Daily Archives: December 24, 2021

Macduff Shipyards completes Fruitful Vine vessel for owners

Macduff Shipyards has recently signed over its latest new build fishing vessel F/V Fruitful Vine to owners Nicol Fishing. This new build replaces its previous fishing vessel of the same name, which was built by the yard in 2010 and is intended to fish around the coast of Scotland, occasionally pair trawling alongside the family’s other fishing vessel, the Steadfast Hope. Photos, >click to read< 14:57

DFO responds to Ryan Cleary’s allegations of a ‘backroom’ plan 

The interim executive director of Seaward Enterprises Association of Newfoundland and Labrador accused the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of orchestrating a “backroom” plan to rebuild the cod stock off southern Newfoundland and exclude the voice of inshore harvesters. According to Cleary, DFO has assembled a working group, made up of DFO and FFAW union officials, fish processors, indigenous interests and the offshore, sector to develop a rebuilding plan for cod in the 3Ps fishing zone. An official for DFO, however, says when DFO established the working group they invited members of the 3Ps Groundfish Advisory Committee to participate. >click to read< 13:32

Kenai Peninsula Municipalities still working to oppose EEZ closure

Peninsula municipalities are still fighting back against the closure of federal waters in Cook Inlet to commercial salmon fishing. The city councils of both Kenai and Homer have agreed to file amicus briefs in a lawsuit brought forth by the United Cook Inlet Drift Association, which has a goal of reopening the waters before the 2022 summer fishing season. Groups across the peninsula, including the cities of Homer and Kenai as well as the Kenai Peninsula Borough, have consistently voiced their opposition to the closure of Cook Inlet’s federal waters to commercial salmon fishing. >click to read< 10:59

Wind reps, Ocean City fishermen still far apart – “We’re going to be pushed out,,,

Last week, representatives from US Wind, Director of External Affairs Nancy Sopko, Director of Marine Affairs Ben Cooper and Fisheries Liaison Ron Larsen, briefed the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council on their progress in the area and their discussions with fishermen. “They’re trying to say they’re going to work with us said Roger Wooleyhan. When asked if the meeting signaled significant progress, Wooleyhan replied, “No, I don’t. We’re going to be pushed out and all these guys who are making a living are going to be put out. >click to read<  08:43

US Wind extends moratorium, Ocean City fishermen remain skeptical – Their fishery liaisons are working directly with local fisherman to ensure strong coordination between the industries. However, longtime Ocean City fisherman Jimmy Hahn wasn’t too thrilled by the supposed good news from US Wind. >click to read< 08:43

‘That’s Pampi’s tree’: Lobster trap tree honors Maine fisherman killed at sea

Lobster trap Christmas trees are a common holiday sight along the Maine coast, but the one in Cape Porpoise has special meaning this year. Nearly two years ago, Capt. Joe Nickerson and his crewmate, Chris Pinkham, were killed when their fishing boat, the Hayley Ann, sank about 70 miles off the coast of Portland. “It was a shock to us because he just went to work, and it was a beautiful day, sun was shining,” said Nickerson’s daughter, Hayley Brown, said. Nickerson grew up in Cape Porpoise and became a fisherman. >video, click to read< 07:36