Daily Archives: April 2, 2013
Developers withdraw proposed Searsport tank application
SEARSPORT, Maine — Opponents of a controversial liquid propane gas terminal and storage tank project reacted with cheers and relief Tuesday to the news that the developers are withdrawing their application. continued
Attorney general says state has authority over Passamaquoddy fishing licenses
The opinion, made available Tuesday, gives some clarification to the state’s legal argument in a dispute between the state and the tribe. At the center of the debate is the Passamaquoddy’s claim that the tribe has sole jurisdiction over the fishing activities of tribal members. continued
Funding for Additional Small Craft Harbours Projects to Benefit Fishermen
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 2, 2013) – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the federal government is investing approximately $2.3 million for additional repair and improvement projects at small craft harbours across Canada. The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security. continued
Massachusetts Lawmakers press NOAA to ‘suspend’ May 1 quota cuts
Citing widespread evidence of an abundance of important commercial in shore fish stocks and a scientific study that found flaws in the modeling methods used by the government to set catch limits, a contingent of state lawmakers led by Senate President Therese Murray are urging NOAA’s top fisheries official to allow the fleet reasonable access to stocks while new studies are conducted into the vitality of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. continued
Dead squid whodunit verdict is death by natural causes – video
Hundreds of dead squid mysteriously turned up in Victoria’s Gorge Waterway this past week, but the gruesome sight may just be a sign that the ecosystem is healthy. continued
Scientists to investigate coral crisis on Kauai’s north shore
“The disease is a tissue-loss disease,” said USGS Wildlife Disease Specialist Thierry Work. “If you look at these corals, they are losing tissues and we think it’s associated with a cyanobacteria, which is a type of algae that is eating the coral basically.” “You are going to start to lose your fisheries and not to mention the tourist issue here,” Abey said. “Economically, it is critical for the state of Hawaii to maintain the coral reef resources in a healthy state.” continued
Memorial service marks sealing disaster
CBC News – A memorial service was held in St. John’s on Monday to mark the 99th anniversary of the 1914 Great Sealing Disaster. On March 30, 1914, sealers aboard the SS Newfoundland became stranded for 53 hours on North Atlantic ice floes in blizzard conditions. In the same storm, the ship Southern Cross sank while returning from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, taking her crew and sealers down with her. A total of 251 people died in both tragedies. continued
Horsemeat scandal could help Canadian lobster prices
The spring lobster season on P.E.I. opens in a month and the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association is optimistic prices will be up, partly because of a horsemeat scandal earlier this year in Europe. continued
Getting HOT! Passamaquoddies say governor made threats over elvers – to shut down the entire fishery, allegedly threatened to call in the National Guard!
Gov. Paul LePage threatened retaliation against Maine’s Passamaquoddy Tribe if it continues to issue elver-fishing licenses beyond the authorized state limit, a tribal council spokesman said Monday. continued
Washington, Oregon delay commercial fishing for spring chinook in the lower Columbia
Commercial fishing for spring chinook salmon in the lower Columbia River will be delayed until April 9 with the net fleet then likely to be limited to seven to nine fish per vessel. continued
Obama has never said a word,distances himself as New Englands fishing’s future hangs – Markey, Warren blame Republicans
White House mute as fishing’s future hangs – A month before the fishing culture of the Northeast — running from Maine to New York but based here in Gloucester and New Bedford — faces severe constraints or immobilization by extreme limits on landings, the Obama White House Monday remained mute and continued to distance himself from the federally recognized “economic disaster” wrought in large part by the president’s own administration as efforts to provide relief go nowhere fast. continued
