Author Archives: borehead - Moderator
David Proud honoured for 30 years with Falmouth RNLI
A coastguard turned lifeboat crew member who has helped save many lives over 30 years has been honoured for his long service. Falmouth RNLI volunteer David Proud was recently presented with an RNLI long service medal in recognition of his three decades of service at the station. The medal was presented to him by Falmouth RNLI coxswain Jonathon Blakeston. David’s involvement with search and rescue actually goes back even further, as he joined the Coastguard service in Falmouth in January 1977. This was when it was located in the old lookout, a small square building at Pendennis Point, before the current Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was built. >click to read< 08:40
Senator Vin Gopal Says Whale Deaths are a Right Wing Conspiracy Theory
New Jersey Democrat Senator Vin Gopal, a key ally in New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to build wind turbines from Cape May to Sandy Hook said conspiracy theorists are linking a massive increase in whale deaths to offshore wind energy. When asked during a news 12 interview, Gopal, who is also very active politically in Ocean County too, rejected the idea that sonar mapping could be linked to a massive kill-off of whales and dolphins at the Jersey Shore in 2023. When asked if the offshore sonar mapping is responsible for the die off, Gopal was firm. “No, it is not,” he said. Residents criticized Gopal’s conspiracy theory assertion. Video, >click to read< 07:40
Commercial Fishermen Seek Better Internet Connectivity at Sea
Commercial fishermen like Bruce Lawrence often face long periods away from their families as they venture into the harsh seas off Alaska in search of crab and black cod. These trips can take them up to 400 miles out into the ocean, bringing them closer to Russia than to their homeland of America. One of the challenges faced by fishermen during these trips is the lack of reliable internet connectivity. For years, they have had to rely on legacy satellite-based providers like US-based KVH. This has resulted in poor communication with loved ones back home, with messages often taking hours or even days to reach their intended recipients. >click to read< 16:47
Spanish fishing boat stopped by Gibraltar police ignites war of words
Relations between Gibraltar and politicians across the border in Spain soured this week after Gibraltar police took action against a Spanish fishing vessel which they claimed had been repeatedly entering British territorial water off the Rock. Spanish local and regional politicians have angrily denied the small vessel called Mi Daniela was fishing in Gibraltarian waters and asked Gibraltar for an explanation. The Royal Gibraltar Police said that on Monday morning this week the skipper was stopped and reported over a series of alleged offences in a joint operation with the Rock’s Customs and Environmental Protection officers. >click to read< 14:28
New documentary ‘proves’ building offshore wind farms does kills whales
The increase in whale, dolphin, and other cetacean deaths off the East Coast of the United States since 2016 is not due to the construction of large industrial wind turbines, U.S. government officials say. Their scientists have done the research, they say, to prove that whatever is killing the whales is completely unrelated to the wind industry. But now, a new documentary, “Thrown to the Wind,” by director and producer Jonah Markowitz, which I executive produced, proves that the US government officials have been lying. The film documents surprisingly loud, high-decibel sonar emitted by wind industry vessels when measured with state-of-the-art hydrophones. Video, >click to read<
Economists unsure of how long huge salmon influxes will affect prices
Kodiak fisherman Mike Friccero has fished for salmon for over four decades. He said he was expecting a low price for Bristol Bay salmon this summer but didn’t think rumors were true about how low it would drop. “Our processor gave us a letter, a narrative before the season started, saying that pricing conditions weren’t great but that they were going to go after it with all the resources that they utilized last year as far as tendering and logistics and resources in general,” he said. “And they asked if we would do the same.” Friccero said with lower salmon prices, he’s able to keep a decent paycheck but will have to be wary of his budget for next year. He said he hopes market conditions improve over the winter. >click to read< 11:27
Travis Van Hill’s crew was back fishing on Okanagan Lake, but this time without their captain
A month after Travis Van Hill’s shrimp boat capsized on Okanagan Lake, his crew took to the water for the first time. Van Hill drowned when the vessel Western Slope capsized in a windstorm on July 24. His body was recovered Aug. 16. Kim Van Hill, Van Hill’s wife, said two crew members went fishing Thursday night, for the first time without their captain. One former crew member was too traumatized by the incident to return to work. She said the crew paid tribute to Van Hill on their first night back on the water. >click to read< 10:06
‘Wicked Tuna’ captain honors fallen firefighter
A star of National Geographic’s reality series “Wicked Tuna,” Capt. Dave Marciano of Beverly, fished out a winning raffle ticket at Gloucester Fire Headquarters on Sunday, Aug. 20, to help honor the memory of a fallen Gloucester firefighter. Marciano had donated a half-day charter as part of efforts to honor the late Gloucester firefighter Gregory G. “Headly” Marchant as his family and firefighters plan to travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, next month to see Marchant’s name added to the wall of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Fallen Firefighter Memorial. >click to read< 09:11
Limestone Coast community fears it has a lot to lose if offshore wind zone goes ahead in Southern Ocean
Australia’s Southern Ocean has some of the best wind resources in the world and is set to play a prominent part in the nation’s energy future. But in a small town on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, opposition to the development of offshore wind farms is fierce. Chris Carrison is an abalone diver and chair of Southern Coast Ocean Care, a group of Port Macdonnell residents against offshore wind. “Particularly from the cray fishermen and the future of their industry, but just the general public that they’re going to look out of their front yard and see a wind tower in the future.” Mr Carrison said locals were concerned the development could have a devastating effect on the local lobster fishing industry and the environment. >click to read< 08:02
Bayou La Batre seeks help amid foreign seafood invasion
Bayou La Batre, “Alabama’s seafood capital”, is experiencing some major economic adversity causing Mayor Henry Barnes to issue a declaration of disaster. The issue is a flood of foreign seafood being dumped into the area which is effecting the local fishing community. State Rep. Chip Brown has requested Gov. Kay Ivey issue a disaster declaration, which would lead to an increase of resources to tackle the problem. “I am writing to request a disaster declaration for Bayou La Batre and South Mobile County, Alabama’s Seafood Capital,” Brown (R-Hollinger’s Island) wrote. “With the price of gas hitting record highs, and the value of shrimp now worth only $1 per pound, more and more shrimp boat owners are unable to do anything other than dock their vessels. >click to read< 17:43
Commercial fisherman slips on deck, injures back, wins settlement
The plaintiff, a commercial fisherman for more than 40 years, was 61 at the time of the incident. Five years prior to the accident, the plaintiff injured his back on land, underwent a spinal fusion, and returned to fishing about three months after his surgery. For the next five years after his spinal fusion, the plaintiff worked on a scallop vessel as a deck hand. The plaintiff was picking up the pile of scallops that had been dumped on the deck. After he filled his basket with scallops, he lifted the basket and turned to his left to carry it to the shucking house. The plaintiff testified that he felt something under his foot, made another one to two steps on the deck, and then slipped and fell backwards, landing on his right side on a rock on the deck. >click to read< 14:26
Updated: Crew member on Alaska factory trawler dies after possible ammonia exposure
A crew member on an American Seafoods factory trawler died at sea last week, likely from an ammonia leak on board. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class John Highwater said that they received a satellite call from the Northern Eagle at about 4 a.m. on Aug. 18. “One of their crew members was found unresponsive in one of their engineering spaces,” Highwater said. “They believe there was an ammonia leak somewhere in the vessel that caused the person to fall unconscious.” Jeremy Baum, the Alaska Wildlife Trooper stationed in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, identified the crew member as First Engineer David Kumah from Ghana in West Africa. >click to read< 13:09
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy names ad consultant, talk show host Porcaro to commercial fisheries agency
Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy has appointed a GOP advertising consultant and talk show host to a highly paid state government job: a position overseeing commercial fishing permits. Dunleavy this month appointed Mike Porcaro as one of two commissioners overseeing the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, or CFEC — an obscure, Juneau-based agency with some 20 employees. The commission issues annual commercial fishing permits, grants and denies permit transfers in the event of illnesses and deaths and publishes fisheries reports and statistics. “All I’m doing is trying to answer a call of service, and I’m going to do the best job I can do,” Porcaro said in an interview Thursday. He added: “Judge me on my performance.”>click to read< 11:33
Ayrshire fishing industry: Consultation is launched
SNP MSP Siobhian Brown has welcomed plans from the Scottish Government that will attempt to boost the fishing industry in Ayr and Troon and has encouraged local stakeholders to engage with the consultation. The consultation on how to collaboratively improve inshore fisheries data, which was launched on August 14, includes proposals to introduce electronic tracking and monitoring technology for small fishing vessels, which will help to increase consumer confidence in Scottish seafood. It follows two recent consultations: one on Remote Electric Monitoring (REM) on board pelagic and scallop vessels, and the other on Scotland’s Future Catching Policy. These collaborative consultations, and the package of measures they will introduce, represent Scotland’s future as a world-class sustainable fishing nation. >click to read< 09:46
Port Royal begins rebuilding 30-year-old dock. Move shows renewed commitment to shrimping
O’Quinn Marine Construction, hired by the town for $130,000, is now tearing down the Battery Creek landmark, piling by piling and plank by plank. But the scuttling of dock isn’t the end but rather a new beginning for shrimping and fishing and seafood processing, which have deep roots in northern Beaufort County. “It’s a first of several steps to reestablish fishing and shrimping as a iconic industry in Port Royal,” Van Willis, the town’s manager, said of the dock removal. A new dock and processing facility for fisherman and shrimpers are now being planned to replace the old facilities that had been in place since 1989. Over the past two years, the State Legislature has allocated the town $2 million for the work. Video, >click to read< 08:57
Body found in ocean Monday confirmed to be missing lobsterman Tylar Michaud
The mother of a Down East lobsterman who disappeared a month ago while fishing confirmed Thursday night that a body found in the ocean Monday morning was that of her son. Valerie Kennedy notified a Press Herald reporter that authorities have confirmed the body belongs to her son, 18-year-old Tylar Michaud, of Steuben. Kennedy declined to comment further. A Jonesport lobsterman discovered the body floating in the Atlantic Ocean near Addison on Monday morning, exactly a month after Michaud was last seen in the area. The body was taken to the Maine Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta to be identified. >click to read< 07:54
PEI Fishermen’s Association seeks vendor proposals for pilot hybrid vessel propulsion program
“What we’re looking at is alternative propulsion sources for fishing boats, which will include electric or some component of electric,” says Ian MacPherson, senior adviser for the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA). As the representative organization for all core fishers in PEI, the PEIFA’s work includes advocating for members and exploring ways in which to improve operating efficiency. This project was hatched four years ago after discussions between MacPherson and PEIFA President Bobby Jenkins on modifications to increase onboard operating efficiency. To that end, the PEIFA is now requesting proposals from companies for marine propulsions systems that are suitable for 45-foot inshore fishing boats. The selected equipment will be tested in a pilot program. It will run in the spring and fall of 2024, with cost-shared funding provided by the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. >click to read< 14:45
NOAA Fish Surveys: A way to improve – Capt. Sam Novello
First, you need the net, then a set of doors capable of spreading, the net and ground wire, and bridles connected to the net. The angle of attack should be at 15 degrees, this angle is best for catching flounders, cod and haddock. The lower of the angle will catch more flounders. This is the reason why R/V Bigelow did an inadequate job of catching flounders & codfish, (overspreading the net) The best net will not fish properly if the doors are not synchronized with the net. People are talking about a new net for fish surveys, which means more research is needed, more time lost and more money wasted. >click to read< 13:30
Speakers Series: Ernie Koepf- Fish tales
Ernie Koepf was born (1951) and raised in Moss Beach and raised his own family in El Granada. He now resides in the hills of Oakland with his wife of 16 years, Jan Moestue. Early in his life he was initiated into the fishing community and was known as Little Ernie to his father’s Big Ernie, a prominent commercial fisherman in the community. Much change has come about to Princeton and the fisheries of the West Coast. The history of the Coastside is also rich with change. Ernie Koepf is here to speak on both. Sept. 7, at the Half Moon Bay Odd Fellows, Half Moon Bay, Ca. $10 admission supports our Youth Services Programs. >click to read< 12:21
Safeguarding Oregon’s Sustainable Seafood Industry: DEQ Urged to Reconsider Unachievable Permits
As proud stewards of the marine ecosystem, Oregon’s seafood industry has worked diligently for over a century to foster a sustainable environment, supporting thriving communities and vibrant coastal economies. However, our seafood industry now faces a critical challenge. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has introduced new wastewater discharge permits that threaten the future of our industry. These permits are overly complicated, technically infeasible, and they fail to consider the seafood processing industry’s unique traits and changing seasons. Even worse, they discourage recycling, hindering full utilization of our fisheries resources. This goes against our industry’s values and DEQ’s own goals of promoting recycling. >click to read< 11:09
Skinningrove’s fishing boat restored after years on beach
A fishing boat which became a “local landmark” on a beach for almost two decades has been restored. The Repus Cole was displayed on Skinningrove Beach in 2005 after being saved from destruction. It had belonged to fisherman Wilbur Cox, who died in the 1980s, and became a memorial to those lost at sea. Redcar and Cleveland Council said it would continue to “proudly stand” on the beach for future generations. The boat had originally been stored at South Gare before it was brought back to the village for display. It was eventually displayed opposite the home of Mr Cox’s daughter, Marie, who said she was “delighted” the boat had been brought “back to life”. >click to read< 10:10
5 things to know about Japan’s Fukushima water release in the Pacific
Workers in Japan have started releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The plant was destroyed in a 2011 earthquake and massive tsunami, and water has been accumulating ever since. On Thursday, the Chinese government announced it was immediately suspending aquatic imports, such as seafood, from Japan. A review by the UN’s nuclear watchdog says that the discharge will have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment, but some nations remain concerned. Here’s what the Japanese government is doing, and why. >click to read< 09:12
Fife fishing boat recovered as appeal continues to find culprit who sank it
A Fife fishing boat that was sank by a hooded stranger has been recovered. The operation to bring the Tina Louise back above water at Methil Harbour lasted all day on Wednesday. But the boat has now been removed, meaning owners Tina and Ross Coventry can claim insurance for the £50,000 worth of damage caused last month. “The boat is a complete write-off but we are hoping to sell some bits off from it,” Tina said. The couple, who run a shellfish delivery service, say the incident has put them out of business for months. Video, >click to read< 07:56
Community offers ‘love and support’ to Virginia fisherman run over by girlfriend
A Northern Neck community is rallying around a local fisherman who remains hospitalized after his romantic partner allegedly ran him over with a vehicle outside the Omega Protein plant in Reedville. The incident occurred Sunday evening, and now the woman who allegedly ran him over faces additional, upgraded charges related to the incident. Friends of the victim, Andrew Muncy, said he loved working on a fishing boat for Omega Protein, one of the largest employers in the area. “It’s one of the biggest jobs you can have around here, and to see him out of commission, out of work right now, it kind of puts him in a spot he don’t know he’s in yet,” said Josie Webb, who said he has known Muncy for years. Video, >click to read< 19:05
Imported shrimp eaten in U.S. may not be safe – U.S. Rep. Castor wants to do something about it
With inventories of shrimp sitting at docks throughout the Gulf Coast due to an abundance of imported seafood, the shrimp industry and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Florida want to increase the purchase of domestic shrimp in the United States and provide more federal funding to regulate imported shrimp for consumers. John Williams is the executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, which represents members of the shrimp industry from Texas through North Carolina. He said a lot of his members that are suffering right now. Castor’s bill, the Laws Ensuring Safe Shrimp Act (LESS Act) would address that issue by vastly increasing funding for the FDA to do inspections of foreign produced shrimp. >click to read< 16:07
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 95′ Steel Dragger, Detroit 12V-149 Diesel
To review specifications, information, and 28 photos’, >click here<, To see all the boats in this series >click here< 13:57
Portland Lobster Co. buys lobster pound on Bailey Island in Casco Bay
“With the purchase of our own lobster pound in the pristine environment surrounding Bailey Island, we can ensure that our lobsters are sourced directly from the productive and healthy waters of Casco Bay,” said Ethan Morgan, who owns the Portland Lobster Co. and has bought the Bailey Island Lobster Pier for an undisclosed price. “This acquisition allows us to establish a close partnership with local fishermen, supporting them while having a direct line to their daily catches.” Morgan said the deal was a strategic move to designed to receive, house and transport lobsters for his restaurant, Portland Lobster Co., eliminating the need for the lobsters to sit in tanks for weeks at a time. >click to read< 13:06
Bundoran fisherman sees double as rare Orange lobster pays second visit
You can do the numbers on finding an orange lobster that has not already been served on a platter, so to have discovered two last year, after a lifetime of fishing off Donegal shores, was a bit of a coup for Bundoran based fisherman, Sean Carty, when out checking his pots this week. While checking his pots as per usual earlier this week, what appeared to be another orange lobster emerged from the ocean, but there was more to this ’tail’ than met the eye. However, he had to do a ‘double take’ when he realised that he had clashed claws with this same lobster before. >click to read< 12:20
Fishing industry welcomes move as WA government puts proposed legislation on ice
New fishing laws a decade in the making have been put on hold by the Western Australian government just months before they are due to come into force. The Aquatic Resources Management Act (ARMA) was to be governing legislation for the recreational and commercial fishing industries, replacing the 1994 Fish Resources Management Act and the Pearling Act 1990. It was due for enactment on November 1. However, mid-last month, the government told the industry it would be delayed indefinitely. WA Fishing Industry Council chief executive Darryl Hokey welcomed Fisheries Minister Don Punch’s move to delay the ARMA legislation, saying it was not ready due to “ambitious and rushed consultation” in its final preparation stages by a “gutted” state department. >click to read< 11:20
Commercial fisherman Jeffrey Thomas Clements of Oak Bluffs, Marthas Vineyard, has passed away
Jeffrey Thomas Clements, 67, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, while out on his boat off State Beach, doing what he loved. Jeffrey was born on July 18, 1956, in Oak Bluffs. He was the son of Albert R. Clements and Lorraine E. (DeMont) Clements. Jeffrey grew up in Oak Bluffs. In addition to landscaping and tree work, Jeff had a calling to be on the water. He was a commercial fisherman, scalloping and lobstering, working for himself or as crew for others if something good came along. During the late ’70s and early ’80s, Jeff crewed for Capt. Roy Scheffer on the sword fishing boat Tiki 12. Jeff spoke fondly of those days fishing on the Grand Banks, traveling south in the winter to fish, and eventually out to Hawaii in ’83’ and ’84 on the Tucana. Jeff was first mate for Capt. Scheffer at that time. Jeff loved Hawaii, and continued to swordfish there after Capt. Roy came back to M.V. >click to read< 10:01
