In Defense of Fish: Advocacy for the World's Most Exploited Animals
Summary: An introduction to Friends of Fish and the issues we will be addressing through this network.
"We weep for a bird's cry, but not for a fish's blood. Blessed are those with a voice." ~ Author unknownFish represent the single most exploited group of animals on the face of the planet. They are farmed, hunted, poached, and have their eggs harvested for human consumption. They are wastefully butchered to collect organs for traditional medicines and delicacies. They are utilized heavily in biomedical research. Their skins, teeth, and preserved bodies are sold as fashion accessories and novelty items. Fish are taken from the wild or bred in intensive production facilities for the pet trade, and represent some of the most widely neglected and abused companion animals. They are mutilated to appeal to their owner's visual preferences. They are fought for profit and "sport," given away as prizes, used as living decorations, imprisoned in public aquariums, and maimed for sport in fishing. Wild fish suffer the effects of habitat loss, over-capture, pollution, and competing invasive species. Captive fish suffer irresponsible breeding practices, homelessness, abandonment, and countless forms of exploitation.
Every matter of cruelty and exploitation we crusade against in other species occurs on a vast and unregulated scale to fish. Afforded not even the most fundamental of legal protections such as humane slaughter or basic standards of husbandry, fish represent a vast and voiceless population of animals being grievously abused with no contest. Even the animal rights and animal welfare movements give concerns pertaining to fish only a passing glance, seldom addressed with more than an afterthought after discussing cruelty to "higher" animals. Perhaps more than any other type of animal, fish need a champion to bring their plight into the public eye and demand humane treatment.
Friends of Fish is devoted to educating concerned citizens about ways to improve the lives of fish and oppose cruel and exploitive practices. Because of this, I must include a disclaimer: it is my firm opinion that the best way to protect fish is to
simply stop exploiting them. However, for the sake of reaching a broad audience, we will address issues pertinent to fish from a multi-faceted &
welfarist perspective. As a result, some of these articles may as a result be offensive to those with an abolitionist or animal rights mindset. I feel that there is a place for both animal rights and animal welfare when reaching the public, but respect the opinions of those who disagree.
When the site is completed, I will be launching F.L.A.R.E. - Fish Liberation, Activism, and Rescue Enthusiasts - as a separate and rights-minded entity. This page will not be included on the Best Friend Network out of respect for the welfarist message of Best Friends Animal Society. For now, please take what is of value from our articles and spread the word to all who will listen.