PR Spin In Action
Gavin Gibbons, apparently a representative of the National Fisheries Institute, happened upon my blog. I can’t imagine what he would be interested in, aside from adding his comments to my Toxic Fish is Big Business post.
Apparently he was in a hurry and could not be bothered to read the post (if he had, he might have thought otherwise about attempting to inject his own brand of public relations spin). But he did comment, and I did reply, and you can see how that turned out for yourself (if you’d like).
I must say, this specimen fascinates me – let’s take a closer look at the work of the man (or the shady group of people operating under the guise of a man) that is Gavin Gibbons, shall we?
“The general public should be encouraged to continue eating a variety of fish,” says Gavin Gibbons of the National Fisheries Institute. “Seafood is a very safe part of a healthy American diet.”
Very interesting – tell me more, Gavin?
In response to confusing reports, an international coalition of more than a dozen doctors spoke out today to clarify that fish like tilapia are low in total and saturated fat, high in protein and clearly part of a healthy diet.
- Coalition of Drs. Reassure Consumers About Tilapia at MarketWatch.com by Gavin Gibbons
A coalition of more than a dozen? Quite impressive! Thank you for allaying my concerns with as many doctors as you and your institute could afford. Those reports about mercury content were very confusing…
During pregnancy, you have at least three chances everyday to boost your baby’s health.
- Pregnancy at AboutSeafood.com by Gavin Gibbons
That’s right – you only have three chances a day – so eat three cans of tuna! (Unless you want follow the EPA’s methylmercury advisory and limit your consumption to low-methylmercury fish)
Gavin is sometimes recognized for what he is, though: “a spinmeister” (pointed out by the sometimes-frothing-at-the-mouth-but-otherwise-good people at GreenPeace). Internal memos always make for a great read.
If you ever feel lonely and want to hear about how safe and yummy fish can be, Gavin Ian Gibbons (formerly a Senior Producer at Fox News, so you know he’s lying scum – aged 34 years, formerly of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Greensboro, North Carolina) of the National Fisheries Institute is the guy to call. He will be available to answer your questions at (703) 752-8891. I’m sure you’ll have plenty to talk about.
Recognize the NPA? Yep, that’s Virginia. Gavin has connections in Washington DC. And he cares about your health. So eat more fish – it’s good for you because he says it is.
I am flattered to be the sole subject of a post on your blog. I appreciate your interest in my work. But I would like to clarify a few things.
I am not “apparently a representative of the National Fisheries Institute” I am in fact a representative of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI). And I was interested in your post on the Mother Jones story because I wanted to let you and your readers know that there were other points of view on that subject out there. Also, I can assure you I am a man and not a “shady group of people operating under the guise of a man.”
Specifically, I do need to make a correction. The dozen doctors and researchers to whom you refer were an independent group and had no affiliation with NFI. Additionally we promoted statements by the Mayo Clinic along the same lines and they too are an independent group with no ties to NFI.
Finally, I am all for open honest debate and communication but I must suggest that ad hominem attacks like characterizing me as “lying scum” are perhaps a bit juvenile and do not promote reasonable, responsible discussion of the public health topic at hand.
Gavin Gibbons
National Fisheries Institute
Now that I’ve got your attention, I’d really like to get to know you, Gavin. Perhaps you’ll favor me with the answers to a few questions that have been rattling around in my head:
Getting to know you: What, exactly, did you do as a Senior Producer at Fox News?
Getting to know you: What do you think of people who believe that Fox News has an agenda?
Point-blank: Exactly how much canned albacore tuna should a pregnant woman consume in a week?
Point-blank: Should I eat a swordfish filet every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Why or why not?