Daily Archives: July 15, 2014

Seafood processors, fishermen unite in opposing temporary foreign workers changes

863a4ac9dc_64635696_o2The P.E.I. Seafood Processors Association and the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association have united in calling for a reversal of Ottawa’s sweeping reforms of the temporary foreign worker program — reforms they say will have a devastating impact on the Island’s seafood industry. Read more here 22:15

NJ back to court to stall seismic study

Scientists have yet to begin using loud air gun blasts to study the sea floor off New Jersey, and state officials said Tuesday they are going back to federal court to keep the guns silent. Court papers filed in the Third District revealed the Langseth had to put into port for repairs. “The last time I checked, it was in Brooklyn,” Ragonese said. Read more here 21:47

EU: Bottom trawling advocates and opponents make their voices heard

On the eve of the meeting that the Fisheries Ministers of the European Union (EU) will hold in Brussels, the voices for and against the proposal to ban bottom trawling are becoming stronger. This Monday prominent street artists are making artworks simultaneously in six European capitals to express the social rejection of this fishing gear. Read more here 19:33

Recreational Fishing Alliance supports “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act.”

“Groups like Environmental Defense Fund, Pew Environment Group, Oceana and Ocean Conservancy hate this bill because it would allow America’s fishermen to continue fishing as stocks rebound, but that’s precisely what the Magnuson Stevens Act was originally designed to do,” Donofrio said. “Having healthy fish stocks without being allowed sustainable access does not make for a successful law.” Read more here 16:34

Samoa buoy used by fishermen set to be redeployed in mid-August

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expecting to redeploy by mid-August a buoy that many local commercial and recreational fishermen depend on for specific and up-to-date weather information, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Garcia.  Read more here 16:21

MSA Reauthorization: Partisan bickering sinking fishing bill

Senate Obama no fishingTo catch a fish or save a fish: That is the question being debated in Washington.(its not that simple) It summarizes a heated argument going on in Congress, mostly pitting Republicans against Democrats, as both sides try to reauthorize the nation’s primary fisheries law.,,The Democrat-controlled Senate is working on a draft bill, but what has been leaked out has been opposed by fishing groups. Read more here 13:50

Oceana defends ‘dirtiest US fisheries’ report

Oceana on Monday sent a response to the Council Coordination Committee (CCC) for the eight United States regional fishery management councils addressing its comments on Oceana’s March 2014 report  Oceana said its report is based on the most comprehensive and up-to-date government data.  Read more here 11:50

Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland – Canada’s fishing hamlets in decline

 What was once a thriving port of more than 800 people with its own customs office, oceangoing ships at the docks, and six hotels, is today home to just 81 residents. “It’s dying, it’s nearly dead,” said 61-year-old Dennis Budgell. “And it’s time to close her down. There’s nothing to do here anymore.” But for those who want to stay, the issue has been divisive. Read more here 09:38

Feds support vacating 1958 judgment against lobstermen’s group

The decree was a result of a lawsuit the Department of Justice brought against the organization in 1957, after federal officials became concerned that members of the group were trying to fix the market by setting a minimum price that lobstermen would be paid for their catch. Read more here 08:53

Meat from slaughtered sharks off UK coastline ‘could end up on sale at chippies’ – Oh No!

The image, which has sparked outrage, shows the heads and fins of up to 60 of the creatures which were dumped near the coastline of the Isle of Wight. Unlicensed fishing trawlers are being blamed for the bloodbath after the photo of the adult and pup sharks was posted on a Facebook group for anglers. Read more here 08:32:51

Boat crews in line for fed fish aid, too

gdt iconMassachusetts’ plan for distributing $8.2 million in state-specific fishery assistance grants includes proposals to fund direct assistance to crew members and shoreside businesses, as well as vocational and vessel safety training, cooperative research, Read more here. Pay-wall 07:30