Dear :
I am writing
to protest [name of sponsor] promotion of fishing. Fishing is
devastating to the environment and cruel to animals.
A study
of one lake in Wales revealed that the majority of litter left by
visitors was found along the small section of shoreline predominantly
used by fishers. Discarded bait containers accounted for nearly half
the total trash. But even the most conscientious and careful fishers
must share the blame, because every sport fisher eventually loses
tackle--fishing line easily snaps when it becomes tangled in tree
branches during casting or when hooks get snagged on rocks in the
water.
Many wildlife rehabilitators say that fishing litter is
one of the single greatest causes of injuries to aquatic animals.
Fishing hooks and lures lacerate birds' feet, beaks, or throats--often
causing fatal injuries. Countless birds and other animals suffer, and
many die, from injuries caused by swallowing or becoming entangled in
discarded fishing hooks, monofilament line, and lead weights. Every
year, fishers leave behind a trail of tackle victims that includes
millions of birds, turtles, bats, and other animals who suffer
debilitating injuries or slowly starve to death after swallowing
fishhooks or becoming entangled in fishing line.
In addition,
fishing is extremely inhumane. Fish have sensory hairs on their backs
that register vibrations and electrical fields. They have taste buds
in their throats, as well as in their lips and noses. They use their
mouths much as we use our hands, to pick things up and feel them, to
collect food, build homes, and take care of their babies (when danger
is near, some fish open their mouths to allow their babies to hide
inside).
Please rethink your decision to promote this cruel
sport when planning future events.
Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Address]
