Daily Archives: October 31, 2012

The Report that has not been released, and won’t be until after the election. THE FREE PRESS

The Swartwood II Report Justice that is deserved, will continue to be denied until after the election, but why? The investigation has been completed, but not released, in spite of the demands of many elected officials from both parties. There is something about this report that is keeping (Acting) Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank from releasing the514 page report on the follow-up investigation by Special Master Charles Swartwood of NOAA enforcement abuses of fishermen and fishing associated businesses. Swartwood II was completed in March, 2012 and delivered to the Commerce Department. A spokesman for Commerce explained this is “to gather more information regarding issues identified in the second Swartwood report.” I’m curious to understand the need for Commerce to gather “more information” that won’t be added to Swartwood II.http://bore-head007.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/31/14809392-the-report-that-has-not-been-released-and-wont-be-until-after-the-election-the-free-press

Black and orange lobster caught off Mass.

Photo by Nancy Lane BOSTON — A Massachusetts fisherman has caught a rare lobster known as a “split” that is colored to match Halloween. The New England Aquarium says the one-pound female lobster has an orange side and a black side, with the colors perfectly split down the middle. http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1061171544&format=comments#CommentsArea

Chad See Named to Head Freezer Longline Coalition

The Freezer Longline Coalition in Seattle has hired federal policy professional Chad See as its new executive director. See fills the slot vacated when Kenny Down left to become the new president and chief executive officer of Blue North Fisheries Inc., a coalition member. See was previously with the global law firm K & L Gates LLP, and spent 12 years as a member of the firm’s public policy and law group in Washington DC. See has over a decade of experience in developing coalitions and advocating to federal officials in presidential administrations and in Congress. He has also served on the staffs of US Senators Patty Murray, D-WA, and John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W VA.http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/10/chad-see-named-to-head-freezer-longline.html

UFA Wants Coast Guard Presence in Arctic in Line With Development

Alaska’s largest statewide commercial fishing trade association is tracking movement in Congress on revisions of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act, which is key to Coast Guard appropriations for fiscal 2013 and 2014. Separate House and Senate versions of the legislation are yet to be reconciled. Mark Vinsel, executive director of UFA, said there are several areas of concern, including United Fishermen of Alaska is keeping a close eye on revisions of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act now before Congress, which will authorize Coast Guard appropriations for fiscal years 2013 and 2014.http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/10/ufa-wants-coast-guard-presence-in.html

Fisherynation want’s to know! ecnewellman. Are you alright?

ec is in New York City. When you can, ec, check in with us. We’re thinking about you and all the others from the mid Atlantic region. BH

Fishermens Northeast Ground Fish Science Forum – Portsmouth, New Hampshire.- Second Announcement – November 9, 2012 Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

An Invitation from Bill Karp http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/groundfish/meetings/invite.html

Think about attending if you want to: Meet with people from NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center and others who know the northeast groundfish stock assessments inside and out Find out what’s known about fish stock condition, how it’s known, and what’s limiting better understanding.  Share what you know. Help make assessments better.

This meeting is open to the  public. No fees for attendance or parking.  For more information contact [email protected] / 508 495 2239.

We are trying to get an attendance estimate.  To confirm your attendance or for more information contact [email protected] / 508 495 2239.

http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/groundfish/meetings/

HMS Bounty crew member dies and captain missing in stormy seas

Dramatic footage of the HMS Bounty rescue released by the US Coast Guard Link to this video

When the Bounty set sail last week, the captain running the ship made famous in Hollywood adventure films believed he could navigate around hurricane Sandy and weather the storm. After two days in rough seas, he realised his journey would be far more difficult.http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/30/hms-bounty-crew-member-dies

Governor McDonnell visits Chincoteague Island to tour the area affected by Hurricane Sandy

Governor McDonnell will also meet with representatives of the Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and other state personnel.http://wtkr.com/2012/10/31/governor-mcdonnell-visits-chincoteague-island/

WDFW invites public comments on fishery restructuring

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission invites public comments on plans to restructure salmon and sturgeon fisheries on the lower Columbia River at a public meeting scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9 in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., in Olympia, Wash. An agenda for the meeting is available at http://goo.gl/HtqhI

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings.html

NH Seacoast fishermen await calm to check on battered gear – Hurricane Sandy

While his boat escaped the storm unscathed, Walsh said he was still concerned about his 350 traps that remained in the water. He said he moved the traps away from the rocky bottom and into deeper waters, where the bottom is sandy, to prevent damage. At $40 to $50 for a new trap, Walsh said the potential financial impact of the damage is “huge.” “You can’t insure that stuff, you know?” he said. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121031-NEWS-210310379