Daily Archives: March 6, 2019

FISH-NL takes stand against precautionary approach management system for snow crab; ‘inshore harvesters don’t want it’

The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) has taken a stand against the implementation of the so-called ‘precautionary approach’ management system in the commercial snow crab fishery. “The message is loud and clear from all coasts — inshore harvesters don’t want it,” says Ryan Cleary, President of FISH-NL. “Fishermen say the management system that’s in place now works well enough, and follows the normal cyclical nature of the stock.” The precautionary approach would have three levels or zones of classification — critical, healthy and cautious, with talks are ongoing between DFO and the FFAW-Unifor on setting the reference points dividing each category. FISH-NL is against the introduction of the precautionary approach altogether. >click to read<17:20

New marine refuges in the Howe Sound to protect glass sponge reefs

Keeping our oceans clean, safe and healthy is essential for our environment and our economy. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the ocean and the abundance of marine biodiversity that calls it home. Today, Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced the establishment of eight marine refuges in Howe Sound to protect nine newly discovered glass sponge reefs. Fishery closures to preserve the glass sponge reefs will take effect in advance of the spring fishing season and apply to all commercial, recreational and Indigenous bottom contact fishing activities. >click to read<16:43

Reposted: Pacific Fishery Management Council meetng in Vancouver, WA, March 6-12, 2019

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory bodies will meet March 6-12, 2019 in Vancouver, Washington at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.  Agenda and Meeting Notice, >click to read< Listen to the March Council meeting live <click to listen<16:20

Reposted: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting in Virginia Beach,March 6-7, 2019

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet March 6-7, 2019 at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, Telephone 757-213-3000)  Briefing Materials & Agenda Overview Agenda >click here< Attend Meeting with Adobe Connect >click here<16:05

In major reversal, WA agrees to gillnets on Columbia in 2019

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission agreed last week to allow the use of gillnets during the fall salmon fishery on the Lower Columbia River while state fishery managers work with Oregon counterparts to develop a joint long-term policy for shared waters. The commission, appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, took that action and received public comments on proposed hunting seasons for 2019-21 during a public meeting March 1-2 in Spokane. The commission’s action to extend the use of gillnets was one of a number of recommendations for Columbia River fisheries developed by a joint committee with members of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Oregon’s full commission will also consider the recommendations when it meets later this month. >click to read<Reposted from yesterday 15:53