Staying cool over the summer months can be a challenge. We’re not talking about managing your comfort levels when the temps heat up (although that can be a challenge too) – we’re talking about staying cool when you are abused or harassed by other marine users for doing your job.
The sad reality is people who work in the seafood industry are increasingly being threatened, harassed and abused, both online and in real life.
Below are three examples of property damage and harassment in recent times from one North Island area:
- Having to put cameras on the local wharf because someone kept slashing the tyres of commercial fisher’s vehicles
- Cray fishermen having their pots cut
- A local fisherman who had a grinder taken to his trailer while he was at sea
Being on the receiving end of this stuff is rough. The online harassment can have a real psychological impact and be frightening for fishers and their families.
Neither online nor real life abuse is something anyone going about their legal business should have to deal with. And harassment of all types tends to ramp up over the summer months with more people out enjoying the moana and its bounty.
So why is this stuff happening? One fisher we spoke to said he thinks it’s due to misinformation not malice, and we would agree.
Many people out there have been told that commercial fishing is taking their fish or pillaging ecosystems. Neither thing is true of course, if you subscribe to The Update you will be very aware of the amazing mahi we do so that we can fish sustainably with as little impact as possible.
The impact harassment has on our commercial fishers is huge. But the good news is there are people out there who can help – and we are talking with many of them.
The NGOs who take issue with commercial fishing can help, by moderating their language and making sure they stick to the facts.
New Zealand’s responsible media outlets can help by improving their knowledge of fishing and the science around it, so they can avoid repeating misinformation. And they can ensure balance by reaching out to Seafood New Zealand or individual fishing companies. Seafood New Zealand has been quoted in 16 media stories in the last three months, but there were more stories about commercial fishing that didn’t include us. When that happens, we always remind the media outlet in question that we’re here and keen to be a part of a balanced conversation.
And fishers, we are asking you something too. We’re asking you to seek out help if you need it. Seafood New Zealand has pulled together a to what to do if you experience abuse online or in real life. We’ve already shared this a couple of times through The Update and will continue to share it for as long as we keep hearing stories of abuse.
If your mental health is suffering because of all this and you work for a large commercial organisation, talk to your manager about what EAP (Employee Assistance Programmes) are available to you. Usually these are free and they are always confidential. If you are a smaller independent operator, reach out to the likes of . Their support services are also free and confidential.
What we do know is we have to do our bit by not adding to the anger. That means this summer, with more marine users out on the water it’s important to stay cool if a situation arises.
We get that this is sometimes easier said than done but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are people who get it and see the value of what we do.
Just last week someone (clearly not a fan of commercial fishing), posted a photo on a community recreational fishing Facebook group. The photo was of an inshore trawling vessel legally going about its business. Not surprisingly, given the nature of the group, a stream of negative comments followed in quick succession, but amongst the negative commentary there were also some pretty awesome ones too.
We want to finish this update with a sprinkling of these comments, so that you can bank these in your minds as you go about your work this summer. It’s so important to know that you’re not alone.
Ka pai to these folk!
- Not everyone has a boat some buy from shops. Everyone has to make a dollar it is a job after all keeps people employed.
- This vessel is monitored 24/7 in real time and has cameras on board. Legal operator and has been fishing these waters for 60 plus years. The fishery currently in the area has improved year on year. No issue.
- Thats there job bro let them be not everone can catch there own (this one got 6 likes).
