Daily Archives: April 21, 2013
Seeking stability, some Maine lobstermen join union – The Maine Lobstermen’s Association voices concerns
With promises to fight bad legislation and negotiate prices for their catch, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has been recruiting fishermen in some of Maine’s most lobster-reliant communities, including Vinalhaven, Stonington and Jonesport. So far, more than 250 fishermen have signed up for what will be called the IAM Maine Lobstering Union. continued
Search ends for F/V Nite Owl fishermen missing off Texas coast
Associated Press – HOUSTON — John Reynolds and the four others aboard the Nite Owl weren’t worried when the thunderstorms made it impossible for the commercial fishing boat to return back to shore. They’d seen this kind of weather before. They did what they normally would, tying the boat to an oil rig off the Texas Gulf Coast and going to sleep. But early Friday morning, “a rogue wave, a freak wave or something hit the side of the boat,” Reynolds said. “It just collapsed the cabin …continued
From the Moderator – The contentious issue of seals, marine mammal population’s and public comment ignorance.
Posting link’s to story’s for fisherynation.com viewer’s today, and over the past few day’s, some issues stand out and I thought I’d address them. These are my opinion’s, and mine only. If you agree, or disagree, you have an opportunity to present your opinion. Submit them through the contact, located on the blue menu bar, and they will be featured. Keep it civil, and on point, please, with no insults or vulgar language. During the week, I posted three articles about “Study shows depleted fish stocks can come back from the brink”, with the claim cod will never recover in Canada because,, continued
Sitka Sound having another spawning wave
SITKA, Alaska — Herring are spawning again in Sitka Sound on the shores of Baranof and Kruzof islands. The second wave comes after a previous peak of spawning was observed about two weeks ago, around the time of the commercial sac roe openings. Dave Gordon, area management biologist for Fish and Game, said a second spawn is not unusual, and he is not looking at reopening the sac roe fishery. continued
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released draft of its revised Alaska Sea Otter stock assessment – more than doubled over the past decade, audio
KFSK – The draft estimates a total of 25, 712 otters in the region. The number is based on aerial surveys done by researchers in 2010 and 2011. That compares with 10,563 otters in 2003. The latest numbers won’t come as a surprise to many who have been following this issue. Federal scientists had already presented results from their population studies in public presentations and news reports over the past couple years. opportunity for public comment. continued
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update APRIL 21, 2013
“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.” Read the update
Oyster farming down to a science on the scenic shores of Mobjack Bay in Gloucester County, Va
On the scenic shores of Mobjack Bay in Gloucester County, oysters are being farmed by the millions. John Vigliotta owns one of the largest caged-oyster companies in the state, taking oysters from microscopic eggs to 3-inch cage-grown market beauties in the space of a year or two. Typically, oysters can take up to three years to reach market size. continued
The Green Party of BC releasing its new fish farm policy aimed at reversing the decline in wild salmon populations
Castanet.net – The Green Party of BC is celebrating Earth Day 2013 by releasing its new fish farm policy aimed at reversing the decline in wild salmon populations. “The dramatic decline of BC’s wild salmon began when fish farms were introduced. Wild salmon cannot be saved until open net fish farms are removed from migration routes, because of their deadly role in spreading disease and parasites,” says Sterk. continued
Greenpeace ranks Clover Leaf Seafoods worst in 2013 tuna ranking
“Clover Leaf has become synonymous with ocean destruction in a can,” said Sarah King, Greenpeace Canada’s oceans campaign coordinator. “Until Canada’s biggest brand sources its tuna responsibly,
Greenpeace is urging consumers to choose brands working to be ocean-friendly.” continued
Lobster fishermen are worried about another price-depressing glut because ocean temperatures are higher than normal.
This could be a rerun article, but it says it’s fresh. I swear I read it a month ago. PORTLAND, MAINE—Ocean temperatures have been higher than normal in the Gulf of Maine, creating worries among lobstermen. They fear there co
uld be a repeat of last spring’s early harvest, which resulted in a market glut, a crash in the prices they received and a blockade of Maine-caught lobsters in Canada. continued
European court expected to back attempt by pelt traders and sporran makers to reverse 2010 ruling Read the comments
The Independent – A Europe-wide ban on the trade of seal fur and products is expected to be overturned this week, in a move that will reignite one of the world’s most contentious wildlife issues. The actor Jude Law has written a letter calling for the ban to be upheld, which he says would be “in line with the wishes of compassionate people all around the world”. continued Read the comments at the article.
N.C. Fisheries Reform Act divides fishermen – “It should be ‘The Commercial Fishery Economic Devastation Act,’”
A recreational fisherman nonprofit group is in support of this bill. Chuck Laughridge, Harkers Island resident and representative of the N.C. branch of the Coastal Conservation Association, said the association not only supports the bill, but also worked with two of its authors, Rep. Tom Murray, R-Wake, and Rep. Tim Moffitt, R-Buncombe, to draft the portion on gamefish. “There’s nothing in the bill to justify this (gamefish status). The title is a joke; Rep. Murray and Rep. Wray should be ashamed of themselves for being used this way.” continued
Boston lockdown stalled lobster shipment
Portland Press Herald – New Meadows Lobster in Portland, which ships live lobster, said it had a shipment of lobsters stalled in Boston due to the city’s lockdown as officials continue the manhunt for one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects. continued
Snapper and grouper fishermen in the Keys don’t want proposed vessel monitoring systems, likening them to ‘an ankle bracelet.’
Miami Herald – Keys commercial fishers unanimously opposed mandatory satellite tracking while fishing for snapper and grouper in the South Atlantic at a meeting Wednesday in Key Largo. Key West fisherman Daniel Padron likened the VMS proposal to being under house arrest. “I have done no criminal action in Southeast Florida and I don’t deserve an ankle bracelet,” Padron said. “When the bad guys are caught, slap a VMS on their boat.” “You need to put your efforts into monitoring the recreational sector,” Stieglitz said. “You can’t run a fishery on just what the commercial fishermen are doing. You have no idea what recreational fishermen are doing.” continued
