ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 21, 1996 TAG: 9608210051
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CAPE MAY, N.J.
SOURCE: Associated Press
It's a question asked by most every child when baiting a hook for the first time: Won't this hurt the fish?
Animal rights advocates say it does. They are rallying here this week at the Mid-Atlantic $500,000, a high-stakes sport-fishing tournament.
The protest, the second this month at a major fishing tournament, marked the continuation of a campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that is aimed at eliminating all kinds of fishing.
Rob English, campaigns coordinator for PETA in Norfolk, Va., said Tuesday fishing tortures fish, promotes consumption of sometimes contaminated food and teaches children disrespect for animals.
According to English, an Australian microbiologist named Frank Hurd recently completed an 11-year study that concluded that fish have a complex network of nerve endings in their mouths, allowing them to feel pain when they bite into a hook.
Veterinarian Michael Fox, vice president of bioethics for the Humane Society of the United States, said fish and humans alike have systems that produce endorphins and other natural opiates to combat pain.
If fish did not feel pain, their bodies would not have been equipped with that reflex, he said.
``Any good fish behaviorist or keeper of fish will tell you yes, that you see in some species changes in fin position, body posture and color based on how the fish is feeling,'' Fox said.
PETA, whose members have become notorious for badgering fur wearers and shellfish eaters, demonstrated this month at a bass-fishing tournament in Birmingham, Ala.
``Every child asks their parents when they fish whether it hurts the fish. In the past, parents could honestly say, `We don't know' or `No, it doesn't,''' said English.
``We're asking people to learn about that and go with their original instinct, which is to not hurt fish or any other animals,'' he said.
This week, the protesters - including ``Gill,'' a costumed 7-foot fish - moved here to send their message to the 1,000 participants in the sport fishing event.
A teen-ager threw a dead fish at the pickets, but Monday's demonstration was otherwise peaceful. Passing motorists used hand signals to show their feelings.
The Mid-Atlantic $500,000, which continues through Friday, will go on as scheduled. ``There's not much for us to say,'' said Dick Weber, general manager of South Jersey Marina, which is the event's host. ``It is their opinion.''
However, marina officials did not let a reporter interview fishermen who participated in the tournament. Security guards blocked access to the area where the weigh-in took place.
LENGTH: Medium: 60 linesby CNB