Daily Archives: March 1, 2014
BC Fishermen Stuck in the Middle of DFO Legal Battle
B.C. fishermen say they’re stuck in the middle of what has turned into a legal battle between the federal fisheries department and five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. The commercial herring roe fishery on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Central Coast and Haida Gwaii is at the centre of the dispute. The largest fishermen’s union in British Columbia is now urging all its members not to fish in these disputed areas. Read more here 23:04 thetyee
Panel helping to rewrite Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules to meet to decide when to have more meetings
The Ecosystem Protection Working Group last met in September, when a number of draft alternatives for marine protected areas sparked controversy among recreational and commercial fishing interests. This week’s open meetings at the Marathon Garden Club will be more about “sharing information and discussion” than making decisions, Deputy Sanctuary Superintendent Beth Dieveney said Friday. Read more here 19:36
Fishermen on Prince Edward Island are still fuming at last year’s low lobster prices and some want a firm $5 a pound rate set before the spring season begins.
At the annual meeting of the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association Friday, there was support for a marketing levy, but continued frustration at prices that dropped as low as $3 a pound last year. “If any seafood processor cannot pay $5 a pound for lobster, they should not get a goddamn lobster,” fisherman Roger O’Neill said. Read more here 16:27
Full Committee Legislative Hearing on Magnuson Stevens – Includes witness list
Full Committee Legislative Hearing on: H.R. ____ (Hastings), A bill to improve and strengthen many provisions of the current Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act” Witness list here 13:38
NC General Assembly Proposal would establish Commercial Fishing Resources Fund
A proposal headed to the General Assembly would help the state meet requirements for the protection of sea turtles while also providing funds for projects that enhance the state’s commercial fishing industry. The plan, brought forward by the commercial fishing industry, calls for the establishment of a Commercial Fishing Resources Fund. Read more here 12:44
The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission members met in Oslo, Norway, 25-27 February 2014
The NAMMCO members met in Oslo, Norway, 25-27 February 2014, on the occasion of the 22nd Council meeting. The press release details information about observer governments and organisations attending and also some of the main items raised during the meeting. The 23rd Council meeting is scheduled during the beginning period of 2015 and to be held in Iceland. 11:02
WWF opens 2014 Smart Gear Competition to reduce fisheries bycatch
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is launching the 2014 International Smart Gear Competition, which seeks and supports innovative solutions to address fisheries bycatch, the unintentional catch of fish and other marine species. The competition begins Saturday and ends August 31, 2014. Read more here 10:48
Not everyone likes the EPA Pebble decision: EPA goes too far on Pebble mine
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Friday did what supporters of the proposed Pebble mine feared she would do: initiate a review process that could preemptively prevent the mine project from proceeding. Read more here 09:25
Me.Gov. Paul LePage on Friday ordered the creation of a task force to study and combat the invasive European green crab
“Green crabs are threatening our state’s $25 million bivalve shellfish industry, which is Maine’s third most lucrative fishery,” LePage said. “It’s critical that we protect the fishery and the good jobs the industry supports.” Read more here 07:53
