Daily Archives: April 9, 2013
Federal fisheries administrative merger could cost California
Federal budget cutters are merging the two West Coast administrative regions of the National Marine Fisheries Service, a move that could leave California at a disadvantage. continued
Eel hearings to be held in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Maine — Three Maine hearings on interstate management measures for the American eel have been consolidated into one. continued
Miss Ally divers nominated for the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery.
The four local divers who braved the elements to search the capsized hull of the Miss Ally have been nominated by the Municipality of Barrington for the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery. Donald Mahaney, Gary Thurber, Thomas Nickerson and Thomas Hennigar were nominated by Barrington Municipal Council for the honour late last month. continued
Worries persist for Marshfield Massachusetts fishing industry
In the days since U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren visited Marshfield to listen to concerns of local fishermen, apprehension remains in the community about the industry’s future. During the senator’s April 2 visit, the room at Haddad’s Ocean Café overflowed with approximately 40 representatives of the industry from Marshfield and Scituate. Many were owners of local commercial boats. continued
Fishing Regulations Force Market Vendors to Sell Alaskan Salmon – the demise of commercial fishing
“It’s being portrayed by some as the demise of commercial fishing in the Columbia and that was not the intent, it’s not what is built into our plan, and it is not what the economic analysis that both [Oregon and Washington] did showed,” says commission chairwoman Miranda Wecker. “Our economic analysis showed that the commercial fishery should do better.” But the gillnetters are royally pissed off and calling the commission’s bluff. The Puget Sound Salmon Commission, made up of commercial gillnetters, conducted a separate study showing gillnets have a lower bycatch than purse seines. They’re skeptical these future fish will ever exist and claim the commission has motives other than fish protection. continued
Coastal Villages Region Fund, the region’s largest Community Development Quota group, to raise salmon prices and processing wages
Spokesperson, Dawson Hoover, says they will be paying 15 cents more for their salmon this year, from 85 cents to a $1 per pound for all salmon species. He says they are paying more because the quality of the fish has improved. “We’ve been getting a much better product over the years, ever since we’ve implemented mandatory icing and bleeding,” Hoover says. “Our fishermen are getting better at delivering a better catch, so we’re rewarding them with higher prices this year.” continued
The end of fish, or sustainable fishing? What’s the real status of fisheries?
Published on Apr 7, 2013
Dr. Ray Hilborn from the University of Washington, provides some eye-opening facts about our fisheries, some of the misperceptions about fishing being unsustainable, and the environmental impact of fishing versus agriculture and farming.
If you’re wondering whether the oceans can continue to be fished, you need to see this
Greedy and gangs attracted to Maine’s lucrative elver fishery – video
“Quite often there is [an attitude] that [getting caught] is just a cost of doing business for these guys,” Chasse said. “Last year I wrote a guy four different summons, four different violations in one morning. … He had roughly $4,500 in fines, right there. I wrote him the four summons and I said, ‘Is it safe to assume that you’re still ahead in this game?’ He just looked at me and smiled.” continued
On the Run! Newfoundland fisherman still wanted in Nunavut
A second arrest warrant has gone out for a Newfoundland fisherman who is wanted in Nunavut. Clarence Cabot faces charges for allegedly cutting off the tails of Greenland sharks in Cumberland Sound. He was supposed to appear at the Nunavut Court of Justice yesterday, but didn’t show up. continued
RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! Crabs supersized by carbon pollution
WASHINGTON — It is the dawn of the super crab. Crabs are bulking up on carbon pollution that pours out of power plants, factories and vehicles and settles in the oceans, turning the tough crustaceans into even more fearsome predators. continued
Net bycatch: A ‘lifeline’ for some, a threat for lobstermen
AUGUSTA – A proposal to allow fishermen to keep and sell lobsters they scoop up in trawling nets has rekindled an old debate between those who hope to revive Maine’s groundfishing industry and lobstermen who guard the state’s most valuable fishery. continued
Editorial: Local fishing forum deserves to get NOAA’s attention
So, you might think just about every avenue is being explored to help salvage at least something of a fishing year — or really, of the remaining groundfishing fleet. continued
$75.6M wastewater treatment project moves forward in Portsmouth to meet the new nitrogen standard.
Councilors were unanimously in support of the move, which involves the city using a technology known as “biological aerated filter” to reach a total nitrogen limit of 8 milligrams per liter on a seasonal rolling average basis. continued
Greater Grays Harbor Inc Supports Crude Oil Exports in Western Washington
“Rail, oil and maritime shipping are three of the most substantially regulated industries in the nation and in our state,” Mike O’Dell, Vice Chair said. “We believe that those protections will serve the Harbor, and already have in the case of Imperium and Westway. If we felt there was truly a conflict between this industry and tourism, or commercial fishing or shell fishing, we would not have supported Crude by Rail.” continued
ADF&G Announces 2013 Southeast Alaska Chinook Salmon Harvest Quota
(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska – Under provisions of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced that the preseason Chinook salmon all-gear harvest quota for Southeast Alaska in 2013 is 176,000 fish. This year’s quota is 90,000 fish lower than the 2012 allowable preseason Chinook all-gear harvest level of 266,800. continued
Alaska Legislators reject Board of Fisheries confirmation
adn.com JUNEAU, Alaska — The Alaska Legislature has rejected another term for Board of Fisheries member. Vince Webster had served on the board since 2007. In recent days, the Kenai River Sportfishing Association put out a call to action against Webster, saying in part that the failure of a task force on Cook Inlet king salmon rested largely with him. continued
