The Pullars are the last salmon net-fishing family in all of Scotland. For over five decades, they've sustained a business and a national tradition—and more recently, caught the aggressive attention of animal activists. Unlike farm fisheries or anglers, net fishing uses massive bag-like traps to catch wild salmon, along with an unintended haul of marine wildlife such as birds. Groups like Sea Shepherd and Hunt Saboteurs routinely stake out the Pullars at work, recording what they believe to be their frequent inhumane killing of animals. A handful of in-your-face activists square off with the fishermen, vandalizing their nets, trespassing into their operations and posting videos online. Reaction from the Pullars is just as swift, but far more personal. Tensions hit a flashpoint as legal action against the family kicks off, when suddenly another powerful adversary to both sides emerges that may decide the fate of wild Scottish salmon all on its own. Myrocia Watamaniuk
The Changing Face of Europe program presented in partnership with European Film Promotion (EFP). Film recommended by EFP member British Council. [More]