Fish Update briefing Friday February 13

Ban fish says animal rights group
THE animal rights group Peta has urged the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth to take fish off the menu at its restaurant.
Peta’s specialist project manager Dawn Carr said: ‘The National Marine Aquarium advertises itself as a place where people can cultivate an understanding of and admiration for sea animals.
‘Yet after inviting people to look on these glorious, fascinating animals in awe, it’s odd that your cafe then invites people to stick a fork in them.’
But Dr David Gibson, the aquarium managing director, has said serving fish does not compromise its position as a marine charity, adding that all fish sold is ethically sourced.
The Deep marine centre in Hull has rejected a similar request.
 
Bid to rescue vessel stuck in ice
A MAJOR rescue operation is underway to free a 200 foot long Tasmanian fishing vessel which has become trapped in the Antarctic ice.
The vessel, Antarctic Chieftain, operated by Australian Longline in Launceston, is thought to have a damaged propeller.
It found itself unable to move in a position about 1,450 kilometres north-east of the icy McMurdo Sound waters.
The crew of 23 are thought to be safe.
Meanwhile, a New Zealand fishing vessel, the Janus, and an American icebreaker, the Polar Star, have responded to calls for assistance.
The Polar Star is now closing in on the stricken vessel, which was fishing for Patagonian toothfish.
 
Red Cross honours trawler crew
THE crew of the Icelandic factory trawler Örfirisey RE were given a commendation this week by Red Cross Iceland for an outstanding life-saving achievement two months ago.
The crewmen used first aid skills to save the life of chief mate Kristján Víðir Kristjánsson when he suffered a cardiac arrest at sea. A defibrillator was used to restart his heart.
The event took place at a special ceremony in Reykjavik.
Jón Thorsteinn Sigurðsson, chairman of the Reykjavík branch of the Red Cross, said: ‘We started early by commending the crew of Örfirisey, as the ship  (owned by the company HB Grandi) was due to sail last night.
‘In my opinion, these guys are real-life heroes. They showed exceptional heroism by keeping fellow crewman Kristján Víðir Kristjánsson alive for three hours before a rescue team and a doctor were able to step in.’
 
Helena goes bare to save tuna
ACTRESS Helena Bonham Carter has posed naked with a giant tuna in support of the Blue Marine Foundation which is campaigning for marine reserves to be set up around the world to protect endangered fish and other marine species.
She was persuaded to pose by her friend Greta Scacchi, who was snapped naked with a cod a couple of years ago.
Bonham Carter said: ‘I am a big supporter of protecting the marine environment.
‘However, I am actually very phobic about fish so when Greta asked me to be photographed naked with a 27kg tuna I was more worried about touching it than getting my kit off.’