Daily Archives: December 30, 2015
Countries rush for an upper hand in Antarctica; nations focused on commercial opportunities
On a glacier-filled island with fjords and elephant seals, Russia has built Antarctica’s first Orthodox church on a hill overlooking its research base, transporting the logs all the way from Siberia. Less than an hour away by snowmobile, Chinese laborers have updated the Great Wall Station, a linchpin in China’s plan to operate five bases on Antarctica, complete with an indoor badminton court, domes to protect satellite stations and sleeping quarters for 150 people. Not to be outdone, India’s futuristic new Bharathi base, built on stilts using 134 interlocking shipping containers, resembles a spaceship. Turkey and Iran have announced plans to build bases, too. Read the article here 19:08
2015 mullet season catch is down drastically
Like a lot of Floridians weary of warm weather, the local fishing industry is praying for a little cool. But for the people who catch them, the businesses that sell them and for those planning to expand Southwest Florida’s mullet fishery into a sustainable industry, the record-setting warm winter is a much bigger issue than not being able to wear a favorite sweater or trade sandals for boots. This time last year, the A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez was awash in the collective catch of striped mullet, with president Karen Bell ordering more ice to keep the fish fresh and wondering what she was going to do with them all. Read the article here 18:26
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 71′ Duckworth Aft Pilothouse Longliner with Shelter Deck
Specifications, information and 14 photo’s click here To see all the boats in this series, Click here 13:34
New Southern Flounder restrictions came from acrimonious debate
New restrictions on catching southern flounder that go into effect in North Carolina on Friday were the product of an acrimonious debate. Local media outlets report that conservationists and people who fish recreationally are generally in favor of the rules, which they say are meant to reduce the number of fish caught and replenish the population of the fish. Commercial fishermen oppose the restrictions, saying fears about the flounder population are unfounded. Read the article here 12:15
North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for December 28, 2015
Click here to read the Weekly Update, to read all the updates, Click here 11:43
Havyard live fish carrier delivered to Norsk Fisketransport
Havyard Ship Technology has delivered its newbuild fish carrier, Namsos, to owner Norsk Fisketransport (NFT). The contract for the building of Namsos, a Havyard 587 Live Fish Carrier design, was signed in November 2013.Børge Lorentzsen, deputy CEO of NFT, said: “Havyard 587’s hull and propulsion system are also very economical in terms of fuel consumption. We can carry three times as much salmon with Havtrans and Namsos as older boats without having to use more fuel.” Read the article here 11:18
Giant squid makes rare appearance in Japanese port
A giant squid that wandered into a Japanese port has been guided back out to sea almost a week after it was spotted, giving enthusiasts and experts a rare glimpse of the mysterious creature. The massive invertebrate, four metres (13 feet) in length, was discovered by fishermen on December 24 at a port in the city of Toyama on Japan’s northwestern coast. It was later guided by a diver into deeper seas. Read the rest here 09:19
Mayor Jon Mitchell: New Bedford would be great home for Northeast Fisheries Science Center
If NOAA Fisheries should decide to move the Northeast Fisheries Science Center out of Woods Hole, Mayor Jon Mitchell said New Bedford would be just right for a new home. Mitchell calls the city “the best place in the Northeast by far.” For about a year, the Commerce Department, which contains NOAA, has been assessing the adequacy and the condition of the various buildings that constitute the laboratory. NOAA spokeswoman Teri Frady said repairs, renovations or replacement are all possible options and any definitive direction is still a long way off. Read the article here 08:00
