Daily Archives: January 19, 2014
At What Cost, Justice – A Pyrrhic Victory? By Sean McKeon
On November 25, 2013 Federal District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle1 ruled that Willie R. Etheridge III and Mark Cordeiro, two men from North Carolina, were not guilty of finning sharks as presumed under a federal fishing law prohibiting shark fin-to-carcasses ratios in excess of 5%. (Shark Finning Prohibition Act) The case is interesting not only because of what it produced by way of the district court’s decision, but also, and perhaps more importantly, because of the long history that ultimately spawned the government’s prosecution of these particular North Carolinians and the political environment in which it occurred.
The highly politicized agencies of the federal government are most to blame here, in this case National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and its parents National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Commerce. For an industry accustomed to bad news and never ending harassment by the very agency established to promote and protect it, the temptation might be to view this court victory in a vacuum and attach far too much optimism to its outcome. While there is certainly cause for celebration, it is important to understand the historic underpinnings of this case and the devastating impact federal agencies often have on the private sector when left unchallenged and undisciplined by those charged with their oversight, i.e. members of Congress and, in this case, the Administrative Law Court System (ALC).
Read the article here 19:54
SAN FRANCISCO: Fishermen enjoy plentiful herring season -Video
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Herring boats stretched across the Bay near the San Rafael Bridge Friday morning, the scene attracted thousands of birds and even some seals got into the act, diving and jumping to catch a fish. Watch @ktvu 18:07
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update JANUARY 19, 2014
“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 17:37
Group Led by Hastings Seeks Public Input on the ESA
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) Congressional Working Group, led by Hastings and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (WY-at large), invites public comments from people across the country who have been impacted by the ESA. The Working Group is examining ways to strengthen and improve the ESA to better serve the needs of both species and people. “From concerns surrounding a sub-species of plant known as the Bladderpod, to salmon, to wolves, my own Central Washington constituents continue to be impacted by the ESA in a number of significant ways,” said Hastings. “We invite others, from around the country, to submit their own stories on how they have also been directly impacted by this law. It’s clear that there is agreement on the need to update the ESA.” The public is encouraged to submit their thoughts, ideas, and recommendations to the Endangered Species Act Working Group here. 15:15
