Dear :

I am writing to protest [name of sponsor] promotion of fishing. Fishing is devastating to the environment and cruel to animals.

A study of one lake in Wales revealed that the majority of litter left by visitors was found along the small section of shoreline predominantly used by fishers. Discarded bait containers accounted for nearly half the total trash. But even the most conscientious and careful fishers must share the blame, because every sport fisher eventually loses tackle--fishing line easily snaps when it becomes tangled in tree branches during casting or when hooks get snagged on rocks in the water.

Many wildlife rehabilitators say that fishing litter is one of the single greatest causes of injuries to aquatic animals. Fishing hooks and lures lacerate birds' feet, beaks, or throats--often causing fatal injuries. Countless birds and other animals suffer, and many die, from injuries caused by swallowing or becoming entangled in discarded fishing hooks, monofilament line, and lead weights. Every year, fishers leave behind a trail of tackle victims that includes millions of birds, turtles, bats, and other animals who suffer debilitating injuries or slowly starve to death after swallowing fishhooks or becoming entangled in fishing line.

In addition, fishing is extremely inhumane. Fish have sensory hairs on their backs that register vibrations and electrical fields. They have taste buds in their throats, as well as in their lips and noses. They use their mouths much as we use our hands, to pick things up and feel them, to collect food, build homes, and take care of their babies (when danger is near, some fish open their mouths to allow their babies to hide inside).

Please rethink your decision to promote this cruel sport when planning future events.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

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