Community Corner

PETA to Fly Banner Over Beaches Tuesday, Saying 'Keep Hookers off the Pier'

'Hookers,' referring to fishermen. The action is in response to a 60-day ban on fishing after a swimmer was attacked by a shark hooked on a fishing line from Manhattan Beach Pier.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will take to the skies Tuesday to urge the Manhattan Beach City Council and other beach cities to pursue a permanent ban of fishing off local piers.

In typical PETA fashion, the banner will feature a double entendre, "Keep Hookers off the Pier."

"PETA's banner will remind beach communities in Los Angeles County that the best way to protect coastal wildlife—and keep beachgoers safe—is to ban pier fishing," PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk said in a statement.

The move is in reaction to a shark attack earlier this month, during which a long-distance swimmer crossed paths with a juvenile great white hooked on a fisherman's line.

The city of Manhattan Beach approved an emergency permit, banning pier fishing until Sept. 7. 

"People who live in a coastal community can and should call their city council representatives and demand that permanent bans be passed as soon as possible," Newkirk said.

The plane will depart from Long Beach and travel along the coast from Redondo Beach to Malibu.

Meanwhile, Professor Chris Lowe from Cal State Long Beach's Shark Lab is giving a free lecture on sharing the South Bay waters with sharks at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach. 


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