Second Annual ‘Respect for Fish Day’ - Show Your Support!
On the first of August, the second annual Respect for Fish Day will be celebrated. In Defense of Animals launched Respect for Fish Day to raise awareness about the sentience of fish and the concerns around their welfare. Despite scientific evidence confirming that fish are intelligent beings capable of feeling pain and emotions, fish are among the most abused animals and have been overlooked in animal rights discussions and animal welfare policies. Trillions of fish are caught and farmed each year and millions of others are exploited in laboratories, in the international aquarium trade, and for blood sports.
250 organisations will join In Defense of Animals this Sunday to encourage the general public and lawmakers to offer fish the same respect and protection as other animals.
“We are thrilled to host the second annual Respect for Fish Day alongside hundreds of dedicated organisations and individuals who want to create a more compassionate world for fish. This year, we’re teaming up with the makers of The Dark Hobby to host exclusive live events, activists in New Jersey to take a stand against SeaQuest interactive aquariums and zoos, and much more. Please join us at respectforfish.org," said Julie Massa, Wild Animals campaigner for In Defense of Animals.
This year’s focus will be on the plight of fish and the issues around the aquarium trade. Here’s how you can participate in Respect for Fish Day:
Social media
Post on your social media pages with the hashtag #Respect4Fish, and on August 1, send out the tweets that are listed on In Defense of Animals’ Tweetsheet.
Register for the events taking place on August 1:
How Documentaries Inspire Ocean Conservation (11 a.m. PT) - online
The Dark Hobby: Respect for Fish Essential Actions (5 p.m. PT) - online
If you live in New Jersey, join the demonstration to stop SeaQuest in Woodbridge on August 1 from 2-4 p.m. ET.
If you are part of an organisation, you can sign up to be an ally of the campaign. The goal is to build a strong coalition to generate a widespread impact!