Gorton's Reply to Whaling Question

[Diver Dennis]

I just received this reply from Gorton's regarding their policy towards whaling. I sent them an email a few days ago saying that as a diver I was concerned about their possile link to whaling. I will have to do more research but I would like to thank Dave Weber for responding.

Hi Dennis,

Thank you for your recent inquiry about possible links between Gorton’s and
whaling.

For the record, Gorton’s has never engaged in any whaling activities, the
company has never killed a single whale in its entire 156 year history, and
never will. Gorton’s has always been opposed to whaling and we have met with
our parent company, Nissui, to reiterate our opposition to whaling. Gorton’s
has strongly encouraged Nissui both privately and publicly to use whatever
influence they have to appeal to the Japanese government to stop any whaling.
We have also asked them to sever any connections they might have with the
Japanese government’s whaling program.

Gorton’s has a long history and recognized commitment to environmental
sustainability. For example, for a number of years we have been a strong
financial supporter of the Whale Center of new England, a local environmental
group focused on protecting whale populations. In a variety of forums we
strongly advocate for and support responsible management of the ocean’s
resources through the use of sustainable fishery practices. You may want to
visit our website at www.Gortons.com <http://www.Gortons.com> for a better
understanding of our environmental commitment.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to respond.

Sincerely,

Dave Weber
VP Environmental Affairs

 

[HowardE]

nice dennis.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Thanks howarde. I was a little suprised to get such a quick response.

 

[drdiver1952]

That's a quick reply. Very good answer. I gather from what I've read is the connection is with the parent company of Gorton's, Nissui, which owns part of the company that owns the whaling fleet.

 

[Cacia]

Well, actually, that is a little bit of double talk, isn't it? I mean, they never said Nissui has never whaled.... It is a very typical corporate strategy to isolate the various entities, legally, financially and otherwise, in order to be able to do damage control and make slick "truthful" statements and press releases. Can anyone tell me if they agree with my perception?

I remember someone using the very nice word "duplicity" for the Japanese approach to facilitate the continuation. Personally, I think that is why they have been somewhat demonized and Kompressor's crowd given more of a pass.

If my portfolio is full of tobacco stock and I insist I do not support smoking.... is that truthful?

I believe that Buddhist's high regard for the concept of intention is a very credible concept. If a society practices ....say recycling... out of the sheer necessity to exist in a high population density..is that as meaningful as the person who struggles to evolve more individual benevolence? ...swims "upstream" if you follow?

Justin will eat me alive...I just hope he doesn't pull the P A R O D Y thing.

I think we need to write Nissui and ask them if they whale.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Here are a couple more links tracing Gorton's link to whaling. It is a very distant association but there it seems. Again, take into account where all this information is coming from. I'm just trying to provide both sides here.

http://www.eia-international.org/cgi/reports/reports.cgi?t=template&a=115

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/gortons/explanation

 

[Cacia]

Yes, I see.... I would feel better if they had outlined that in the letter. the tone of the letter is "who.......us?" Let's see what Mr. X says. It was indicitive that they are feeling the pressure (rightfully or not) that they got back to you so fast....I think.

 

[cyklon_300]

Something about 'deniable culpability'...

 

[The Kraken]

ya have to ask the question point blank.

Mr. President did you and Monica ????????

Mr. Groton, does any of your subsidiaries or affiliates actively participate in the taking of whales from any of the ocean's waters?

Kind of like, "Does this dress make me look fat?"

 

[Mr.X]

I am right there with Catherine, Cyklon and Kraken. Gorton's does not whale. Heck, New England whaling died out a long, long time ago. New Bedford and Nantucket are quaint villages. BFD.

It is a very nice letter drafted by Gortons and I am glad that they are feeling some heat. I very much appreciate Dennis trying to reach them directly. The interesting aspect is their asking the parent company to sever it's ties with government whaling...what a crock. Damn Nissui owns (from my recollection 40% stakes) in the fleet. What does government do other than stamp it as research?

I have a couple of questions that I would love to get answered by the folks of Gloucester. How well does Gorton's represent the community? Did Gorton's shareholders willingly accept the buyout by Nissui? I have all the admiration in the world for New England fisherman and especially the folks of Gloucester. They would never sell out, however I have a feeling corporate Gorton's would. I just wish I had the resources to investigate right now.

I would love to exert more pressure. Cheers. X



Some data: Gorton's was previously owned by Unilever. An Anglo-Dutch company. Stock and trade are chemicals. Unilever touts their progressive nature but sold Gorton's for 175 million to the Japanese conglomerate Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (NISSUI). I would assume they were well aware of the new owner's involvement in whales. In the end, it's all about business.

Gorton's contributions to local whale watching trade/environmental groups is probably pretty poofy.