Fort Greenpeace stages first demo
LOCHABER’S newest environmental activism group, Fort William Greenpeace, sprung into action last week as it launched its inaugural campaign by staging its first protest on the town’s High Street.
Donning penguin masks and armed with banners, a group of campaigners took to the street last Thursday to protest against the sale of krill-based products, such as krill oil and omega-3 pills, by pharmacies and other outlets, which they say threatens the entire Antarctic ecosystem.
The newly-formed Fort William branch of Greenpeace, which held its first meeting last month, surveyed 91 local customers outside Boots in Fort William and found that the majority of customers in the town oppose the shop selling of krill-based products.
According to the campaigners, krill underpins the entire Antarctic ecosystem and the tiny, shrimp-like creature is the bedrock of the food chain there, providing vital sustenance for larger Antarctic life such as whales and penguins.
Deanna, a local Greenpeace volunteer, said: ‘I’m really concerned that industrial krill fishing is taking place in a sensitive area under consideration to become an ocean sanctuary.’
The campaigners say that the protest allowed residents of the town to send a clear message: stop endangering the Antarctic’s ecosystem and get on board with plans to protect the Antarctic Ocean.
Deanna continued: ‘We were overwhelmed with how many people wanted to know more about the issues around the Antarctic and krill fishing, and it’s clear that customers want Boots to join the likes of Holland and Barrett, Morrisons and Superdrug, who have discontinued this devastating product.’
Greenpeace has been campaigning globally since January to preserve the Antarctic Ocean by creating the world’s largest protected area, an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary. The proposed sanctuary would be the largest protected area in the world, covering an area five times the size of Germany.
Stephen Kershaw, Greenpeace volunteer and one of the founding members of the Fort William branch, added: ‘In October, governments will decide whether or not to create an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary.
‘We’re one of 60-plus local groups campaigning to help ensure this happens so please help us out and sign our petition by texting “protect your name” to 60777.’
Fort William Greenpeace environmental group meet monthly in The Wildcat, Fort William High Street.
The group is looking for new members, so if you’d like to get involved join greenwire. greenpeace.org and search for Fort William Greenpeace.