Film about overfishing launched

Conservationists have urged consumers to watch the first major film about overfishing.

Published: 12:01AM BST 08 Jun 2009

The End of the Line will be premiered at cinemas across the country in time for World Ocean Day today (Monday June 8th).
The film depicts the plight of species such as bluefin tuna, which is in danger of dying out. Already it has prompted celebrities including model Elle Macpherson and actor Stephen Fry to condemn restaurants like Nobu for continuing to serve the fish.

Closer to home, the film claims 88 per cent of EU stocks are overfished.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said individuals can help reverse the decline by only eating fish that is sourced from sustainable fisheries. The charity have a pocketbook guide that people can easily carry in their wallets or information online.
Dr Simon Brockington, MCS Director, said consumers must take responsibility for the future of the oceans.
“In the UK the fisheries industry has taken big steps towards improving sustainability. However there is still more to be done, and everyone has a part to play – especially the seafood consumer,” he said.
Dr Brockington is also calling for a network or marine reserves to help recover “exhausted seas” as part of the Marine Bill that is currently going through Parliament.
“We now urgently need to safeguard our special places – protection of our seas and the wonderful life they support does go hand in hand with better stewardship of its resources. Our seas have taken a battering over the last century, but they may be amazingly forgiving,” he said. “By offering much needed protection to important areas of our seas now, we could still ensure a diverse and productive future”.
However Seafish, that represents the fishing industry in the UK, said consumers believe fishing is a vital part fo the economy.
John Rutherford, Seafish Chief Executive, said a recent survey showed many people are concerned about food security and believe fishing is key.
“The British public are rightly concerned that this nation must retain the ability to catch, process and distribute seafood products – not just for the economic benefits, but also to ensure that we can provide food for ourselves as the world’s population rises and demand for all foodstuffs, including seafood, grows higher.”