By Greg Cima

Watch out for flying salmon!

Fishmongers with the Pike Place Fish Market will show how they make their work fun during a motivational and educational presentation today during the AVMA Opening Session. The fishmongers routinely toss fish while working to quickly move their wares within the market, and they incorporate this practice in their presentations.

Fish used in the presentation will not be alive, and they will be cooked and eaten afterward.

The AVMA decided to proceed with the presentation despite protests raised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The animal rights group argued the presentation would be disrespectful and supportive of cruelties of the fishing industry, and veterinarians should show compassion for the animals.

Activists with PETA may picket the opening session.

The Executive Board responded to PETA's allegations in an open letter to AVMA members, which stated that the AVMA supports the use of animals for human purposes and the presentation falls within AVMA guidelines and policies. The board received input from aquaculture and animal welfare experts as well as AVMA council and committee members, the majority of whom were opposed to cancelling or altering the program.

"The presentation is designed to be motivational and educational, and focuses on team building and developing and maintaining positive workplace attitudes," the letter states. "In addition, Pike Place Fish Market is a cultural icon in Seattle and sets a high standard for community outreach efforts; it was for these reasons the presentation was initially selected as a feature of the opening ceremony."