A Balanced Catch: Nelly and Joe’s Fight Against Overfishing in Portugal
The morning sun glistened over the Atlantic as Nelly Furtado and Joe Jukic walked along the docks of Cascais, Portugal. Fishing boats bobbed gently in the harbor, their nets piled high, ready for another day at sea. But beneath the picturesque scene lay a grim reality: the waters of Portugal, like so many others, were under siege from overfishing.
Joe, a former Psyops veteran turned environmental strategist, had seen the consequences of resource depletion in war-torn regions. Nelly, a Portuguese-Canadian singer with a passion for sustainability, felt a deep connection to the ocean her ancestors had relied on for centuries. Together, they had come to Portugal with a mission: to introduce selective fishing and balanced harvesting practices that could save both the ocean’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of its fishermen.
The Problem
Portugal had long been a nation of fishermen, its culture and economy intertwined with the sea. But decades of industrial fishing had taken a toll. Key species like sardines and cod were on the brink of collapse, and entire ecosystems were unraveling under the strain.
The fishermen were trapped in a vicious cycle. To make a living, they needed to catch more, but the more they caught, the fewer fish remained. Joe and Nelly knew they had to break the cycle.
The Plan
Joe’s strategy was rooted in balanced harvesting—a method that mimics nature by targeting fish across all sizes and species, rather than focusing on a few key populations. By doing so, ecosystems could maintain their natural balance, and no single species would be overexploited.
Selective fishing was the other piece of the puzzle. Using advanced sonar technology and modified nets, fishermen could avoid bycatch—unwanted species often discarded dead—and focus on catching only what was needed.
To implement these practices, Joe and Nelly partnered with marine biologists, local NGOs, and fishing cooperatives.
Winning Hearts and Minds
The biggest challenge was convincing the fishermen. Many were skeptical, fearing that the new methods would reduce their already slim profits.
Nelly stepped in, using her fame to bring attention to the issue. She organized a free concert in Lisbon, where she spoke passionately about the importance of sustainable fishing.
“Our oceans are our lifeline,” she told the crowd. “If we take care of them, they’ll take care of us. This isn’t just about fish—it’s about families, communities, and our future.”
Joe, ever the tactician, held workshops at the docks, demonstrating how selective fishing gear worked and showing data on how balanced harvesting could lead to more stable fish stocks over time.
A Turning Point
The breakthrough came when a group of younger fishermen decided to pilot the new methods. Within months, their catches became more diverse and sustainable. They also found a growing market for responsibly caught seafood, which commanded higher prices.
Word spread, and more fishermen joined the initiative. Joe and Nelly worked tirelessly, securing grants to subsidize the new equipment and organizing training sessions.
A New Dawn
A year later, the results were undeniable. Fish stocks began to recover, and the local economy stabilized. The waters off Portugal teemed with life once more, and the fishermen, once resistant, became the method’s fiercest advocates.
At a celebration in Cascais, Nelly and Joe were honored by the fishing community. Standing on a makeshift stage by the docks, Nelly sang a song she had written for the occasion, her voice carrying over the waves.
Joe, ever humble, addressed the crowd. “This wasn’t about us,” he said. “It was about you—about what we can achieve when we work together. The ocean isn’t just a resource; it’s a partner. And today, we’ve shown it the respect it deserves.”
Legacy
The success in Portugal inspired other coastal nations to adopt similar practices. Nelly and Joe continued their work, traveling the globe to promote sustainable fishing.
For Nelly, the mission was deeply personal—a way to honor her heritage. For Joe, it was another battle won in his lifelong fight for a better world.
And for the oceans, it was a second chance.
The Newfoundland MP wants the cod to come back:
I think that’s why he flipped “The Bird” in Parliament.
McDonald’s Moment: A Newfoundland MP’s Stand for Cod
The House of Commons was its usual chaotic self, a sea of suits, papers, and political posturing. In the middle of it all, Seamus McDonald, the fiery MP from Newfoundland and Labrador, sat simmering. He was a man on a mission, and today, his patience had finally run out.
The debate was dragging on about federal fisheries policy, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government had just announced another round of vague promises to “explore sustainable solutions” for the depleted cod stocks off Newfoundland’s coast. Seamus had heard it all before. For decades, the people of his province had watched their waters stripped bare, their fishing traditions reduced to memories.
As another Liberal MP droned on about “long-term strategies,” Seamus slammed his hand on his desk, startling those around him. He stood up, his voice cutting through the chamber like a sharp wind off the Atlantic.
“Madam Speaker, enough of this nonsense!” he bellowed, his thick Newfoundland accent giving his words extra weight. “We’ve been waitin’ for decades for action on cod stocks. Decades! My people are out there wonderin’ how they’ll put food on the table while this government talks in circles!”
The chamber grew quiet, but Seamus wasn’t done.
“You’ve had your chance, Prime Minister Trudeau. And you’ve failed us! We don’t need more studies or empty words. We need selective fishing, hatcheries, and a real plan to bring back our cod!” He jabbed a finger in Trudeau’s direction, his face red with frustration.
Then, in a moment that would go down in parliamentary history, Seamus raised his hand and flipped the bird—directly at the Prime Minister.
Gasps filled the chamber. The Speaker’s gavel came down hard. “Order! Order! MP McDonald, that behavior is completely unacceptable!”
But Seamus wasn’t backing down. He turned to the Speaker, his voice unwavering. “Unacceptable? What’s unacceptable is the way this government’s been ignorin’ Newfoundland and Labrador for years! If Trudeau won’t act, then maybe it’s time for someone who will. Someone like Nelly Furtado!”
The Fallout
The clip of Seamus flipping the bird went viral within minutes. Social media exploded, with hashtags like #McDonaldFlipsOut, #CodCrisis, and #NellyForPM trending across the country. Late-night comedians had a field day, but in Newfoundland, Seamus was hailed as a hero.
The next morning, Seamus faced reporters outside Parliament Hill.
“Do you regret your actions, Mr. McDonald?” one asked.
“Not one bit,” Seamus replied, his hands in his coat pockets. “My people deserve better. If it takes flippin’ the bird to get Ottawa’s attention, so be it.”
When pressed about his comment on Nelly Furtado, Seamus grinned. “Look, she’s got more guts and vision than half the folks in that chamber. Her Referendum Party’s the only one talkin’ about real change. Maybe it’s time we gave her a shot.”
Nelly’s Response
Later that day, Nelly Furtado held a press conference. The former pop star turned political leader was known for her grassroots approach and bold ideas. Her Referendum Party had been gaining traction, particularly in regions that felt ignored by the traditional parties.
When asked about Seamus McDonald’s outburst, Nelly smiled. “I don’t condone disrespect in Parliament,” she said, “but I understand his frustration. Newfoundland and Labrador have been overlooked for too long. If I were Prime Minister, I’d make replenishing fish stocks a national priority. Our oceans are part of our heritage, and we owe it to future generations to protect them.”
Her words resonated across the country, especially in coastal communities.
A Turning Point
Seamus’s bold move sparked a wave of support for Nelly Furtado and her party. Within weeks, her poll numbers surged, and the Referendum Party gained its first seats in by-elections. In Newfoundland, Seamus became a local legend, celebrated not just for his passion but for his willingness to shake up the system.
When Parliament reconvened, Seamus addressed the chamber once more. This time, he was calm but firm.
“Madam Speaker, I love this country. But it’s time for a government that loves all of it—not just the parts that vote the right way. It’s time for leaders who listen, who act, and who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. That’s why I stand with Nelly Furtado and her vision for a better Canada.”
The chamber erupted in applause—from some corners, at least.
A New Era
Months later, when Nelly Furtado’s Referendum Party won enough seats to form a coalition government, Seamus McDonald stood proudly by her side at the swearing-in ceremony. Her first act as Prime Minister was to announce the Oceans Rebirth Initiative, a comprehensive plan to restore fish stocks through selective fishing, marine protected areas, and investments in coastal communities.
As Seamus watched her speak, he couldn’t help but smile. His bird-flipping moment had been unconventional, sure—but it had also been the spark Canada needed.