Update 6: Injured fishermen airlifted to Malta after tuna clash

Dr Francis Saliba

Jun 20th 2010, 00:15

@AntonioAnastasi

Your hypothetical case of excessive use of self-defense is totally inapplicable because the hospitalized persons were not the aggressor pirates. Your piratical “activists” cannot plead self-defense (neither legitimate nor excessive) because they were not defending themselves against an unjust aggressor. They were the aggressors attacking fisherman and damaging their fishing equipment. In this particular case it is preposterous to protest on behalf of these piratical activists that self-defense must be proportionate and not excessive. They did not suffer injuries that required hospitalization. Two of their victims needed to be air lifted to hospital.

There is no question of any “political and moral convenience”!

Amy Zahra

Jun 19th 2010, 19:00

@Gustav Svensson


Its very ironic how in the same paragraph you are saying that you do not like the fact that there is no abortion and that you do not like the fact that we mishandle illegal immigrants( you are saying this)....dont you think it is a bit controversial??!!!

I am not saying I agree with mishandling of any people but I do not agree with abortion either!

Denis Catania

Jun 19th 2010, 18:30

One way you can support the Maltese fisherman and fisherman around the world is to buy more tuna. Show them we won't put up with violent activism.
Tuna recipes. 61 for canned and 16 for fresh.
http://southernfood.about.com/od/tunacasserolerecipes/Tuna_Casserole_Recipes.htm

http://southernfood.about.com/od/freshtunarecipes/Fresh_Tuna_Recipes_Grilled_Tuna_Steaks.htm

Antonio Anastasi

Jun 19th 2010, 15:36

@ Dr. Francis Saliba.
While I regret and find the injury to the fishermen, unacceptable on moral and legal terms, I still find it uncomprehensible, that the same media and political treartment was not given to the Greepeace activist that was injured, as well as that the same political contemnation was not seen when the activists were, with extreme prejudice, rammed with hard boats, action which is as deadly as being rammed by a car.
To use an oft used argument.
If somebody breaks onto my property, with no other intend that to steal, and I respond with vilolence causing grivious boldily harm, I will be prosecuted for using unecessary force.
If a person trys to mug somebody in the street and the responce causes the mugger to fall causing a fatality, the defender will be prosecutded as his action went beyond necessary force.
I Fail to see the differnce here where, and I am not agreeing here with violent action, it was OK when the fishermen injured activists, now that fishermen are injured the gorvenment and far too many rage at a as reprihensible injury.
Were is the difference other than political and moral convenience?

Antonio Anastasi

Jun 18th 2010, 20:39

What I would like to know is why Sea Shepherd is said to have used tear gas and rubber bullets when, I could be wrong, they have never done so before with the more agressive Japanese whalers?
As I said. I stand to be corrected and will apologize, but it all sounds so pat.
Why was nobody treated for teargas? Was anybody hit by the rubber bullets? Were they treated?
If all that did in fact happen than as stated previously they over stepped their own mandate and terms of operation.
Over and above the fact that the Sea Shepherd tore the nets. Why are the government the fishermen and all those uttering against this action, do not question the fact that the fish, given the weather reports and distances, may have been caught illegally?
None of us were there, and at this stage its the word of one against the other.
I do know however that the fishermen have proved themself cabale of indiscriminate violence as was shown last Sunday, which to date is still without condemnation from the government, at least in repeating their statement that noboby has the right to vigilante justice.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jun 18th 2010, 20:32

Jason Borg, I invariably defend those who act IN A LEGAL MANNER! Can the same be said for you and those you defend?! And YES Sir, I do pray for my enemies as well as a certain group of people so that God may rid them of their hatred towards others! Now, do you have any factual argument on the topic being discussed, Sir?!!!!

Tony Caruana

Jun 18th 2010, 19:59

The Human Race will be extinct in a a hundred years, so why are you worrying about a few fishes ?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1287643/Human-race-extinct-100-years-population-explosion.html

Andrew Farrugia

Jun 18th 2010, 19:25

@ Gustav Svensson

Methinks you're Swedish! Two things i don't like about YOUR country: ABBA (they are so camp) and the high rate of suicides.

Isabella Peresso Fiorentino

Jun 18th 2010, 19:11

Congratulations to these brave people who stand up and defend the animals who have no voice.

Victory to the hundreds of tuna which managed to escape.

Joe Fenech

Jun 18th 2010, 19:11

Poor guys! These people who are wiping out the tuna from the Mediterranean need to really be looked after!

Antonio Anastasi

Jun 18th 2010, 17:37

This is another way of fighting this continued ecological disaster. Maybe our Chefs too can start the ball rolling in helping to preserve this endangered fish. Chefs around the world have taken the Bluefin off the menu. http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&ndb=1&id=34741

S.Zammit

Jun 18th 2010, 16:53

A Very inspiring quote...if only we would ever learn...

''I think we all know now that we can't carry on the way we are doing. If we were bacteria in a Petri dish we would have committed auto-genocide by now; if we were any other mammal species, our unsustainable way of life would long ago have set us on the road to extinction. The big difference between Homo Sapiens and all other species, however, is that we have the means within us to address the problems we have caused, to tackle them, and to solve them. This is the reason why we have become so successful at the EXPENSE OF THE REST OF THE PLANET,why we are still here, and why our numbers are still climbing. Now, we face the greatest challenge of all, and one that is entirely of our own making. Can we overcome it in time? Can we be bothered to try-even for our children's sake?Only time will tell.''
-------------------------------------------------------
Seven Years to Save the Planet

Dr Francis Saliba

Jun 18th 2010, 16:31

Dr Francis Saliba(14 minutes ago)
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is setting itself up as the accuser, the judge and jury, and the executioner, all rolled into one, in this dispute between it and fishermen trying to earn a living for themselves and their families within the law. This is intolerable. If they fail to understand this peacefully then the law should intervene, pronto.

g borg

Jun 18th 2010, 16:07

These Fishermen are so faithful to their bosses!
If robbers break into a bank, bank employees, including the security guards are instructed not to fight...but not here…here we have heroes who throw themselves at the ‘attackers ‘ and fight at the risk of injuring or even killing themselves …wow you don’t get these type of workers on land….. do you?
Joe Caruana you must really be a good boss! wow!

Joseph A Borg

Jun 18th 2010, 14:39

an interesting guide to buying fish:

http://www.edf.org/documents/1980_pocket_seafood_selector.pdf

Gustav Svensson

Jun 18th 2010, 14:33

Just another thing I don't like about Malta

- Because there is money in Tuna....
- Because there is money in Strip clubs..
- Because there is money in Internet gamling..
- No action against pedofiles..
- Roads..
- Environment..
- Corruption..
- Poor bulding quality
- Bad service in restaurants..to excessive prices..
- No divorce
- No abortion
- Un human handling of immigrants

Yea feels like malta is on the right track..

Jformosa

Jun 18th 2010, 13:39

Genesis 1:28...God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.”
The hunters and fishermen are doing what God told them :) except He did not say eradicate them and/or kill them for fun or to the detriment of future generations.

J.Pace

Jun 18th 2010, 13:33

There should be a tuna limit catch, in number and in size and not an open season, catch what ever possible! We must protect our waters and not see only money in pockets, catch to export them.
I am not saying that the green peace method is justified, but one should start considering also our sea as part of the environment problem.
These jelly fish 10 years ago were only present for the first few summer weeks, not thought-out all the summer.

S.Zammit

Jun 18th 2010, 13:12

Everyone see the videos below...tuna is disappering from our seas at an alarming rate.Can't we realise that if tuna becomes extinct, we are endangering the jobs of fishermen. Protecting the tuna is only in the end protecting our jobs. Lets think long term. Act before its to late. Tuna has declined by 85% ...doesn't that mean anything to anyone??:-(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5_Qp6Tl1V0&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bedirwk95Oc

Well done Greepeace and Sea Shepherd. Please keep om PROTECTING OUR TUNA .
Please protect it but no one should be hurt at any point. I also wish a quick recovery to any people who got injured in any clashes.

Regards

victor vella

Jun 18th 2010, 12:44

I do hope that the Libyan ambassador has been handed a note verbal about the help the Libyan Navy provided.

Steve Mizzi

Jun 18th 2010, 12:06

Although I feel quite impartial on the the current tuna stocks issue, an attack on a Maltese registered vessel is an attack on Malta.

It is bad enough when we get bullied by our much larger neighbours, let us not allow environmentalists to do the same.

The AFM should track the Steve Irwin down and fire a couple of shots across it's bow as a warning and the authorities should work towards issuing an international arrest warrant for the capture of the Steve Irwin's Captain.

Joe Grima

Jun 18th 2010, 11:44

I agree with Eric Gahn.

Attn : The Government of Malta - The EU laws are there to be followed by all member states and this applies to our environment, which today has become a joke, to say the least.

Well done, protectors of our seas !

Christopher Grech

Jun 18th 2010, 11:41

It is time that fishermen go out to sea armed. After all the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, may prefer to act the bully with the Maltese rather than facing a big trawler.

Spoiling the catch is in reality theft. Are adherents to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, put to jail?

Enough with silly human laws.

Rubber bullets may be the way out, and lawyers think that by their methods they provide the magic "silver bullet" solution!

Talk is so cheap.

Eric Gahn

Jun 18th 2010, 11:14

What legal framework? That does not work for the fish who have no highly paid lawyers to speak for them. If anyone takes this matter to court it will drag on from court to higher ping pong court until all tuna (and whales and turtles and strawberry jam) are extinct. Then some politician will come out crying saying matters should have been dealt with faster and earlier. Sea Shepherd are the 'earlier' action.

In ths case, the Malta Govt is making up stories about the injured fisherman when the real truth is that tuna exports are a making some people very rich regardless of the irraparable damage being done to the ecosystem. Hiding behind the law does not sweeten it. This is a case where the words of the law are used to a detriment.

Last point: There is enough proof around that Governments (not just our beloved one) are doing nothing concrete to protect the environment. The air is full of noxious fumes, polluted seas, polluted rivers, drying lakes, etc..... Just as long as someone is raking in millions Govts have proved over and over they do not care. Societies like Sea Shepherd are fighting a good war.

Katia Bugeja

Jun 18th 2010, 11:12

May there be the same defence for illegal Imigration as well in the Meditterenean and Across Europe. Than Europe's economy will be saved and so they will reduce the risk of killing endangered pensions - the financial benefit paid after a person has stopped working.

Maltin x'raqda rieqdin! What is ILLEGAL cannot be praised, that's what we're doing in Malta.
When are we going to defence our tiny Island for this whale of Illegal Immigration? More than we can imagine is happening illegally. we have to stop this illegal immigration from Russia, China, Phillipines, Africa... etc ... etc. A lot is going on AND whoever employ these illegal Immigrants in Prostitution like the Russian, in health care services and cleaning services like the Chinese, Phillipines and Africans is Cursing the Island more and moreover will curse his own and our own Future Pensions in the long run. Accept these people to work for you illegally and you're destroying your own pension and others. You are the one who are praising Illegal Immigration. May there be the same defence for illegal Imigration as well in the Meditterenean and across Europe. Shame to Us and to all embassies found around Malta.

Raymond Sammut

Jun 18th 2010, 11:00

Before attacking Conservation groups for their protestations, and defending innocent Gonzi, here are current data from United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO). Region is Mediterranean and Black Sea(FAO area37).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish Status..................Main fishing countries...........................Tons/year
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Azov Sea Sprat:--------------Depleted Russian Federation, Ukraine 27,000
Pontic Shad:-------------------Depleted Bulgaria 0
Other Shads:------------------Depleted Nigeria, Korea, Cameroon, Sierra Leone 3,000
European Hake:--------------Overexploited Italy, Spain, Greece, France 21,000
Whiting:-------------------------Fully exploited-depleted Turkey, Russian Federation 10,000
Red Mullet:---------------------Moderately exploited to depleted Turkey, Tunisia, Spain 5,000
European Anchovy:----------Fully exploited to overexploited Turkey, Italy 483,000
European Sprat:--------------Depleted Ukraine, Bulgaria, Russian Federation 70,000
Sardinellas:--------------------Underexploited to depleted Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Spain 67,000
Albacore:-----------------------Fully exploited to depleted Italy, Greece 6,000
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna:-------Depleted France, Italy, Tunisia, Turkey 22,000
Swordfish:---------------------Overexploited Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia 12,000
Atlantic Bonito:---------------Fully exploited to depleted Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Tunisia 12,000
Striped venus:----------------Fully exploited to overexploited Italy, Turkey 36,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's clear that the Bluefin Tuna species has now been depleted. Yet, countries like Malta and France don't want to stop hording, fattening and sell to Japan for big money. This tuna isn't destined for the Maltese table. It's being taken away. All Gonzi can do is sell fishing rights to the profiteers. Gonzi has got to come clean.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jun 18th 2010, 10:55

Adrian Cachia, likewise, you should be pretty aware there are hypocrites coming from the anti-hunting/anti-fishing NGO's who are in favour of abortion and that is shameful! Being in favour of killing a HUMAN-BEING but against the killing of animals!! If you do have a God, does this God approve the killing of human-beings?!!!!

Chris Finch, I am proud to be patriotic and I will defend my co-citizens and our dear Malta! I am afraid, your past comments lack patriotism! "Blindly coming out in support of something just because it means the killing of a creature" - No Sir! I defend the rights of my co-citizens and condemn the illegal acts of foreigners!! And no Sir, my prayers are with the injured fishermen and their families. Unchristian is your hatred, disrespect, intolerance towards others. No use trying to depict yourself as Holy Holy. Actions speak louder than words!!

S Camilleri, actually "There is little difference between your" Greenpeace / Sea Shepherd activists, CABS, BLM, etc. Provocation, trespassing, acting in an illegal manner, etc. Finally, the abortion argument seems to bother you - it reminds you of those hypocrites around you! Pity!!

Claudia Abela

Jun 18th 2010, 10:30

I agree with the PN's press statement .... defending Maltese workers carrying their duties lawfully is the way....prosit

James Formosa

Jun 18th 2010, 09:41

Fact - Blue Fin Tuna are critically endangered.
Fact - the 14th June was the last legal day to fish and the catch was conveniently placed on that date by Libyan seiners!! Yeah right!
Fact - the law is not doing enough to protect this species
Fact - Human lives will be put at risk to save the tuna (on both sides) for very different reasons
Fact - Saving the tuna will benefit not only the eco-system but also the fishermen in the long run
Fact - Fish & Fish aren't too happy
Fact - 800 tuna fish are happy
Fact - Gonzi is sitting on his ass :)

John Borg

Jun 18th 2010, 08:12

This is just the beginning! I hope the authorities take immediate and drastic action before an escalation of similar incidents.
One cannot but notice that:
1, greenpeace are picking Malta as their target ( two incidents in few days.......isn't it a far fetched coincidence ?)

2 there are worrying similarities with the Maltese Hunting issue that splashed our country's name throughout the media unjustly putting it under dark shadows.

Act now before it's too late.

j.spiteri

Jun 18th 2010, 07:08

Condemnations, condemnations, condemnations. We grow fat on condemnations. Still these thugs roam our seas free. I hope these international criminals get what they deserve. And GonziPN, for once show some spine. You are usually a bully and very nasty with us John the Citizen! Maltese workers are getting physically hurt now! Thank our lucky stars we are not mourning anyone today.

Franco Farrugia

Jun 18th 2010, 06:41

It is a world-known FACt that Greenpeace activists are not known for endangering lives, except their own. It is a world-known FACT that Greenpeace are considered a nuisance, NOT a security risk!

Raymond Sammut

Jun 18th 2010, 01:51

The Sea Shepherd protest teams have a long history of being aggressive in their campaigns. In this case, the grapnel was thrown at the tuna pen. The claim of the use of rubber bullets would need investigation by the authorities.

Quote:"Mr Pullicino condemned the act of aggression. He said everyone had a right to express different views but everything had to be done within a legal framework. He insisted that the fishermen had acted legally and were earning an honest living.":Unquote.

I agree with Mr Pullicino that fishermen were fishing legally, but strongly disagree with his claim that they are earning an "honest living".

We aren't here talking about the Maltese fisherman on a luzzu. This is a highly organized destructive activity driven by greedy businessmen right at the top. All EU governments, except
Greece--Cyprus--Malta--Spain--France--Italy, are strongly against this so-called "legal" fishing. Because of the greedy lobby groups in the uncooperative countries, the EU cannot ban it --not even temporarily. These mega catches continue without relent --juveniles and all, to fatten and export to Japan. Not only they continue, but also without EU monitoring. A gutless EU calls for the Sea Shepherd group to come in.

Henry Fenech Azzopardi

Jun 17th 2010, 23:31

@ Chris Finch.

Did it never occur to you that there are ways and means to take action against probable illegal situations. I do not even want to go into the merits of the incident. I need no clips, I need no videos. It is definitely a case of arrogance at its best by people who are capable of taking the law in their hands and attack without notice. Their presence in the area is unwarranted.

Let us assume that the fishermen were acting illegally and hoarding tuna catch. What rights do these so called protectors of the environment have to act irresponsibly and damage private property. We are living in 2010 and no one, repeat no one, may be pardoned with the excuse of protecting the environment and take the law with his own hands.

Their presence in the area is enough proof that their intentions were malicious and the authorities should take immedeate action to make a stop and bring to justice to any organisation breaking the law.

Malta should put its foot down before things get out of hand.

E. Farrugia

Jun 17th 2010, 23:19

True we have two very different versions of the incident, but I cannot imagine how a fishing vessel trawling a tuna pen went on provoking the Sea Shepherd, if anything I guess they'd try to avoid getting any close to them. What authority does this society have to carry out any inspections on the tuna pens? I tend to understand the fishermen's reaction to protect their catch from anyone, especially from people who's ideals push them to extremes - possibly including trying to break open the pens and free the tuna catch.

I hope local authorities do have some sort of jurisdiction on the spot where all this happened.

Dennis Zammit

Jun 17th 2010, 22:57

@ D. Xuereb

This is a totally different situation and your link is absolutely out of place. It would be better if you removed this link.

This time they are speaking of a legal activity in the Mediterranean and not illegal whale hunting.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Jun 17th 2010, 22:52

Hopefully the PN will realize that fanatics do exist and it will take a stand against such abuse before someone get killed.

The same sort of fanatics, some even ex Greenpeace members, roam our countryside during the hunting seasons and here too violence has been quite an issue.

Indeed there are ways and means of protesting. What Greenpeace are doing is nothing short of fanatical behaviour. Most of their protests take on direct confrontation and in the case of tuna fishing their actions are illegal.

Stephen Florian

Jun 17th 2010, 22:49

That ship was berthed at the Grand Harbour last week and it was flying a Jolly Roger ...! This is madness in the making.

j.camenzuli

Jun 17th 2010, 22:47

Why do we have an Army and Navy for? The government should use them and if need be fire on any ship that approach our fishing vessels. Our fishermen needs protection.While in the RN during what was called the cod war thats exactly what we did. We used to ram the icelandic ships if they interfer or get near the fishing area. Do not let anyone dictate to us what we should do we are capable to look after ourseves.

Ivan Vassallo

Jun 17th 2010, 21:52

There are too many foreigners butting in our internal affairs, maybe it's time the government acts as a real government with full sovereignty to protect his citizens' and taxpayers' interests.

J Farrugia

Jun 17th 2010, 21:45

These terrorists must be severely punished and their vessels impounded by the Maltese police authorities. Get your act together and arrest these louts, before the people take the law into their own hands. .

Denis Catania

Jun 17th 2010, 21:40

A warrant for seizure should be put against this vessel and should it enter Maltese waters the ship should be seized. Also an arrest warrant for the crew. This is what happens when a weak government let's Green Peace get away with attacking Maltese fisherman other will follow with attacks as they know our weak government will not take actions to protect Maltese fisherman.

Antoine Vella

Jun 17th 2010, 20:39

Its disgusting what this foreign volonteers or mercenaries are doing in Malta.On land we see like we have been attacked from german paratroopers in April , CABS paid to watch and enter wherver they want and with the blessing of the goverment.
On the sea now its like we have pirates in the sake of so called conservation.Its like everyone can do what he wants but only if you are a foreigner.
Disgusting acts what these foreigners are doing , goverment wake up we don t need these farce acts here!

S Vella

Jun 17th 2010, 20:24

I hope "Captain" paul watson reads this.. ,If you are a real Master and a Ships' Captain worth your salts you are duty boud to avoid confrontation at sea ( as well as have peace and Harmony on board). With people like this so Called Captain I am starting to feel ashamed that I was a mariner as a true mariner worth his salts never goes for PIRACY.. pls Capt. Watson leave our fellow nationals alone, If you want to do something good why don't you go off somalia and fight Piracy??

joe muscat

Jun 17th 2010, 20:06

I miss something here ,...“This was sounding most convenient so we asked to examine the fish for juveniles and they refused. I put the bow of the Steve Irwin close to the cage and we tied off to hold onto the cage so that we could examine it further,” said Captain Paul Watson, founder and president of Sea Shepherd." what authority they have to examine the nets ? who are these ? hope the Maltese authorities will take action against this criminal activity against our fishermen

c. camilleri

Jun 17th 2010, 20:04

The livelihood of our fishermen should be protected by all means.Unless this protection is not forthcoming our fishermen should find means of how to protect their interests. These self appointed conservatives should be taught a lesson once and for all. .

A. Borg

Jun 17th 2010, 20:00

Ftit zmien iehor u bram biss tkun l-unika speci li tibqa tezisti go l-ibhra taghna u ta madwarna!

D. Xuereb

Jun 17th 2010, 19:56

Let the video speak for itself...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1b8YCxJiIc
and then.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_b_IYQMSvM&feature=related

who do you believe now?

JOe VELLa

Jun 17th 2010, 19:53

@Mr. Matthew Abela
In all your remarks that you wrote to which I wish I reply but I think no good will come out of it other than we go out of the subject of this particular case.
One remark that was personal and I feel so proud of it was your first line: 'how about people like you always manage to mention politics?'
I think Plato define politics quit correctly: 'you are either a willing slave and or a man of naught' once we control the FREEDOM to be EQUAL citizens, which incidentally both do not exist in nature, tyranny will follow.
For your information I am independent, I stand by what I write and if corrected, I admit that my taught need refining otherwise my friend my aristocracy is my aim in life, but again I guess it has not entered our port yet.

Chris Finch

Jun 17th 2010, 19:53

I wonder if any member of crew from either side has any video of this incident.

It seems we have 2 very different stories. However, one version of events seems very close to another recent event in which a person was injured. Yes the authorities should take action. However, if it is found that the fishermen were acting agressively, will the PN come out and condemn the fishermen. It seems they were uncannily silent when environmental activists were assaulted, had cars vandalised and shot at during the spring hunting season.

They were also remarkably silent when a female activist was repeatedly punched in the head by a fisherman twice her size in another recent event.

It seems the violence is instigated not by the environmental campaigners, but by those intent on destroying the environment.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jun 17th 2010, 19:47

Seeing comments defending the illegal acts of Sea Shepherd makes me realise the hatred borne by these individuals towards their co-citizens. Shame on you. These same individuals comment against hunting and in favour of BLM, CABS and Co. Unbelievable but true, certain of these antis then comment in favour of abortion !!! Shame and Shame!

May God be with this injured fisherman. My prayers are with him and his family!

J.Scicluna - Rabat

Jun 17th 2010, 19:35

How cheap can you get to drag partisan politics even in something like this?

Yes, he might have been quoted to have said, 'noqtol ghal ambjent'. I would say the same thing after a day out in a temperature of 33 in the shade, 'noqtol ghal birra kiesha'! Does it mean that I am prepared to take a life for a cold beer?! Grow up.

It is called a FIGURE OF SPEECH.

Look it up in a good dictionary.

C. Bugeja

Jun 17th 2010, 19:26

What is the definition of fisherman? Why Greenpeace never clashed with Maltese fishermen fishing with long line gear and hooks who only catch a handful of tuna and were entitled a miserable quota of 161 tones for this year to share? How many hundred of tons contained this particular pen? Maybe if the tuna was set free from this cage it may be the equivalent to next year's quota to the Maltese fishermen fishing with hooks. Gunpowder as Mr Portanier suggested is not a solution. People cannot understand the difference between the two fishing methods. On the other hand injuring another person is never plausible.

Gerard Cassar

Jun 17th 2010, 19:23

The fishermen were working on behalf of a company that exploit blue fin or any other sea animals. It is his duty to provide protection. On the contrary he sits quietly at home or place of work and let others face the dangers. Again he must provide protection as he might think fit but protect he must those who endanger their life for his benefit.

l.schembri

Jun 17th 2010, 19:03

jiena ambjentalista pacifika. naghti donazzjonijet lil ghaqdiet li jaghmlu l-gid u mhux hsara jew jkunu vjolenti. Naf li wiehed mill-kandidati tal-P.L. għal l-elezzjonijiet tal-ewropa jappoġġja lil Green peace u anki hadem maghhom skond ma kiteb huwa stess u qal fl-intervisti li ghamlulu. dan ghandu id-dritt li jappoġġa lil min irrid ghax huwa ambjentalista ta veru u kif jghid il-malti 'joqtol ghal ambjent'. Nistaqsih u nistenna risposta issa li dawn qed jattakkaw lil hutna Maltin se jkompli jaghti l-appogg lil dan il-grupp. Nitolbu ukoll jesprimi l-opinjoni tieghu la hadem ma dan il-grupp mill-qrib jekk hux qed jaghmlu sewwa li qed itelfu l-hobza legali ta kuljum lil hutna Maltin u anki issa weggaw lil xi uhuw minnhom

Antonio Anastsai

Jun 17th 2010, 18:52

Having followed Sea Shepherds Diary for their BLUE RAGE operation and their intend on peaceful investigation, and that there had been occasions where they did approach tuna pens and approached them after getting permission, from the navy escorts and the fishermen, I find it difficult to accept this turn of event where they apparently attacked and injured a fisherman which in no way should it be condoned.
Without prejudicing anything I wrote before in defence of Greenpeace, I find it unbelievable that when the same thing had happened to a Greenpeace activist also hooked as well as all the other attempts at trying to cause grievous bodily harm to the same activist, it was also argued that they DESERVED what they got.
Yet now when a fisherman is injured there is a call for prosecution which was shamefully missing when the activist was hurt; not to mention the other acts of bodily violence.
It is also surprising that the PN is NOW coming out condeming acts of violence, a thing they and the government had failed to do then, when extreme violence was done IN Greenpeace incident. Maybe its time to review the electoral funding law.

S. Camilleri

Jun 17th 2010, 18:28

Wasn't the tuna season closed about a week ago or more by EU. How come, then , the present catch was legally caught?

Adrian Cachia

Jun 17th 2010, 18:26

Strange....I haven't seen any of these comments when the Greenpeace guy was injured the same way...

I wish the fisherman a speedy recovery.

F. Galea

Jun 17th 2010, 18:26

All i want is my husband home safe and sound! Who ever needs to protect our fishermen must do so right away as now its getting beyond a joke!! They are doing a LEGAL job!!!!!

J.Scicluna - Rabat

Jun 17th 2010, 18:25

Greenpeace/Shepherd are nothing more than "terrorists". In the name of the "environment" they endanger HUMAN lives who are fishing legally...repeat legally.

If they want to protest against tuna fishing, as they have the right to their own opinion, they should be protesting with the legislators and not the fishermen.

Their game was always the same; to provoke retaliation from whoever they target to gain martyrdom in the eyes of international press.

If the Libyans were to arrest them (as I think they should do) rest assured that they will have a field-day in the press with Amnesty International called in and so forth!

m.farrugia

Jun 17th 2010, 18:22

Sabiex dawn il-mercinarji ma ikomplux ghamlu atti illegali fuq il-bahar hemm bzonn li jew is-sajjieda Maltin ikunu kontinwament mghassa mill-forzi armati taghna jew inkella jarmaw lilhom infushom. Kieku jiena kont sajjied u xi hadd jipprova jaghmel hsara jew inkella itellifini il-hobza ta kuljum jekk ma ikollix protezzjoni narma lili nnifsi jiena ghal li jista jinqala. Hekk ghandhom jaghmlu s-sajjieda Maltin. Attakkaw mhux bl-ilma imma bl-istess mod li qed jattakaw huma. Nies bhal Eric Gahn imissu jisthi jikteb f'dawn il-pagni u izomm ma dawn il-mercinarji.

Anthony Formosa

Jun 17th 2010, 18:05

These kind of people do not give a hoot of what can happen to other people, I recall a birder who said on a forum that he will kill a Maltese hunter or not for every bird killed. This is the level of extremism these people can reach.

S. Vella

Jun 17th 2010, 18:01

These people are NOTHING but BIG BULLIES, expecting our fishermen and as in this case our tuna transporters to stay put for their ILLEGAL ACTIONS where our men are totally defenseless. These attackers should be trated according to UN Resolutions as PIRATES as what they are doing is simply piracy. There is more than enough peril on the high seas ( and I know these perils as I am an ex Seaman) our fishermen and seafarers do not need any extra dangers and risk of life from these agressors. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE AND SOON before someone takes the law in his hands and then after defending his/their rights be prosecuted and put behind bars

R,Cassar

Jun 17th 2010, 17:59

This synonymous with the documentary "Whale Wars" where the same ship "Steve Irwin" (named after the acclaimed late documentarist and conservationist) engages Japanese whaling ships hunting mink whales "legally" for "research" purposes.

Now, I beleive that most of us are opposed to whaling where stocks have dwindled dramatically and never fully recovered.


When Grenpeace and WWF started the campaign against whaling some decades ago, they had little support.
Thus could these "Tuna Wars" have the same moral cause?

I think so and fully support Greenpeace in their cause..actually the cause for which my children and their grand children wish them to inherit.

Ivan Portanier

Jun 17th 2010, 17:52

It is about time the AFM defended its citizens with all the gunpower they have just like the British Navy used to do during the Cod war with Iceland. How about sending a patrol boat to accompany the boats towing the tuna cages to Malta to make sure no more violent attacks from Sea Shepherd or Greenpeace take place.

D Schembri

Jun 17th 2010, 17:52

The fishermen are only doing their legal job, they are providing for their families. How dare the protesters put the fishermens life at risk!!!

r sammut

Jun 17th 2010, 17:46

Yes, yes to save the poor tuna! The opposite of what is going for abortion, the extermination of the same mankind!

Just imagine the hype if it gone the other way round; one of the peace threatening volunteers got injured? Only Green Peace can get away with anything! Is it only the Spanish, French and Japanese who do their utmost to prevent such extremists off their vessels or their waters! Malta is such an easy prey, that every tom, dick and harry gets a kick out of setting example of!

JOhn Inguanez

Jun 17th 2010, 17:44

@David Buttigieg(33 minutes ago)
P Attard,

Their funding comes from millions of people like me who regularly donate to Greenpeace and will continue to do so!

Are we now admitting the saying "THE AIM JUSTIFY THE MEANS". Can you follow a legal dream by doing something illegal?! What a confused argument.

Tony Caruana

Jun 17th 2010, 17:41

And in Malta we welcome them with open arms. Cabs, Sea Sheperd , Birlife, Greenpeace, are all the Same.

Joe Bugeja

Jun 17th 2010, 17:26

Read the article Willow Carroll. They were transporting a tuna pen not fishing. While agreeing with conservation these actions have gone too far and the protesters should be arrested and dragged before our courts to answer for their illegal actions. They are endangering our people and have to answer for their actions for they are nothing less than the Somali pirates.

JOe VELLa

Jun 17th 2010, 17:08

Wow this is really Beautiful!
Our Sea Force that this Government is so pompous of, really and truly only have limited resources at its disposal. When it come to facing a problem they call for help.
Thank goodness for the Italian and or Libyan navy.
Is it not about time instead building an open theater and a new parliament which mostly we all disagree with, we equip our forces, so we do not humiliate ourselves and ask for help! These things only happen in Malta

joe Aquilina

Jun 17th 2010, 17:03

There is no difference between the people on the Sea Shepherd Conservation society, Greenpeace, CABS or birdlife. These would do all needed to put forward their point as long as they can make a big noise. They are always doing PEACEFULL???? protests and always WITHOUT PROVOCATION?????. They film all actions but only feed us wiith the small bits and pieces that they need to show us.

Sure that most of you niticed this.

Hope all goes well for the injured fisherman.

D galea

Jun 17th 2010, 17:01

To all the people who seem so fervent against these foreign protesters. If anyone has the time to see what type of organization this is, they will know that they fight in the interests of animal rights sake. Economically tuna is of great importance to us, but how much more important is our sea, it is the only natural resource we have apart from stone. As everbody is noticing our seas are dying, evident from the lack of fish, algal blooms leading to jellfish invasion etc. If tuna degradation continues we will be left with no income from the tuna and a dead sea. How good will that be? Try to look in the long term please if you care about your country or children at least.

Eric Gahn

Jun 17th 2010, 16:53

Legality of catching the fish is not the issue here. It is the iminent extinction. I bet that around 200years ago dodo hunting was also legal. So Long live the Shepherd.

Willow Carroll

Jun 17th 2010, 16:53

If people are fishing bluefin tuna still, after the EU have called a day on the fishing of this type of fish for the rest of the year, which they have, Then Sea Shepherds actions as a anti-poaching group are well within the law to stop them.
The blue fin Tuna should in all rights be on the endangered list and protected all year round, but instead the fishing has been limited to a few weeks in may and june. That finished last week.

Joseph Cauchi

Jun 17th 2010, 16:48

I have always had a sneaking suspicion of these “do-gooders” and that is why I always take any action by these types of NGOs with a pinch of salt!

They all claim to be altruistic, but in most cases they are only after their own self ego aggrandisement and media grabbers!

It is about time that these types of organizations are put where they actually belong and let honest hard-working people continue earning peacefully their daily bread.

JC.

dario cau

Jun 17th 2010, 16:39

it is so strange if the fishermen are working legally they have to receive this attack. hearing that from my point of view is unbelievable. i am close to maltese people and to the fisherman that right now needs assistance for having just worked legally
.

victor rodenas

Jun 17th 2010, 16:34

we are constantly told that nobody can take the law into his own hands.Are these people above the law...sooner or later somebody will get killed and then.................saving the blue fin tuna has become an obsession with these people...Yes,save them of course,but in a legitemite way and not playing cowboys and indians on the high seas.

edwin formosa

Jun 17th 2010, 16:25

Surprisingly these people so much concerned about marine wildlife conservation do not seem to think about protesting at the methods by which human life, not just marine fish, is being slaughtered in the womb Such a great deal of violence takes place inside abortuaries as living babies at various stages are ripped apart and killed with no one to protect them.

martin saliba

Jun 17th 2010, 16:24

These people are no better that bthe pirates in somalia and should not be treated differently.
It is clear that these people tried to finish what green peace started ear;ier this week. They should both be prosecuted as organised criminal gangs who think that they are above the law because they are doing good. Robin hood did a lot of good but he was still a thief.

John Inguanez

Jun 17th 2010, 16:15

Can anyone explain how one can attack other people's property used in legal operation? Or this is all done for pubblicity to get more money from international organizations>

Peter Paul Schembri

Jun 17th 2010, 16:15

I hope that these fish-huggers are held accountable for all the damages sustained.

I pay way too much taxes from my miserable pay for these spoilt brats to go on a rampage joy-cruise and expect the state to make good for any rescue or intervention.

silvio bonavia

Jun 17th 2010, 16:14

If this organization is looking for illegal tuna fishing why ram into those who are working legal???Or because they are finding some excuse and find defensless fisherman to attack to get notoriety.Have this organization ever heard of Japanese fisherman?Pls look for them and leave our fisherman to work in peace.

Joe Cordina

Jun 17th 2010, 16:11

These so called do gooders are jumping the gun. They should be prosecuted for piracy

Lee Micallef

Jun 17th 2010, 16:02

Lets hope the libyans make arrests and put them in jail for a time , then maybe they will think twice about taking illegal action !