LETTER: BIM mobile classroom subjected to backlash

SIR – I was delighted to hear how two primary schools in Bantry had cancelled the BIM Aquaculture Remote Classroom, otherwise known by some as the Brainwash Bus, last week. BIM should be ashamed of themselves foisting their propaganda on schoolchildren, telling them a very one-sided story about salmon farming all while the well documented negative environmental impacts are conveniently swept under the carpet. 

An article published last September in the Connacht Tribune titled ‘Boycott brainwash bus’ outlined the impacts salmon farms have on local jobs due to the collapse of our wild salmon and sea trout stocks because of sea lice infections and disease. 

The EU-funded propaganda bus is supported by BIM who fully stand behind the future expansion of salmon aquaculture along the Irish coast to the detriment of local rural communities. People should be more aware now than ever before of these plans and the environmental and economic impacts these salmon farms have while placed along the coast. 

Finally, a quote from Sir David Attenborough: ‘International Year of the Salmon will help us kick-start efforts to reduce man-made impacts, restore their habitats and so ensure we don’t lose the “King of Fish” forever.’ 

The West is Awake! 

Kind regards,

Simon Toussifar,

Recreational angler,

Kinsale.