed,  will help transform the current disastrous industry into one with far fewer impacts to the environment.

Second phase of T2 trial has begun

lead-defense-counsel-for-greenThe second phase of the Tokyo 2 trial began on Monday and here is a brief synopsis of some of the highlights so far…

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 will be certified, allowing it to carry the blue and white sticker denoting alleged sustainability.  Dredged sea 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.