Monthly Archives: November 2012
Secretary of Commerce Declares Fisheries Disaster for New York and New Jersey in the Aftermath of Sandy
WASHINGTON — As part of the Administration’s focus on providing those affected by Sandy with all available federal support, Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank today announced the determination of a fishery resource disaster to help coastal communities in New Jersey and New York. Although the extent of the damage to local commercial and recreational fisheries and coastal infrastructure is not yet known, the cascading economic and social impacts of a storm of this magnitude will likely be extensive. In 2010 alone, New Jersey and New York commercial fisheries landed almost 190 million pounds of fish, valued at more than $210 million dollars. In the same year, New Jersey and New York recreational fishermen took more than 10 million trips and caught a total of nearly five million fish.
One important element of RFM is “catch shares”
I’ve identified a webpage at the “Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation” that is evidence of how the NGO’s used the UN and their own puppets at NOAA/NMFS, to push through their catch shares scam.
See how they explain a couple of tools that were designed for this initiative: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Reforming Fisheries Management (RFM). They also mention that they funded the first Step by Step Guide to MSP, published by UNESCO in 2009. I’ve found a copy if this guide, and I hope to be reporting further on it in the near future. The Moore Foundation partnered with the David & Lucile Packard Foundation on this UN guide.
Catch shares are an “important” part of this MSP strategy. Here is the Moore/Packard/UN checklist for reasons that you might be interested in MSP:
Checklist for defining the usefulness of this guide to MSP
Federal law requiring almost a million salmon ignored at great expense to Bay-Delta ecosystem and fishing industry
“Our salmon runs are essential to California’s natural heritage, to fishing families and to an industry that reaches from the fishing dock to your dinner table,” said Victor Gonella, president of the Golden Gate Salmon Association. “Restoring healthy salmon runs means healthy local food, healthy communities and a healthy economy.” http://enewspf.com/latest-news/science-a-environmental/38315-new-index-shows-federal-agencies-fail-to-meet-salmon-restoration-goal.html
Alaska fish fight over community development riches turns nasty – Alaska Dispatch
Divvying up the fish,,,,A case for change,,,,,$54 million in pollock,,,,A positive face,,,,,On the attack,,,,,Profitable halibut fishing,,,,,http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/alaska-fish-fight-over-community-development-riches-turns-nasty?page=full
SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska Unified Command continues investigation of oiled wildlife
SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska – The Unified Command – consisting of the Coast Guard, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and communities of Gambell and Savoonga – continues to investigate the reports of oiled wildlife on the coast of St. Lawrence Island. The Coast Guard, ADEC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deployed investigators to St. Lawrence on Friday to work with local guides to conduct shoreline assessments.http://www.sitnews.us/1112News/111312/111312_oiled_wildlife.html
Council accepts mayor’s appeal on yellowtail flounder By Steve Urbon
John Haran, who manages Sector XIII, a group of groundfish boats with members from New Bedford to Greenport, N.Y., was at Wednesday’s meeting and said he could not say what the effects of the council’s votes would be on local fishermen.
“We really won’t know the quotas until January,” he said, before adding that new councilor Laura Ramsden Foley, who voted in support of the higher quotas, was “a breath of fresh air.” http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121115/NEWS/211150353
Fish panel snubs U.S., Canada limits Gloucester Daily Times
NOAA’s New England Fishery Management Council Wednesday heaped derision on a joint assessment of yellowtail flounder conducted jointly by U.S. and Canadian scientists, then trashed the minuscule allocation of the stock based on work that even the agency’s chief regional scientist declined to defend, except to say it was the best “available” and therefore binding. http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x179000228/Fish-panel-snubs-U-S-Canada-limits
Record fine, manslaughter charges for BP spill
BP confirmed it was in “advanced discussions” with the DoJ and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). http://news.msn.com/us/source-record-fine-manslaughter-charges-for-bp-spill
Petition to help menhaden industry (and your fishery as well) And please forward this message to as many people as you can. Thank You.
The Pew people, with the help of recreational fishermen and their billions of dollars, are campaigning to short circuit the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s menhaden management program, and they’re using their usual distortions to do it.
This isn’t just about menhaden, as important as that fishery is. It’s about Pew’s willingness to go outside the management system and to use political pressure that they’ve created when they can’t get their way with the Councils, NMFS or the Commissions, and if they prevail it’s going to have negative repercussions for all of us.
The Maine Lobstermen’s Association, among others, is urging their members to sign the petition by the industry group Saving Menhaden Fisheries. The petition is athttp://letter.savingmenhaden
And please forward this message to as many people as you can.
Thanks, Nils ps – Some FishNet sponsors are involved in the menhaden bait fishery. http://fishnet-usa.com/ http://www.fishtruth.net/
Pallone, Gov. Christie requests federal disaster declaration for New Jersey fishing industry
ICE fines New Bedford fish plants for hiring illegal workers
NEW BEDFORD — Three city seafood processors suspected of hiring illegal workers have been fined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Northern Pelagic Group, or NORPEL, which processes herring on Fish Island was fined $151,200; Pier Fish Co. was fined $2,200; and Cap Seafood on MacArthur Boulevard was fined $9,804. http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121114/NEWS/121119962
Regulators approve higher yellowtail flounder catch- more than twice what was recommended – Good Enough, then.
Northeast fishing regulators have approved a 2013 catch limit for yellowtail flounder on Georges Bank that’s more than twice what was recommended by a committee that negotiates the shared catch with Canada.
Members of the New England Fishery Management Council, who met today in Newport, R.I., said they had no choice, in order to avoid the collapse of the local fishing and scalloping industries.
But it came amid warnings that approval could destroy the longtime trade agreement with Canada. And it came even though the Northeast’s top federal regulator said the approval won’t pass legal muster.
A low catch limit on yellowtail threatens fishermen who chase other species in Georges Bank. Since many accidentally catch yellowtail, they’re given a yellowtail catch limit, which they can’t exceed without triggering severe restrictions that threaten their businesses. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN [MSIB # 16-12] 13 November 2012 Rhode Island Fishermen”s Alliance
Mariners navigating the waterways of Point Judith and Block Island Old Harbor, RI should be aware of the following aids to navigation discrepancies:
Point Judith:
1. Tower #8 on the east side of the entrance channel; light is reported to be extinguished and all signage on the tower is reportedly missing.
Block Island:
1. Old Harbor tower #3, including its light and sound signal, is reported to be missing.
2. Old Harbor buoys #5, #6, and #7 are reported to be off station.
3. Northeast bell buoy #5 is reported to be off station.
http://hosted.vresp.com/1181479/c003ac5541/545568053/ad93d20bca/
NPFMC Reaches Decisions on Catch Sharing, Observers and Freezer Longliners and other news Fishermen’s News Online
NPFMC Reaches Decisions on Catch Sharing, Observers and Freezer Longliners http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/11/npfmc-reaches-decisions-on-catch.html
Symposium Spotlights Challenges Related to Decline in Salmon Runs http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/11/symposium-spotlights-challenges-related.html
Final peer review report issued on Bristol Bay watershed assessment http://fnonlinenews.blogspot.com/2012/11/final-peer-review-report-issued-on.html
VIDEO: F S F Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder and Incidental Catch Avoidance Forum (lots of information)
WASHING
TON (Saving Seafood) Nov. 14, 2012 – Yesterday, the Fisheries Survival Fund, an industry group that includes the majority of full-time, limited-access scallop permit holders, hosted a forum, “Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder and Incidental Catch Avoidance,” immediately following the New England Fisheries Management Council meeting in Newport, Rhode Island. Speakers at the event included Dr. Steve Cadrin and Cate O’Keefe of the School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dr. David Rudders of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Ron Smolowitz of Coonamessett Farms. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=b5nrgsdab&v=001aYDP54lNfT8w5naOyp7HRIgB4VG_lM4fDpTYpg49faLY5slnOWx7hp5-MTnG5BD5KPWh852FbmnbhXTHgUt6n45ny7Eyz5sx1B2fXOjmK-cdZ3Nh3VTYuw%3D%3D
New Bedford Mayor urges reopening of US-Canada discussion on yellowtail flounder
Urges council to accept SSC recommendations including suspension of directed fishery; notes widespread lack of confidence in fishery assessment. WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) Nov. 14, 2012 — New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, representing the nation’s most profitable fishing port, appeared before the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) in Newport, Rhode Island this morning, and delivered a letter making the following points:
FLASHBACK! John Kerry – “Lubchenco is your friend,” February 2010 To leave the Fish Wars as Secretary of Defense?
Kerry released the following statement to the Times yesterday in response to a request about his position on Magnuson. “The status quo isn’t working, and I say that as someone who is passionate about the environment, but who can see plainly that people are hurting and there are legitimate issues that have to be fixed. “I’m going to be talking with fishing and environmental experts at the state and federal level to develop sustainable fisheries in New England and work with the New England delegation, as I always have, to keep federal assistance flowing into Massachusetts for our fishing families and to rebuild the fisheries.” http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x966804462/Kerry-to-fishermen-Lubchenco-your-friend
No offense Senator,,,,,,,,,,screw it, Senator Kerry, you thought then, as you do now, that its all about frittering out a few bucks to to the victims of President Obama’s US Commerce Department, the New England Fishing Industry. You have been ineffective Senator, and I’m done beating the drum for you. You have not delivered, Senator.
Please, John Kerry, just go away! http://bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1061174640
Late season views of Green Harbor from Boston Harbor Beacon
Boating season is largely over in Green Harbor, with the exception of the commercial guys. I took a trip down here on Saturday morning after not really spending much time down here during the regular season. Located at the Southern tip of Marshfield, MA, Green Harbor is one of the coolest and most laid back fishing ports on the MA coast. http://www.bostonharborbeacon.com/
AUDIO: Highlights of NOAA’s Fishermen’s Northeast Groundfish Science Forum: Afternoon Session from November 13, 2012
Dr. Bill Karp introduced the panel on assessment methods, models & results. Paul Rago of the Population Dynamics Branch of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Mark Gibson, the Rhode Island DF&G Deputy Chief, David Goethel, of the NEFMC and the owner-operator of Ellen Diane
Q and A Session, from Jim Kendall, a New Bedford seafood consultant, Vito Giacaloneof the Northeast Seafood Coalition started a discussion, http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=b5nrgsdab&v=001EgdY2fhRL-UZR2rTN99M-tGCPlcYX_1VdG9PVcFc7jxyb-XXUIk30Yafh2WYCQcD0NvJrvSJfbYSkQXqEjj83rkKUlhos3xXJck-YQG8hZyQM9qTea2YQw%3D%3D
Feds close to lifting sea otter ban off SoCal coast: San Jose Mercury News
Environmental report calls attempts to keep otters out of Southern California waters ‘futile’ ,,,,Opposition to the change in policy also comes from the commercial fishing community, where people are concerned about the otter as a competitor for resources, and about the regulations they’ll be forced to heed to protect the otters.,,,,The agency’s environmental statement concedes otters and fisheries likely will come into conflict. But goes on to say that sea otters have shown an ability to “return rapidly” to their home waters. http://www.mercurynews.com/central-coast/ci_21983387/feds-close-lifting-sea-otter-ban-off-socal
Commercial fishermen applaud EPA’s peer review process for Bristol Bay assessment; mining and productive salmon stocks do not mix!
“People who are attacking this report aren’t criticizing the science but are trying to use any opportunity to attack the EPA,” said Bob Waldrop, executive director of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association. “The agency was invited to Bristol Bay by Alaska Natives, commercial fishermen and others, and EPA is simply fulfilling its duties and responsibilities to live up to the Clean Water Act.” http://www.akbizmag.com/Alaska-Business-Monthly/November-2012/Commercial-fishermen-applaud-EPAs-peer-review-process-for-Bristol-Bay-assessment-Call-on-President-for-swift-action-to-protect-fishery-jobs-and-economy/
Take Action for the Menhaden Fishery: Tell the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Not to Hurt Working Families Before the Facts are In!
The ASMFC is considering harvest restrictions that could threaten the future of the menhaden fishery and thousands of families who depend on it. Please let the ASMFC know that you care by sharing your concerns below. We’ve done the leg work for you by drafting up a form letter, so please take a moment to sign the attached letter and show the ASMFC that you stand with the menhaden fishery. Please support our Omega Protein Fisherman by signing a letter requesting leniency re proposed catch restrictions. Please sign the letter here: http://letter.savingmenhaden.org http://www.ufcw400.org/2012/11/take-action-and-support-omega-protein-members/
Fisheries Working Group meeting on Offshore Renewable Energy – November 14th at 8:00 AM
November 12, 2012 — The Fisheries Working Group meeting on Offshore Renewable Energy will be next Wednesday, November 14th at 8:00 AM at the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission, 52 Fisherman’s Wharf, New Bedford, MA.
VIMS finds an ‘off’ year for rockfish
Juvenile striped bass, or rockfish, made a poor showing in Virginia waters this year, but researchers said it’s likely only a natural variability in recruitment and no cause for alarm.http://articles.dailypress.com/2012-11-09/news/dp-nws-bad-year-bass-20121109_1_striped-bass-vims-number-of-young-fish
A Rhode Islander beachcomber’s perspective to Hurricane Sandy – The Dented Bucket
After searching the Town Beach in Narragansett (with what seemed like hundreds of other people) for any storm-tossed treasures, and finding only a surf clam shell, my stepson, Sam, and I decided to go for higher ground and find a place no other beachcombers had been. http://www.thedentedbucket.
Fishing aid tied to fed budget talks Gloucester Daily Times
Overshadowed by the scale of the pieces in play on the national chess board — trillions in budget cuts, tens if not hundreds of billions in potential tax cuts lost and gained, and unspecified help for Hurricane Sandy’s victims and farm victims of drought — is a unified effort by the New England and New York congressional delegations to place a marker for $100 million for disaster assistance for fishermen and fishing communities.http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x257827572/Fishing-aid-tied-to-fed-budget-talks
The oil might not be as visible in the gulf, but the residents are still coping with effects of the nation’s largest offshore oil spill.
The Gulf of Mexico is deep blue again. On the Alabama coast, children run on crowded beaches and splash in the surf. In fishing villages, shrimpers whitewash boat decks in preparation for another season……………Michelle Jones was pregnant with her second son when her husband was killed on the Deepwater Horizon rig. Timeline: Key Events Video: Oyster Fisherman’s Last Run http://www.abc26.com/news/nationworld/la-oil-spill-html,0,2965456.htmlstory
Shrimpers fear long-term harm from dead zone
CHAUVIN — Shrimpers gather each morning at Dirk Guidry’s Pizza Express restaurant across the street from the bayou here, where shrimp are so seared into the fabric of life that they and crawfish are featured pizza ingredients. http://progress.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/DK/20121112/NEWS01/311120004/Shrimpers-fear-long-term-harm-from-dead-zone?odyssey=mod_sectionstories
