Monthly Archives: April 2013
Maine Governor LePage allows alewives bill to become law
Eighteen years ago, the Legislature approved a blockade that prevented alewives from running up the St. Croix River. In this June 4, 2005 file photo, alewives congregate in the Damariscotta Mills fishway, in Nobleboro, 
Maine. An 18-year-old blockade on the St. Croix River will be lifted in a few days. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) In a historic decision that largely went unnoticed, that blockade will be lifted in a few days after Gov. Paul LePage opted not to veto L.D. 72. The bill takes effect Tuesday. The emergency legislation requires the state to ensure, by May 1, that the fishways on the Woodland Dam and the Grand Falls Dam be reconfigured or operated in such a way that “allows the unconstrained passage of river herring.” continued
Lobstermen, dealers likely to split marketing costs – Maine Lobster Promotion Council’s annual budget — now about $375,000 — is set to be increased to $3 million
AUGUSTA – Lobstermen and dealers likely will pay equal shares of the cost of a new marketing effort designed to raise demand – and prices – for Maine lobster. continued
Swordfish Caught in Driftnets is California’s Deadliest Catch
indybay.org – The California drift gillnet fishery for swordfish and shark is the most dangerous fishery for whales and other marine mammals along the U.S. West Coast from California to Alaska. A new federal review of marine mammal bycatch in commercial fisheries found that the drift gillnet fleet is causing more harm to whales than ever. The 25 vessels operating in the drift gillnet fishery now accidentally capture and kill more whales and marine mammals than any other fishery along the U.S. West Coast. continued
James Odlin – There are fishing boats ready to come home to Maine and revitalize the state’s nonprofit Fish Exchange.
Groundfishing vessels, many of which call Maine home, are forced to travel to Gloucester, Mass., to sell their fish and the lobster by-catch, putting at jeopardy Portland’s working waterfront and risking the permanent loss of what’s left of the groundfishing fleet. Last year, more than 126 million pounds of lobster were caught close to shore in traps. By contrast, less than 100,000 pounds were caught by groundfishing boats, less than one-tenthof 1 percent of the total. continued
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation apologizes to Klamath Basin biologists
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has backed off a plan to outsource jobs and apologies to seven Klamath Basin biologists who claimed scientific misconduct. Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Director David Murillo said the biolo
gists would not be reassigned and promised better cooperation with employees. In a letter written last fall, the employees were told by the Klamath Area Office manager they were being reassigned because of a perception they were biased and their work intentionally contradicted that produced by other agencies. continued
Mass. AG urges easing of fish limits – request that President Obama “ask” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to institute lesser catch reductions
Gov. Deval Patrick has been urged by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley to request that President Obama “ask” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to institute lesser catch reductions than are expected on Gulf of Maine cod and other stocks for the fishing year that begins May 1. continued
Three times US Senate Candidate Steve Lynch exclaimed he was for the fishermen, and Markey was for the fish! Markey clammed up!
During the Senate debate on local channel 4 news, carried on C-span, Steve Lynch pressed the issue we all want to hear about in the fisheries in New England. Who is in the fight for who. Markey was offered ample opportunity to s
peak about it, but clammed up. It’s obvious Cape Wind booster Markey, ranking member, Committee on Natural Resources involved in the reauthorization of MSA, is not quite as passionate about the fishing industry as Lynch. Lynch was impressive during the debate, putting Mr. Markey on the defensive on a number of issues. Markey’s stance on MSA is there is no need to deviate from the current version, seeing no reason for alteration like flexibility. Steve Lynch has a number of small fishing communities in his District. Cohasset, Hull, and Scituate, and the Port of Boston, which includes the Boston Fish Pier.
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Bay Area Pacific herring fishermen are squaring off against the U.S. Department of the Interior
Attorneys for the San Francisco Herring Association filed a lawsuit last week to challenge the federal restrictions, arguing that there is no federal law on the books that expressly gives the Interior Department the right to regulate fishing or other activities in the coastal areas in question. continued
What 2010 Gulf Spill Doesn’t Want You to Know About the 2010 Gulf Spill
Newsweek/Daily Beast – 
It’s as safe as Dawn dishwashing liquid.” That’s what Jamie Griffin says the BP man told her about the smelly, rainbow-streaked gunk coating the floor of the “floating hotel” where Griffin was feeding hundreds of cleanup workers during the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Apparently, the workers were tracking the gunk inside on their boots. Griffin, as chief cook and maid, was trying to clean it. But even boiling water didn’t work. continued
You’re invited to NOAA Fisheries FY13/14 Budget Briefing
April 22, 2013 Reminder – NOAA Fisheries’ Briefing on FY13/14 Budgets
Just a reminder that tomorrow, Tuesday, April 23, Sam Rauch, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, will conduct a briefing for our stakeholders to learn more about Fisheries’ FY13 and FY14 budgets. In order to view the presentation materials, you must register for the webinar in addition to calling in. Details are below. Reserve your Webinar seat HERE
Blessing of the Fleet: Chauvin ushers in shrimp season
HoumaToday.com – Bayou Little Caillou was alive with celebration and brightly decorated trawlers as fishermen and their families celebrated tradition and prayed for a safe and bountiful brown-shrimp season in Chauvin Sunday. continued
Atlantic cod in for even more stress? – Marine biologists launch a new research project
Researchers have known for some years that the Atlantic cod beats the retreat in the direction of the Arctic when the waters in its traditional habitat become too warm. In summer, shoals from the Atlantic Ocean, for example, are now moving up as far as Spitsbergen into the waters the Arctic cod calls its own. continued
Alabama Red Snapper season to be shortest in history
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – The fishermen say federal regulations are hurting them and the local economy. Jerry Busby is a sport fisherman who says government regulations limiting red snapper fishing and shortening the season has led to an overabundance of the fish. Busby says that’s a big problem for commercial and recreational fishermen. continued
Fishermen still struggling, three years after BP spill
Fisherman say their catch is scarce, while Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser says oil is still washing ashore in places like Bay Jimmy. Three years after the BP oil disaster began, fisherman like George Barisich are still struggling to survive. “The damage is still ongoing right now,” said Barisich, president of the United Commercial Fisherman’s Association. “My shrimp is down 40 percent and my oysters are down 93 percent.” continued
Bluefins lure famed fishing boat captain – Linda Greenlaw will join anglers on chartered tours chasing one of the world’s most sought-after fish.
PORTLAND – Trying to get a fisherman to divulge secrets, especially about favorite fishing holes, is usually a waste of time. But this summer, anglers will have a chance to learn from one of the best: Linda Greenlaw, the Maine fishing boat captain made famous by the book “The Perfect Storm.” Greenlaw, an Isle au Haut resident, author and world-renowned fisherman, continued
New Brunswick lobster fishermen worry about Maine bycatch law – includes a sketchy video!
CBC News – Fishermen in New Brunswick are warning that a bill before Maine’s legislature to allow bycatch lobster caught in trawling nets be sold by fishermen who otherwise would have to throw them back could be abused. continued
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USA: Bills to Curb Suction Dredging for Gold in Oregon’s iconic river systems from the impacts of harmful suction dredge mining.
Outdoor businesses, the commercial fishing industry, fisheries experts, and conservation organizations applaud the passage of Senate Bill 838 and SB 401 by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Commit
tee. continued
Newfoundland and Labrador Crab fishermen hope to make up for lost time – Pilot project discussions to sell to “outside” market’s.
CBC News – Fishermen were moving quickly on Monday to catch crab off the coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, following a weekend deal that resolved a pricing dispute that sparked protests. continued
Sandy Damage Threatens Horseshoe Crabs and Migratory Shorebirds
WNYC News – The storm dispersed what 
need most to lay eggs – sand. “Sandy was so violent that it pushed sand well in, or out to sea,” said independent biologist Larry Niles, working with the American Littoral Society. Without abundant levels of horseshoe crab eggs, migratory birds that eat the eggs during spring stopovers to Arctic breeding grounds will suffer. Especially the threatened Red Knot. continued
Florida becomes 4th state to sue BP over 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The state of Florida filed a lawsuit Saturday against oil company BP and cement contractor Halliburton over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, becoming the fourth state to seek damages for the 2010 disaster. continued
Seafood group plans major Boston march
he Northeast Seafood Coalition, the region’s largest industry group, has announced plans to host a public rally at the Boston Fish Pier next Monday at 11 a.m. to build support for the government to provide disaster assistance to the groundfishing industry and communities from which home-port the fleet. continued
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
