Daily Archives: November 10, 2015
Seine or insane? Switch to new fishing method still clouded by practical questions
Under a plan by disgraced former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, the beginning of the end of commercial gillnet fishing on the main stem of the Columbia River is little more than a year away, but it’s still not clear if gear banned on the river for decades will ultimately replace gillnets. Oregon and Washington’s advisory group and fishery managers in both states are waiting for new information to be released that could clarify what the impacts of the proposed replacement gear — beach and purse seines — are on Columbia River salmon. Read the rest here 20:02
Former NOAA official pushed regs that benefit his company
The head of a company that receives millions of dollars from the federal government to provide at-sea watchdogs has a long history of advocating for the strict regulations that now benefit his company. Andrew Rosenberg wears many hats. He heads up the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. He is an unpaid affiliate professor of natural resources and the environment at the University of New Hampshire. He is a biologist with expertise in fisheries, once serving as the Northeast regional administrator for the . And he is the president of MRAG Americas, a consulting company that earns most of its gross revenue from NMFS. Read the rest here 18:04
Pacific cod may have learned to hunt seabirds, research indicates
You could call it revenge on the birds. While many marine birds are well known for their skills at diving into the sea to pluck out fishy meals, there is now solid evidence that some Pacific cod have turned the tables on the avian species. The practice came to light a few years ago when seafood workers in Dutch Harbor noticed that some of the cod they were processing came with extra features — partially digested birds in the fish stomachs. Read the rest here 16:47
Tropical Storm Kate to be fourth Atlantic hurricane of 2015
Tropical storm Kate is likely to become the fourth Atlantic hurricane of the 2015 season on Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 10) as it races northeast away from the Bahama Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center. At 9 a.m., Kate had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, just below hurricane strength, and was about 350 miles south of Cape Hatteras, N.C., and 600 miles west of Bermuda.On its forecast track, Kate would pass north of Bermuda. But forecasters urged those on the island to monitor its progress, as high surf and windy conditions were possible. Read the rest here 16:29
Opinion: Herring fishery needs integrated management plan
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his diverse, representative cabinet on Nov. 4, with Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo appointed as the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Will Minister Tootoo create fisheries policies “by looking at evidence and listening to scientists,” as Trudeau promised at a rally of supporters on that euphoric day after the federal election? It certainly would be a refreshing change from the ways of Tootoo’s predecessor, Gail Shea, in the Harper-led cabinet. Read the rest here 12:46
Memories of a Highliner’s Son, by Big Tom Brancaleone
My family fished out of Gloucester on the Joseph & Lucia I, II and III, for over 50 years- as boat owners, captain and crew. They worked hard and were successful in their labors. They were known for being fair to their crews and had a propensity for fishing in bad weather. As a child I can remember the worried look on my mother’s face as our home on the Boulevard shook and the storm windows squealed and shuddered. The boat was out in yet another storm. Their hope was to be the only boat to market and to fetch a big price when they finally made it back to port,,, Read the rest here 11:11
Province orders fisheries review after Manitoba fish get ‘do not buy’ rating
The province has ordered a review of Manitoba’s fisheries after a scathing review from sustainable fisheries organization 
. On Monday, Seachoice released a report that gave fish caught in Manitoba’s three largest lake a “do not buy” rating. All species of fish caught in Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis should be avoided by consumers and retailers until more sustainable fishery methods are in place, the report said. Read the rest here 10:31
The first year of a three-year experiment allowing commercial fishing for whitefish in southern Lake Huron is wrapping up.
Tom Goniea, the administrator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ commercial fishing program, said 
of Pinconning had collapsed his trap nets before pulling them. “He’s done for the season now,” Goniea said. “I was out on his boat (Oct. 26) when he did his last set of the year.” Goniea said the experiment likely will continue in 2016. “I see no reason why it wouldn’t at this point,” he said. “He was relatively successful this year considering the fact he missed the first two months of the season. Read the rest here 09:43
Salmon Farms Blamed for Virus Outbreak
Commercial salmon farms in Puget Sound are harming wild salmon but the federal government refuses to act, the Wild Fish Conservancy claims in court. A virus outbreak in 2012 at farms off Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound “likely had significant adverse effects on the wild fish,” but the government will not reconsider a 2011 determination that commercial farms do not significantly impact threatened wild salmon, according to the Nov. 4 lawsuit in Federal Court. Read the rest here 08:51
Counting Fish – A Film by Don Cuddy
New England groundfishermen are in trouble, with catch limits set so low that many boats remain tied to the dock. But the industry has little confidence in the NOAA survey that provides the raw data used for the stock assessment. Accurately counting fish populations in the ocean is a daunting task however and everyone agrees on the need for better science. SMAST researcher Kevin Stokesbury may have found a solution. Read the rest here 08:10
