|
 "GUTTED"
The hard-hitting
documentary highlighting the plight of the UK fishing
industry, hits American TV screens this week:
American channel, KCTS is to screen the documentary
first seen in the UK last year. The documentary includes
heart rending scenes of a recently built fishing vessel
being sailed to its destruction in a Danish ship
breaking yard, where its remains are picked over to be
used elsewhere in the world, while the UK fishing
industry is left to rot by an uncaring Government.
"Tuesday, August 23, 2005-
10:30 PM
#404 Gutted *Letterbox*
For generations, the West family and thousands of other fishermen in the Scottish Fleet have trawled for cod in the North Sea. But as
(alleged) commercial overfishing has decimated the white fish population off the coast of Scotland, their livelihood is on the verge of collapse. The
Wests' home town of Fraserburgh is caught between European Union laws designed to preserve fish stocks and ration out the catch among member nations, and the need to earn a living in the most fishing-dependent town in Britain. Wives in the community, calling themselves the 'Cod Crusaders', besiege EU committee hearings in a last ditch effort to save the industry. The British quota under the EU's fisheries policy dictates that Sandy West must decommission the family boat, the Steadfast. Joining him on an emotional final voyage to the breaker's yard, Wide Angle connects economic and trade policies and environmental realities with the poignant story of a year in the life of one hard-hit fishing community.
Channel: KCTS
Also Airs:
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 10:30 PM (KCTS)
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 10:30 PM (DT)
Monday, August 29, 2005 1:00 AM (KCTS)
Monday, August 29, 2005 1:00 AM (DT) " |
|
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/about/film_s4_f4.html
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1422612002
http://www.scotsindependent.org/2004/040604/index.htm
http://www.scotsindependent.org/2004/040618/
http://www.kqed.org/programs/tv/program-landing.jsp?progID=11044
http://www.aptv.org/Schedule/showinfo.asp?ID=85856&Nola1=WIDA
http://www.buchanie.co.uk/fishingandweather.asp
The Cod Crusaders
are Carol MacDonald and Morag Ritchie. They are asking
communities to support their fight against the European
Commission's plans to ban cod catches in Scottish waters.
In the second stage
of their battle plan, they presented a 49000 name petition to
the Scottish Parliament. They then concentrated on lobbying
parliament for the UK Fishing Industry to be brought under the
control of the British Parliament. This included a petition
delivered to Parliament with over a quarter of a million
signatures!
Since they started in late 2002, their support has been growing
among fishermen and fishing communities from Shetland to
Dumfries.
Mrs MacDonald said: "We have been really encouraged by the support we have already received
throughout Scotland and would like everyone to take part in our
online Opinion Poll.
"We know it's not just Peterhead and Fraserburgh that would be affected. This would have a devastating effect across the whole country."
The group have been in touch with people and families at ports around the country
and have received overwhelming support for what has turned out
to be a truly national campaign.
She said: "We plan to lobby the Scottish Parliament, armed with
the Opinion Poll results."
During their campaign, the women have been wearing their
distinctive "Fishing SOS" Sweat-shirts.
"They were just printed up locally for us, and are available be contacting
us, it would be great to have everyone in the same standing outside the Parliament."
Last year, fishing fleets from around the North-east coast took part in a major demonstration at Edinburgh.
Skippers sailed along the Firth of Forth in a fight for Government aid.
Anyone who wants to take part in the campaign, are asked to
contact the Cod Crusaders now.
July
2005 - Cod Crusaders meet Chancellor Gordon Brown: "Campaigners fighting to save the fishing industry
met Chancellor Gordon Brown to ask for a recovery plan to help save the declining trade. Cod Crusaders Carol MacDonald and Morag Ritchie, from
Fraserburgh, traveled to London on July 13th to discuss the economic impact of the industry's collapse with Mr. Brown at The Treasury. Accompanied by SNP leader Alex Salmond and members of the United Fishing Industry Alliance,
Dick James & Keith Schofield, the Cod Crusaders called on the Government to return control of the fishing industry to
Scotland because, the controversial Common Fisheries Policy has failed to conserve fish stocks." Once
again, the Chancellor kept his purse firmly closed,
presumably saving his coffers for other 'higher profile'
causes like poverty in other countries - seemingly
content to ignore the continuing decline of his own
country's industries. |
|
Online
petition: The
petition ran during 2004, eventually amassing over a quarter of
a million contributors - it was delivered to the UK
Government in the Houses of Parliament. The basis for the
petition was as follows:
The EU Common Fisheries Policy has failed to conserve fish stocks. It has caused untold hardship for fishermen and their local communities and industries. That policy cannot be reformed. The EU Nation States must regain control of their own waters rather than the competence for fisheries remaining with Brussels. That has not worked. It has been proved to be ineffective and inadequate in the conservation and management of fish resources. It has resulted in bankruptcies, the uprooting of individuals and families, the destruction of thriving communities with centuries-old cultural traditions and communal lives.
Please
click on the "view petition" link under the statement.
This will take you to an online petition page which, although
the petition is now closed, you can read the words of support
received.
WE THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS OF BRITAIN WANT TO SEE OUR BRITISH SOVEREIGN WATERS RESTORED TO NATIONAL CONTROL AND FREED FROM EUROPEAN
BUREAUCRACY |
