Daily Archives: June 2, 2013
Climate change threatens extinction for 82 percent of California native fish
Salmon and other native freshwater fish in California will likely become extinct within the next century due to climate change if current trends continue, ceding their habitats to non-native fish, predicts a study by scientists from the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis. continued
Green Cannibalism. Will they consume each other? Will it spread? Environmentalists’ Complaint Exposes Rift Between ‘Green’ Certification Groups
WASHINGTON — The legal watchdogs at the Federal Trade Commission have been trying to police the proliferating — and often false — claims in recent years that products are “green” or “environmentally friendly.” continued
American Seafoods slapped with big fine over claims that crews misreported their catch by many tons;
The Seattle Times – Something is fishy when the scales on a factory trawler read from 6 percent to nearly 70 percent less than what the catch really weighs. For such discrepancies, allegedly extending over many years, the federal government seeks penalties of more than $2.7 million from Seattle-based American Seafoods, which operates factory trawlers that catch and process pollock off Alaska. continued
Atlantic puffins in peril in US
AP – 
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – The Atlantic puffin population is at risk in the United States, and there are signs the seabirds are in distress in other parts of the world. In the Gulf of Maine, the comical-looking seabirds have been dying of starvation and losing body weight, possibly because of shifting fish populations as ocean temperatures rise, according to scientists. continued
Fisheries ministers from the Maritime provinces have named a three-member independent lobster panel
The panel has a representative from each province: • New Brunswick: Gilles Thériault, a long-time fishing consultant • Nova Scotia: John Hanlon, a retired area manager with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in the Gulf regio
n of Nova Scotia • Prince Edward Island: Lewie Creed, a former provincial deputy minister of fisheries and aquaculture. They also agreed to working collectively on marketing initiatives as well as reaching out to their counterparts in Newfoundland, Quebec, Maine and the federal government. continued
SKIPPER’S BLOG: A Taste for Crab
Navigator – For those out there who aren’t terribly well versed when it comes to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery, there’s actually concern amongst many fisherman about cod numbers growing in the bays. “What?!” you ask. “Fishermen aren’t shouting ‘Hosanna on high’ from the mountains far and near that cod fish numbers appear to be on the upswing?!” No. No they are not. continued
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update JUNE 2, 2013
“The Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance is dedicated to its mission of continuing to help create sustainable fisheries without putting licensed fishermen out of business.” Read the update
Great Lakes governors seek agreement on invasives
The Associated Press — Despite an unresolved dispute over Asian carp, states that surround the Great Lakes hope to develop a common strategy for battling invasive species during a meeting of governors and other top officials that began Friday. continued
My Turn: Why rush to judge the Pebble Mine? – Abe Williams of King Salmon, president of Nuna Resources
Juneau Empire – As a fisherman, I depend on fish for my livelihood, but I also understand that commercial fishing no longer sustains us and is not the only answer to our challenges. In one generation, locally owned fish permits have dropped 50 percent. Corporate fish processing plants bring in foreign workers on visas, and the luxury fishing lodges hire few Natives. (interesting comments at the article) continued
Chinook appearing in good numbers off Washington coast; two areas open for sport fishing June 8
The coastal commercial salmon troll fishery was so good that the northern portion was closed this past week. “We put a cap of 8,700 chinook, and the (North Coast) trollers came very close to hitting that figure (8,145 was caught through this week),” said Doug Milward, the head state Fish and Wildlife coastal salmon resource manager. continued
NMFS pressures N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission over observer coverage, commercial license fees and permit fees could go up!
Carteret County News-Times – The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission doesn’t want to take chances with funding for the state’s federally required observer program through a state budget line item; if the program doesn’t get funding, fisheries will close for lack of a federal permit related to taking sea turtles and Atlantic sturgeon, both protected species. continued
Lose the hatchery salmon, lose the cities – Margery Whitmer, Charleston, Oregon – Salmon Hatchery Petition
Oregon STEP Programs downsized 
Coastal Multi-Species Conservation, and management has decided to downsize salmon hatchery programs in Oregon. continued
Mobile, Alabama Commercial Fishing Boats burglarized along Dog River – video
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Local fishermen are trying to bounce from a rash of commercial fishing boat burglaries that Mobile police said happened along Dog River. continued
Local Portsmouth fisherman calls it quits amid new cuts – says the latest codfish limits are final straw
Dennis Robillard has been fishing for 25 years, offshore and inshore, draggers and gillnetters, and for most of that time he has been the captain of his own boat. But enough is enough, he says. “We have to take some blame, too,” he said. “It’s easier to bury your head in the sand and keep fishing. Maybe if most of us took a more active role, we wouldn’t be in the predicament we’re in.” (something to think about, ain’t it?) continued
