Monthly Archives: December 2012
Letter: Fishermen’s aid can’t trump Sandy – Captain PAUL COHAN, F/V Sasquatch Gloucester
To the editor: Whil
e we (fishermen) have been burdened by a callous, vindictive, government agency admittedly bent on the ultimate destruction of the families, economies, and communities who are historically dependent upon fisheries, no comparison can, nor should, be made to the plight of our fellow citizens who have struggled through the ravages that Sandy left in its wake.
People who have lost houses, been left without the basic necessities of life — power, water, food, and fuel — clearly take precedence over a disaster of human origin. Read More http://www.gloucestertimes.com/opinion/x520558881/Letter-Fishermens-aid-cant-trump-Sandy
IG cites NOAA for lack of response – implies clearly that NOAA officials are showing insufficient interest in resolving these problems.
“We are 
currently reviewing NOAA’s controls and processes surrounding fisheries rulemaking as the first phase of our assessment of transparency and the rule of fishery councils in rulemaking,” the Zinser report states. “An effective regulatory environment requires a fair and transparent rulemaking process. Our review will consider the interactions among federal officials, fishing industry members, and non-government organizations in the development of fishing regulations.”
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x520558903/IG-cites-NOAA-for-lack-of-response
North Pacific council seeks more ideas for Bering Sea chum bycatch
Dec 8, 2012The North Pacific Fishery Management Council worked on an initial review of a chum salmon bycatch effort Dec. 7 and 8. The council’s agenda for this meeting includes two efforts to reduce bycatch – one targeting chum caught by Bering Sea pollock fleet, and the other targeting Gulf of Alaska Chinooks. Today’s action was for the Bering Sea. http://www.alaskajournal.com/Blog-Fish-Bytes/April-2012/North-Pacific-council-seeks-more-ideas-for-Bering-Sea-chum-bycatch/
A Fishery on Lake Tahoe? Who Knew! Lake Tahoe crayfish traps being stolen at ‘huge’ cost to local harvester
Someone is stealing traps laid in the waters of Lake Tahoe to catch crayfish, a crime the owner of Tahoe’s first commercial fishing operation in decades says is crushing his business. http://www.rgj.com/article/20121207/NEWS/312070051/Lake-Tahoe-crayfish-traps-being-stolen-huge-cost-local-harvester
Oregon bans gill nets on Columbia River – action infuriates commercial fishermen
PORTLAND — The state Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Friday to ban the use of gill nets to catch fish on the main stem of the Columbia River, relegating the primary commercial-fishing tool to side channels and tributaries. http://www.registerguard.com/web/news/cityregion/29151699-41/commercial-fishing-fish-gill-fishers.html.csp
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update December 9, 2012
“The Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance is dedicated to its mission of continuing to help create sustainable fisheries without putting licensed fishermen out of business.” http://hosted.vresp.com/1181479/489d7e8d3c/545568053/ad93d20bca/
Endangered Species: Small-Scale Fishermen Written by M. Ben-Yami —
They have solid sea legs, good seamanship, and first-hand experience in reacting to weather and sea vagaries and in handling navigational and working deck emergencies; but they are increasingly squeezed. In many developed countries small-scale/artisanal fisheries mainly supported by small family businesses (SSF) are dwindling. There’re several causes to this process. Read More http://fisheryworld.com/
Ninth Circuit Hears Steller Sea Lion Appeal – Unalaska Community Broadcasting – KUCB 89.7 FM – Channel 8
For years and years, a legal battle has been raging over the endangered western stock of Steller sea lions. That battle finally made its way to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this week. The State of Alaska and the Freezer Longline Coalition petitioned to overturn a lower court ruling that said the National Marine Fisheries Service was justified in restricting fishing in order to protect the sea lions. http://kucb.org/news/article/ninth-circuit-hears-steller-sea-lion-appeal/
New England Fisheries to be Topic of Discussion on Boston’s WHDH Urban Update: Airs Sunday, December 9th at 11:30am
Barnett will be joined by Jon Mitchell, the Mayor of the City of New Bedford; Chris Basile, President of the Boston Fisheries Foundation; Dr. Les Kaufman, Professor of Biology at Boston University and Marine Conservation Fellow at Conservation International; and Dr. David Pierce, Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Urban Update will air at 11:30am on Sunday, December 9th, immediately following Meet the Press.
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries needs volunteers for shrimp committee
Adviser applications are available online at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/mfc-advisory-committees, at Division of Marine Fisheries’ offices or by calling 252-808-8022 or 800-682-2632. Applications should be returned by Dec. 14 to the Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557, Attention: Lauren Morris. http://www.northcarolinasportsman.com/details.php?id=3027
Our View: Commerce Department’s release of report would help heal relationship with fishermen SouthCoastToday
Enforcement changes were implemented after Inspector General Todd Zinser’s report on whether different regions were being punished differently under NOAA, and on whether administration of the Asset Forfeiture Fund was appropriate, but the pace of the agency’s attempt to make good on inappropriate enforcement is holding back greater progress. http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121207/OPINION/212070308/-1/NEWS01
NOAA eyes easing redfish, dogfish rules
”Several o
f the new measures were conceived by fishermen, and others are the product of collaboration between fishermen, researchers and our staff,” Bullard, based in the Gloucester office in Blackburn Industrial Park, said in a prepared statement. “By working together and thinking creatively, we can find fishing opportunities even in these challenging times.” Nils Stolpe wrote that “there are approximately a million metric tons – that’s 2.2 billion pounds – of three species of catchable and marketable fish ‘available’ off our Northeast. “These three species – Acadian redfish, spiny dogfish and haddock – could sustainably support the entire out-of-work groundfish industry, and then some.” http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x2120612513/NOAA-eyes-easing-redfish-dogfish-rules
FWC asked to help save oyster industry APALACHICOLA
“If we don’t get something done in the next one-and-a-half years, we’re not going to have a bay,” said Shannon Hartsfield, a fourth-generation oysterman who serves as president of the Franklin County Seafood Workers Association.
http://www.newsherald.com/news/fwc-asked-to-help-save-oyster-industry-1.60900
Billfish Act Legislation bans import of billfish products
The legislation bans the import of billfish products into the United States. Even though the U.S. has been a world leader with respect to the establishment of catch-and-release practices for billfish species by recreational anglers and a reduction in bycatch by the U.S. commercial fishing fleet through seasonal closures and gear restrictions, this nation was still the world’s largest importer of billfish products.http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/dec/07/billfish-act-helps-ensure-future-looks-better/
Arson charged in boat burning – intended to burn the Slava II because he was having issues with his father and called him “a son of a bitch.”
“The male, later identified as Mike Martushoff, advised the officers that he was armed with a shotgun and was intending to burn himself and the Slava II,” police said. Officers then spoke with him via cell phone from a safe distance. The suspect told police he was drinking Vodka. http://homertribune.com/2012/12/arson-charged-in-boat-burning/
OMG- Outstanding Cartoon Based Off Our Exit Interview With Lobsterman Wannabe Ben Grenon From North Carolina-gmg
We taped this interview two days ago and I posted it last night. I have no idea how you could turn this around in a full animation in less than 24 hours. http://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/omg-outstanding-cartoon-based-off-our-exit-interview-with-lobsterman-wannabe-ben-grenon-from-north-carolina/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Goodmorninggloucester+%28GoodMorningGloucester%29
Demand for fishery abuse report gains steam. Republican Paul Broun and Senator John Kerry lean harder on Commerce
The 66-case study, which reportedly runs more than 500 pages, with recommendations by the author — special judicial investigator Charles B. Swartwood III — was submitted in final form eight months ago. http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x2120611929/Demand-for-fishery-abuse-report-gains-steam
Coast Guard honors Steamship Authority Capt. Raymond Oliver for saving the lives of three fishermen
“I’m humbled to be in a roomful of heroes,” Capt. Raymond Oliver said Tuesday at The Southeastern Massachusetts Port Safety and Security Forum at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. “I was in the right place at the right time.” Cape Cod Times/Steve Heaslip
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121205/NEWS/212050334/-1/MEDIA0108
S.F. crab boats idled by price dispute – “No crab boats are leaving the dock,”
The trouble started Sunday when crab boat skippers heard that fish brokers were planning to cut the prices they pay for fresh crab from $3 per pound to as low as $1.80. http://www.onenewspage.com/n/US/74rkht5jx/crab-boats-idled-by-price-dispute.htm
Fishing industry still reeling from Sandy [Asbury Park Press, N.J.]
“Now you can’t even get rid of them. Nobody’s buying male crabs,” Isaksen said. At the water’s edge, captain Michael Chanowich and dock worker David Tauro unloaded the co-op’s other post-Sandy mainstays: low-price skates and dogfish. “We cleaned up as best we can … but we don’t have the money to put this place back together,” Isaksen said. “When are we going to get some help? We called FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) but they said they can’t do anything for us.” So far, the SBA loan program is not promising, said James Lovgren, a captain with the Fishermen’s Dock Cooperative in Point Pleasant Beach who looked into the loan program for his fishermen. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/news/article.asp?docKey=600-201212060805KRTRIB__BUSNEWS_17736_5006-1¶ms=timestamp||12/06/2012%208:05%20AM%20ET||headline||Fishing%20industry%20still%20reeling%20from%20Sandy%20%5BAsbury%20Park%20Press%2C%20N.J.%5D||docSource||McClatchy-Tribune||provider||ACQUIREMEDIA||bridgesymbol||US;BAC&ticker=BAC
Subcommittee Pushes DOC to Release Judge’s Review of NOAA Fishery Enforcement Cases
Dec 6, 2012 Washington DC – Today in a letter to the Department of Commerce (DOC), Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Paul Broun, M.D. (R-GA) requested the release of two unredacted reports, authored by Judge Charles B. Swartwood, reviewing potential abuses by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) personnel toward individuals in the fishing industry. http://science.house.gov/press-release/subcommittee-pushes-doc-release-judge%E2%80%99s-review-noaa-fishery-enforcement-cases
Calling All Clammers! Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Measures for the 2013 Fishing Year – Date Issued: 12/6/2012
Effective Date: January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 The following measures apply for the 2013 fishing year. These measures have not been changed from fishing year 2012.. http://www.nero.noaa.gov/mediacenter/2012/11/psp_extension_fy_2013__bulletin___quota_bulletin.pdf
Is IG Zinser Being “Swift Boated”? Watchdog wins reprieve for Commerce Department agents under gag agreement
A board that conducts hearings over questionable personnel practices issued a stay order against the Commerce Department’s Office of the Inspector General Thursday, temporarily lifting gag agreements aimed at preventing four senior law enforcement officers from speaking out against the agency…… The inspector general’s office released a statement Friday saying three of the agents involved in the case signed their separation agreements with representation from attorney’s “considered among the best in federal labor law,” while the fourth had at least consulted a lawyer before signing the contract………“We strongly support employees’ rights to register complaints and have not interfered with those rights,” the inspector general’s office said in its statement. “As we all know, there are two sides to every story and hopefully at some point in this process we will have the opportunity to provide the facts for the public record.”…..Zinser said of the investigation: “It’s really a situation where we’re going to cooperate with OSC and be as transparent as we can about it.”http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2012/12/03/watchdog-wins-reprieve-for-commerce-department-agents-under-gag-agreement/?print=1
Senator Kerry Urges Release of Latest Swartwood Report, mentions the Agency created “declared fishery disaster”.
WASHINGTON — Senator John Kerry, in a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank, urged the immediate release of the most recent report of Special Master Charles B. Swartwood, a report commissioned as a result of an investigation made at Sen. Kerry’s behest. “The perceived delay in releasing the report has resulted in further eroding of public trust in the agency. Again, I urge you to release Special Master Swartwood’s report.”
Senator. Percieved delay? There is nothing percieved about this. It is a fact that public trust in this agency is bankrupt.
Battle brewing over fishery observers on smaller commercial boats – “It’s totally political,”?
“Here’s an example,” she said. “You’ve got an observer on board or you’ve got a camera. Which is more easy to deal with in terms of getting away with something? It’s a lot harder to throw an observer overboard. That’s a very extreme example.”
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/battle-brewing-over-fishery-observers-smaller-commercial-boats
GULF OIL SPILL: Judge tosses claims against dispersant’s maker
NEW ORLEANS — A federal judge presiding over litigation spawned by the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill has dismissed all claims against the manufacturer of a chemical dispersant that was used to break up crude gushing from BP’s blown-out well. http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/viewart/20121205/NEWS02/312050031/GULF-OIL-SPILL-Judge-tosses-claims-against-dispersant-s-maker
December 2012 MAFMC Council Meeting – Register to Attend via Webinar. Wednesday, December 12, 2012 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Drakes Bay Oyster Co. sues U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, claiming he violated federal environmental law
The owner of the Drakes Bay Oyster Company, Kevin Lunny at his oyster farm in Point Reyes, Calif. on Thursday Nov. 29, 2012. U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar rejected a proposal to extend the lease of the popular Drakes Bay Oyster Farm at Point Reyes National Seashore Thursday, effectively ending more than a century of shellfish production on the 1,100 acres in Drakes Bay. The lawsuit accuses Salazar and Jonathan Jarvis, the director of the National Park Service, the director of the National Park Service, of revoking the property rights of the Drakes Bay Oyster Co. without due process provided by the National Environmental Policy Act. The suit also claims the federal leaders based their decision on false, biased and misrepresented science. Read More
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Drakes-Bay-Oyster-Co-sues-feds-in-fight-over-farm-4090937.php
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle / SF
