PETA To Fly 'Go Vegan' Plane Message Over Jersey Shore Beaches

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — If you're planning to have fish tacos or tuna steaks for the 4th of July, PETA is hoping you will reconsider.

And they're paying for a banner plane to deliver the message.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will be flying the banner plane over the beaches from Seaside Heights to Long Branch on Thursday to deliver its message: “"Have a Fish-Free 4th. America, Go Vegan!" The flight is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m.

"Behind every fish fillet was an individual who valued their freedom just as much as you or I do,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a news release. "PETA has all the recipes and tips anyone needs to declare their independence from eating animals and go vegan for the Fourth of July and beyond."

Fishing is a popular pastime at the Jersey Shore, from surf fishing to crabbing to offshore trips for tuna and marlin. Commercial and recreational fishing contributed about $8 billion to the state's economy annually, and more than 50,000 jobs, WHYY reported.

PETA, in its news release, said people should stop eating fish because "Fish are known to feel pain as acutely as mammals do, have long-term memories, and sing underwater. But those killed for food are impaled, crushed, suffocated, or cut open and gutted, all while conscious."

"Each person who goes vegan saves nearly 200 animals every year and reduces their risk of suffering from cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and obesity," the PETA news release said.

PETA offers numerous vegan Fourth of July recipes on its website, along with a guide to the many faux-fish options now available, including Gardein’s Golden Fishless Filets, Good Catch’s plant-based seafood, New Wave Foods’ new plant-based shrimp, and Sophie’s Kitchen’s Vegan Crab Cakes.

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