In-shore fishermen are to march on Parliament today, and Libertarianz transport spokesman Michael Murphy supports their
protest at the outrageous levies and restrictive regulations they face. "Who among us wouldn't protest when the tools of
their trade and their major assets can be impounded on the whim of an inspector?" asks Murphy.
"Who wouldn't protest when your honest livelihood is threatened; when a boat can be impounded before any prima facie
case has even been established; when twenty percent of your produce must go to Maori, and when fishing rights are
extinguished with the creation of Marine National parks." Mr. Murphy says it is little wonder fishermen are steaming to
Wellington to protest, and marching on parliament today.
"Fishermen, when their rights are protected, have an interest in preserving the fish stock - this is their resource,
their future. The politicians should butt out," says Murphy, "and stick with the fish stock that makes up their
Bellamy's bouillabaisse."
ENDS