Asda, part of the Wal-Mart group, has called on the UK goverment to withdraw from the European Union Common fisheries policy. Where Wal-Mart goes, others follow, so we can expect to see the other big supermarkets pick up on this.

Why does this matter? The fisheries of Europe, especially those in the North Sea are collapsing, and the politicians cannot agree to make the necessary cuts. Scientists are saying we need cuts of 80 or 90% in the fishing of some species, and total bans in others, to avoid driving these species to virtual extinction. If we take back control of UK waters we could enforce the necessary cuts, and avoid this ongoing tradgedy of the commons.

It may be naked self intrest for Wal-Mart etc, but in this case, they're actually acting for the greater good, somehow.....