Monthly Archives: November 2012
Coast Guard Officials to inspect sunken P’town fishing vessel Twin Lights,
PROVINCETOWN–State police divers and the Coast Guard plan to inspect the sunken Twin Lights commercial fishing vessel Tuesday using a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, Coast Guard Station Provincetown Chief John Harker said Monday. The vessel, which capsized just before noon Nov. 18, is believed to be sitting in about 198 feet of water two miles north of Provincetown. http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121126/NEWS11/121129817/-1/NEWS11
Lawyer blasts NOAA ‘failure’ on fishing – gdt
“This Thanksgiving, I want to give an overdue thanks to the region’s remaining fishermen who brave the elements and bring my family fish and seafood products to eat,” Shelley wrote. “All of us have failed to provide you with a rational, predictable and equitable business environment in which to nourish your hopes of being part of the American dream.“The system has failed you and will continue to fail you as long as it continues to give each of you what you individually demand.”Shelley’s harsh judgment comes as a time when NOAA, led by Jane Lubchenco, is under fire from industry groups and congressional figures from both parties for its policies.
What a phoney bastard. BH
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x520553412/Lawyer-blasts-NOAA-failure-on-fishing
EDITORIAL: Menhaden oversight getting serious [The Virginian-Pilot]
Members of the General Assembly have persistently rejected measures turning authority over to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, which is charged with regulating all other fisheries. An amendment pending approval by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission next month might be enough, however, to lead lawmakers to finally recognize their own limitations. The commission, composed of the 15 Atlantic coast states, coordinates conservation and management of fisheries because, according to its website, “fish do not adhere to political boundaries.” http://www.equities.com/news/headline-story?dt=2012-11-26&val=753162&cat=material
EPA grant to fund sea lamprey testing. Lamprey threaten both the ecosystem and commercial fishing in the Great Lakes
LANSING — A $392,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant will pay for testing sea lamprey repellent on three to-be-named spawning streams in the state. The project is expected to be completed within the 10 years the EPA requires.
Sea lamprey are attracted to the smell of their young and repulsed by the stench of their dead, said Michael Wagner, lead researcher on the project and an assistant professor of fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University. http://record-eagle.com/statenews/x1839360630/EPA-grant-to-fund-sea-lamprey-testing
The Provincetown fishing fleet has had its share of tragedy, Carol Green has formed a committee to raise money for a permanent memorial in Provincetown
“You wake up, and your life is forever changed,” said Provincetown resident Joan Cordeiro, whose husband, Ernest, died on the Patricia Marie. “They’re gone, and you keep thinking that they’re going to find them. It is, ” it’s heartbreaking.”
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121124/NEWS/211240318/-1/NEWS11
Alaska’s salmon harvest, value falls from 2011 dropping 21 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
Alaska’s salmon harvest and value for 2012 came in well below last year, dropping 21 percent and 30 percent, respectively. According to preliminary state tallies, the value of the salmon catch totaled nearly $506 million at the docks this summer on a statewide catch of 124 million fish. That compares to a 2011 take of 177 million salmon valued at just over $641 million. http://www.thebristolbaytimes.com/article/1247years_salmon_harvest_value_falls_from_2011
Sardine fishery quota slashed for 2013, but worries remain.- Oceana, “It is frankly unbelievable”, Pacific Fishery Management Council – catch levels will be lower in 2013
While catch levels will be lower in 2013 than in 2012, the fishery council ignored increasing catch rates by Canada and Mexico; ignored warnings from scientists that the stock is collapsing; and failed to account for the importance of sardines as prey for whales, seabirds and other fish like salmon and tuna, Oceana wrote. http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&ndb=1&id=57017
I think OCEANA are the ones ignoring increasing catch rates by Canada and Mexico, and should refocus on the problem. If there is a problem.
Molestation of a Manatee. Joyride leads to ride in the Squad Car!
Ana Gloria Gutierrez was caught on camera riding the manatee at Fort DeSoto Park in late September. http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_pinellas/ana-gutierrez-53–arrested-for-violation-of-the-florida-manatee-sanctuary-act
IDFA Review: Dirty Energy – Exxon Valdeez/Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill comparison with video
When the BP oil spill occurred, reporters from all over the world set up camp in the areas which were most hit by the events. But as time went on they packed up there recorders, cameras and notepads and moved on to the next big story. But for the people working and living in the areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico the story is far from over…Louisiana supplies about a third of all the wild seafood caught in North America but is now compromised in being able to provide these resources for the future. In addition a highly unique and rich culture is in danger of disappearing forever. As one Louisiana Shrimp fisherman expressed to oil representatives at a local meeting: “You are not only messing me up now, you’re messing me up for the rest of my life.”http://docgeeks.com/2012/11/24/idfa-review-dirty-energy/
Greenpeace seeks to protect Alaska underwater canyons-Commercial fishermen are watching closely.
Bay Area conservationists are back from a dramatic deep sea expedition to research and protect huge underwater canyons in Alaska. The area is the heart of the state’s $1 billion-a-year fishing industry and the canyons may be a vital link in the lifecycle of fish that you eat. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/assignment_7&id=8894604
NOAA New federal fisheries observer program for Alaska fisheries goes into effect January 1 SitNews
(SitNews) Juneau, Alaska – NOAA Fisheries will implement a new fisheries observer program for Alaska’s commercial groundfish and halibut fisheries beginning January 1, 2013. http://www.sitnews.us/1112News/112312/112312_observer_program.html
Government Presents Five Offshore Wind Options – A final option would call for no action at all, and no wind energy leases granted.
Mr. Krevor said concerns ranging from marine mammals to commercial fishing and economic impacts were examined. He said that in the daytime, the widest portion of the meteorological tower would not be visible from shore. At night, he said, lighting markers at the top of the tower could be visible on a clear night. http://www.mvgazette.com/news/2012/11/21/government-presents-five-offshore-wind-options
Rewards offered for information in Gulf of Mexico dolphin attacks Captain Paul Watson pledged a whopping $20,000 reward
The attacks have been so severe that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was forced to issue a “heads up” directive last week to environmental and enforcement agencies, for increased human-dolphin interaction. http://digitaljournal.com/article/337226
Federal law requiring a million salmon is ignored by Dan Bacher
On one historic day in 1992, I marched through the State Capitol Building and adjoining Senate Offices with hundreds of recreational fishermen, commercial fishermen and environmentalists working for the passage of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA). Arrayed in yellow and green commercial fishing slickers and colorful recreational fishing group shirts and jackets, we carried big banners and signs calling for the passage of the CVPIA and restoration of salmon populations. We marched by the offices of Senator John Seymour, one of the key opponents of the CVPIA, and the crowd spontaneously erupted in raucus shouts of “No More Seymour, “No More Seymour!” http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/11/22/18726225.php
Scientists release a million tiny scallops into Sarasota Bay
http://www.bradenton.com/2012/11/22/4288764/scientists-release-a-million-tiny.html
Bringing the ocean back into the Earth Summit Briefing and Recommendations to the First Intersessional Meeting of UNCSD (Rio+20) The Pew Environment Group
75% of global fisheries are either fully utilized or overutilized; 10 and it was reported a few years ago that 90% of the large marine predators have already vanished due to unsustainable fishing,11
11 Worm et al., ―Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services.‖, 314 Science (3 November 2006), 787-790.
The Conference is to result in a focused political document, 4 and both the Conference and the preparatory process are5 to carry out an overall appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life/Pew_Rio20_brief.pdf
The Foley Fish Company Obtains MSC Certification
The Foley Fish Company, a fourth generation, family-owned, New England seafood business, renowned for its commitment to quality and stewardship, has obtained Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification. The company sells to fine dining restaurants, resorts, hotels and specialty retailers across the country. http://fis.com/fis/techno/newtechno.asp?l=e&id=56979 http://www.foleyfish.com/StoreBoston/main/home.aspx
“Dark Energy”: Life Beneath the Seafloor Discussed at Upcoming American Geophysical Union Conference
“Who in his wildest dreams could have imagined that, beneath the crust of our Earth, there could exist a real ocean…a sea that has given shelter to species unknown?” http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=126049&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click
Letter: Quota caps would further harm fishery Paul Cohan – Captain, F/V Sasquatch Gloucester
NOAA and administrator Jane Lubchenco demanded and enacted a deeply flawed, possibly illegal amendment in which various interests have invested millions. It is just not financially feasible to undo this. Amendment 16 privatized and commodified fishing rights. Unless they intend to scuttle the “catch scam” system altogether, which is highly unlikely, the council will only exacerbate and perpetuate the misfortune of some while ensuring the fortunes of others by establishing accumulation limits this late in the game. Read More http://www.gloucestertimes.com/opinion/x520551946/Letter-Quota-caps-would-further-harm-fishery
Despite stock gains, NOAA chief sought cuts for tuna catch
“She is on an agenda to deny American fishermen the right to succeed.”
“Dr. Lubchenco pushed hard to reduce the projected quota to far less than the current 1,750 metric tons to further conserve bluefin although such a reduction would have a devastating effect on fishermen and their communities,” Zales said in an email to the Times. “Managing and maintaining maximum sustainable yield is the prime objective of ICCAT and NOAA.” http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x520552032/Status-quo-holds-for-tuna-catch
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council Meeting in Baltimore, MD: December 10-13, 2012
November 20, 2012 — The public is invited to attend the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s December 2012 meeting to be held at Pier V Hotel, 711 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202, phone 410-539-2000. Below is the meeting agenda. NOTE: For online access to the meeting, register here. Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with the information you need to join the Webinar. http://www.savingseafood.org/council-actions/mid-atlantic-fishery-council-meeting-in-baltimore-md-december-10-13-2.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SavingSeafoodRss+%28Saving+Seafood%29
Oregon Halibut Fisherman Fined for Federal Fisheries Crimes
During sentencing, Holland found that Hankins had knowingly testified falsely at his trial when he denied that he falsified the landing reports, and that this testimony amounted to perjury. Holland found further that Hankins were still “in a state of denial” about having committed the crime for which the jury convicted him. http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/11/oregon-halibut-fisherman-fined-for.html
Competition Offers Options in Commercial Fishing Gear. Grundens-Helly Hansen
When it comes to choosing rain gear and boots for the commercial fishing season, durability, staying dry and comfort are still deciding factors. http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/11/competition-offers-options-in.html
BP Deepwater Horizon disaster – Who are they trying to protect with this mosquito prosecution?
BP is hoping that everyone has forgotten the facts. The field crew were arguing over the abnormal negative tests and the move to proceed forward. Schlumberger crew was brought in earlier to assess the “dangerous situation”. Kaluza being inexperienced in offshore, called BP HQ on the eve of the blowout. http://bklim.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/21/15341451-who-are-they-trying-to-protect-with-this-mosquito-prosecution?email=html
northeast fisheries science center woods hole, ma. seeks comments …upcoming white hake stock assessment,
WOODS HOLE — On Dec. 11, the Population Dynamics Branch of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center will hold an open meeting in Woods Hole to review data for use in the upcoming white hake stock assessment, NOAA Fisheries Service said. In preparation for the meeting, officials are seeking comment from fishermen regarding the nature of the fisheries or catches. Written comments are welcome from those who can’t attend in person and should be submitted by Dec. 5. Comments can be emailed to Katherine Sosebee ([email protected]) or Gary Shepherd ([email protected]). Comments can also be mailed to them at 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543.
CG Cutter Valiant Returns From 50-Day Deployment – issued 68 fisheries and safety violations.
Valiant crewmembers examined more than 160,000 lbs of shrimp worth a market value of nearly $800,000 during 20 at-sea boardings. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/11/21/cg-cutter-valiant-returns-from-50-day-deployment.html?comp=7000023468292&rank=2
Divvying up more sea floor for possible future wave energy devices riles commercial fishermen at TSP meeting in Newport.
Territorial Sea Plan Meeting Oregon Coast Community College, Friday Oregon Coast commercial and sport fishermen were not a happy group all day Friday as they were pressured to give up more valuable fishing areas to accommodate future wave energy devices, many of which are not yet fully designed, manufactured or tested. In fact if these devises ever show up off the Oregon Coast they are likely to require,,,,,,,Read more http://www.newslincolncounty.com/?p=66562
