by Mark LaFlamme,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Do fish feel pain?

A Bates College graduate believes they do, and he wants the school to get rid of a student fishing club.

In a letter to the president of Bates, J. Coulter Leslie cited recent studies on fish sensitivity in branding recreational fishing a cruel activity, which shouldn’t be tolerated by the school.

“Bates College would never sponsor a club that impales dogs or cats with hooks through their mouths,” Leslie wrote, “but treating fish this way is no better.”

Leslie is a youth outreach coordinator with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has launched a campaign called the Fish Empathy Project.

Leslie and officials at PETA refer to recent studies that they say prove fish are sensitive, intelligent animals that feel pain as much as any animal. An Oxford University researcher, for instance, recently reported that the blind Mexican cave fish is able to interpret changes in water pressure and to construct a detailed, mental map of its surroundings.

Other researchers have noted that fish develop abilities to avoid pain and that they are capable of learning complex tasks. Scientists also report that fish have long-term memories and recognize other fish.

Leslie believes overwhelming evidence that fish are sensitive to the injuries inflicted on them should be enough to compel Bates officials to shut down the fishing club.

“In light of these discoveries, an institution devoted to educating students about science, ethics and personal responsibility certainly should not promote cruelty to animals by endorsing a fishing club,” Leslie wrote.

His appeal to the college he graduated from in 1994 gained the attention of PETA as the group struggles to educate people about the dynamics of angling and the agony of fish.

“Think about it for a moment,” said Elizabeth Cooper of PETA. “If students treated cats or dogs they way they treat fish, they’d be expelled and locked up on cruelty to animals charges.”

At Bates College, the opinion of a former student did not go unnoticed by school administrators.

“Is he right or wrong? I have no idea,” said Robert Hiss, Bates’ vice president of external affairs. “When you have 22,000 alumni, you’ll have a lot of different opinions.”

The problem, according to Hiss, is that the college has little to do with the fishing club. The group is one of 80 at the school and it’s funded by its members.

“It’s nothing the college runs directly,” Hiss said. “It’s a group of students who like to fish. We don’t control them or sponsor them.”

The people at PETA are not buying that.

“Of course Bates can’t control student’s behavior,” said Karin Robertson, manager of the Fish Empathy Project. “But as an educational institution, they shouldn’t condone or promote unethical behavior.”

In his letter, Leslie called upon Bates officials to “denounce cruelty to fish and cut the local local fishing club as part of a national campaign to cultivate compassion for sea animals.”

So far, there is no plan at Bates to order the fishing club to stop casting their lines. But Hiss said Leslie’s concerns will not be ignored.

“You want people to be able to talk about their concerns,” Hiss said. “I understand his point of view. In fact, we’re going to copy his letter to the student government and the president of the club.”

The president of the fishing club is senior Chester Clem. An environmental policy major, Clem described himself as “blown away” by the news that someone accused the fishing club of being cruel.

“We make every effort to be as careful with the fish as possible, as I think most fishermen do,” Clem said. “The club is just a bunch of guys who enjoy fishing.”

He said group members stay informed about the latest in fishing gadgetry, such as specialized hooks, that minimize damage done to fish that are caught. Like Hiss, Clem said he respects Leslie’s right to voice his opinions. However, he plans to continue to fish with others who enjoy the sport.

“I see the stance he’s taking,” Clem said, “But I respectfully disagree. We pose very little threat to the fish of Maine.”

“The Bates Fishing Club is an organization which plans and coordinates fishing excursions throughout the Northeast. From ice fishing in the winter to saltwater fly-fishing in the spring, the Fishing Club aims to provide a friendly environment where both the advanced and novice anglers can have meaningful experiences in the outdoors. The Fishing Club hopes to introduce this great American pastime to anyone interested in taking a break from the hectic life of a Bates student.” Source: www.bates.edu/student-org-list.xml

More on fish studies at: www.fishinghurts.com