I realise I’m probably the only one that cares about this, but I have a massive objection to adverts that are actively promoting the destruction of marine life. There is an advert for a Caribbean holiday with a picture of someone holidaying a starfish they have picked up so not only is the starfish being harmed, but the holiday company and mumsnet are making money out of it too.
Starfish are very delicate and can easily be injured by human hands touching them, especially when picking them up as in the picture. If they aren’t injured by being touched, then just the normal bacteria that lives on human hands can be fatal for them. Starfish are an important part of our ecosystem and we should be seeking to protect all marine life, not using it to promote profit.
Also, while starfish are usually harmless to humans, not all sea creatures are and on a website that children are likely to see, it seems irresponsible to show pictures of people holding them. To anyone that knows anything about the sea' it’s not a good look anyway.
’Take only memories and leave only bubbles’ is quite a well known mantra for many.
Please Mumsnet, on behalf of the starfish, please can you tell your advertisers that you won’t show adverts that promote harm to marine creatures and get rid of it.