‘Mermaid’ to Hang From Real Fish Hooks Through Her Flesh at Fisherman’s Wharf
Graphic PETA Protest at ‘Farmer’s Market for Fish’ Will Urge Everyone to Leave Aquatic Animals off Their Plates
For Immediate Release:
December 13, 2017
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
What: Wearing little more than bodypaint and a “tail” and hanging several feet above the ground from hooks pierced through her skin, a PETA “mermaid” will shock people at San Francisco’s touristy Fisherman’s Wharf on Thursday. The graphic protest aims to inspire everyone to choose delicious fishless filets instead of the gutted bodies of sensitive animals who didn’t want to die.
When: Thursday, December 14, 12 noon
Where: Fisherman’s Wharf (at the intersection of Taylor and Jefferson streets), San Francisco
“Fish are intelligent animals with their own unique personalities, and they suffer enormously when they’re dragged from the sea in nets or impaled on hooks,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA’s blisteringly realistic protest will encourage everyone to help scale back cruelty by keeping fish off their plates in favor of healthy and humane vegan options.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—notes that studies have shown that fish not only feel pain but also learn tasks, have long-term memories, use tools, and show affection. When they’re hauled up from the ocean depths, they experience the excruciating pain of decompression, and the pressure change often damages their internal organs. Eating fish is also harmful to humans—fish flesh contains massive amounts of toxins, such as methylmercury and PCBs, which can cause cancer, brain damage, and birth defects.
Today, there are many delicious options that don’t harm animals, such as faux fish, vegan shrimp, and other fabulous cruelty-free foods.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
