Monthly Archives: March 2014
Greenhouse gases endanger the B.C. coast’s economy – British Columbia’s scallops
Karl Nerenberg has been reporting on federal politics from Parliament Hill for rabble.ca since September, 2011. In his long career, he has won numerous awards as a broadcaster and documentary filmmaker. From Keystone, Obama (speaks with what appears to be genuine conviction), Harper, (greenhouse gas emissions argument in a somewhat sly way.) and British Columbia’s scallops are victims of carbon dioxide emissions opinion. Read more here rabble.ca 11:26
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update – March 2, 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 here RIFA Website 10:26
Next time some vegan tells you eating wild ocean fish is wrong, show them this! – It takes how much water to grow an almond?!
California, supplier of nearly half of all U.S. fruits, veggies, and nuts, is on track to experience the driest year in the past half millennium. Farms use about 80 percent of the state’s “developed water,” or water that’s moved from its natural source to other areas via pipes and aqueducts. Read more here 10:09 grist
The Cape Cod Fisherman – About time…
It’s been 19 yrs since the NMFS/ASMFC said striped bass were restored and the moratorium on a directed fishery was lifted here in MA. Since then a fishery has developed, which is unlike almost any other, anywhere. At first, the majority of fishermen, were already fishing for other things, like fluke, back sea bass, tuna, cod etc. The striped bass fishery has remained at a fairly large quota, while we’ve seen the quota’s (and abundance) for other fisheries shrink. Now, in 2014, 19 yrs – Read more here 09:37
Reidar’s Manufacturing: Regulations slow growth for city fishing business
“No matter how much you’ve prepared and researched, and even prepared financially, there’s always going to be something else,”. One New Bedford fishing gear business learned that lesson in an ocean-sized way. Reidar’s Manufacturing. Just as the Bendiksens were signing early papers on the deal, harsh new fishing regulations came out that affected their customer base. First the yellowtail catch was substantially reduced and then, a year later as they were breaking ground, codfish cuts were announced. Both cuts translated to lost business. Even the possibility of a new market fizzled in the face of government oversight. Read more here southcoasttoday.com 08:57
Kennebec Journal: OUR OPINION: We need answer to smelt decline before it’s too late
Rainbow smelt were once found as far south as Chesapeake Bay, and were particularly abundant along the Gulf of Maine. Now, the small, tasty fish has disappeared from Connecticut south, in a depopulation so rapid that researchers were too late to pinpoint an exact cause. A similar trend is occurring in Maine, where the smelt numbers are dropping around Kennebec County and southern Maine. Their decline could be a sign that something is wrong with the water, Read more here 03:33
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
