Monthly Archives: April 2014
Costello and White’s “Closing high seas to fishing” Study gets deboned by Commercial Fishermen
If the high seas were closed to fishing, populations of migratory species such as tuna, billfish and shark would increase significantly and that would help the coastal fishing industry to flourish, a Cal Poly assistant biology professor has advocated in a recent study. Cal Poly assistant biology professor Crow White created a computer simulation to test the theory with co-author Christopher Costello, a UC Santa Barbara professor of environmental and resource economics. Read more here 09:18
Mississippi: Commercial fishing license renewal begins Tuesday
BILOXI, Miss.— The state will begin renewing commercial fishing licenses Tuesday and selling new commercial licenses starting April 15. Commercial fishermen who live in Mississippi can purchase licenses to catch shrimp, crab, fish, oysters and live bait, as well as business licenses for dealers and processors. The fees for Mississippi residents range from $10 to $500, and some fishermen require more than one license. Fees for out-of-state residents vary. Read more here 08:57
Gloucester Times Editorial: Judge’s ruling sends grim message on NOAA accountability
It’s been nearly nine years now since NOAA enforcement agents, carrying out an unauthorized entry and raid into the then-Gloucester Seafood Display Auction, openly bullied workers and boasted that they were “accountable to no one.” Read more here 06:56
Congressmen scramble to try to save NOAA research lab
A century-old research lab near Beaufort may be saved from the chopping block, depending on the success of legislative wrangling by two North Carolina congressmen. “You name the coastal issue, they’ve got their neck in it,” said Josh Bowlen, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, a Republican who represents the 3rd Congressional District. Read more here 19:39
Imports, farmed shrimp fill demand, but hit shrimpers in their wallets
Fresh, off-the-boat shrimp is the hallmark of Fernandina Beach’s annual shrimp festival, but some shrimpers are jumping ship this year after fighting over the prevalence of imported, farmed shrimp at festival booths. Read more here 19:25
The North Carolina Fisheries Association reorganizes, vows more active voice on issues
The North Carolina Fisheries Association begins its sixth decade as one of the oldest commercial fishing organizations in the country with a reorganization to again become a strong voice in the volatile culture involving the trade. Read more here 19:16
Annual East Coast seal hunt starts amid ongoing court case and trade challenge
HALIFAX – The annual East Coast seal hunt starts Monday against a backdrop of ongoing trade and court challenges in Europe and renewed claims from animal welfare groups that the 400-year-old industry is dead in the water. Read more here 19:07
“Memorial Presents” Public Forum – Moving Forward: Building Resilient Fisheries and Coastal Communities in NL
Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 7:30pm NST – Join us for a dynamic discussion of the strengths and vulnerabilities of our fisheries and coastal communities, and help launch an urgently needed discussion on how we can build economically, socially and ecologically resilient fisheries and coastal communities for the future. Watch the live webcast here April 16th. Read more here mun.ca 16:44
Exposing the wind industry genocide
For those that have the mistaken belief that wind is green, clean, or in some way a noble venture, reality couldn’t be any further from the truth. There is nothing commendable about hiding the slaughter to millions of protected bird and bats each year. Read more here theecoreport 16:34
Jellyfish Transformed into ‘Super-Absorbent’ Nappies and Tampons
A new method of transforming jellyfish into biodegradable “super-absorbers” suitable for use in nappies, sponges, paper towels and tampons has been developed by nanotechnology startup Cine’al. Read more here ibtimes.com 12:39
Big changes coming along Morro Bay’s waterfront as leases expire
Over the next few years, Morro Bay residents and visitors should expect to see significant makeovers,, The city’s “fishing village” vision calls for architectural renovations that encourage a mix of small buildings with varying roof lines and facades. Buildings must have a wide sidewalk in front and a waterfront walkway behind to maximize bay views. “What we’ve been going for is a smaller, more eclectic feel than in the past,” Read more here 11:33
Asian carp invasion headed our way
Most sport fishermen are bitterly opposed to commercial fishing with nets. Many think their nets harm game fish populations. But the day might be coming when sport fishermen wish there were more commercial fishermen. Asian carp have invaded the lower reaches on the Tennessee,,, Read more here nooga.com 11:13
Fishermen at Ocean City commercial harbor implore: ‘Buy real. Buy wild, local fish’
While fishing might not be the booming business it was years ago, it remains an important part of the local economy. Ocean City’s commercial harbor is proof of that. “We’re good for the state,” says Mike Coppa, captain of the commercial stern trawler Instigator. “We produce a lot of fish.” Read more here delmarvano.com 11:04
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update April 13, 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 10:47
Can Maine grow its elvers into eels and keep more money at home?
After 43 years in the business, fisherman Don Sprague knows a lot about the ups and downs of the elver economy. He’s been to China and seen the farms where Maine elvers get fattened up on a protein-rich diet, like foie gras ducks being readied for harvest. Read more here portlandpress 08:15
British fisheries consultant urges ‘coexistence’ with offshore wind – They said we could co exist with the Red Coats, too!
He said the best advice for the New Bedford fleet was to cooperate with the wind farm developers as early as possible in order to have a say in the process. His comments on the offshore wind industry were met with skepticism by some in the audience, like Jim Kendall, who said local offshore wind developers like Cape Wind had not been cooperating with the fishing industry. Good on you Jim Kendall! Read more here 12:53
Gulf Grouper Group Gropes for Stable Sustainable Quota
Madera Beach is home to some of the whitest sand along the Gulf Coast. It is also home to some of the best fishing, both recreational and commercial, especially Gulf Grouper. Read more here 12:48
Baker | Shrimpin’ ain’t easy – Federal decision to cut inshore shrimp quotas mystifying, devastating for NL economy
I wonder how many people casually dismissed the news this week about northern shrimp quota cuts as just more “fishermen crying and whining” about their lot in life. A good many I’d say. And that’s too bad because in doing so you missed something that has huge ramifications. For everyone. Read more here 10:54
Do as We Say, Not as We Do! – Center for Coastal Studies, 100, well, Maybe 99 endangered right whales feeding off Cape Cod
The Provincetown-based nonprofit group reported Friday that about 100 whales are concentrated near the western shore of Cape Cod Bay and near the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal . The animals are feeding below the surface of the water and aren’t easily visible to boaters. The center advises that the animals are vulnerable to collisions with ships and asks that boaters take precautions. Read more here 09:03
Without Better Science, BC’s Herring Crisis Could Resurface
A tense conflict between commercial fishermen and central coast First Nations near a northern British Columbian herring roe fishery has concluded peacefully. But while a crisis was averted this year, those involved say the main catalysts behind it — problems with the government’s management of fisheries — go unresolved. Read more here 08:00
Commercial fisherman admits to underreporting fluke catches
In court papers filed Friday, Anthony Joseph admitted that from June 3, 2009, through Dec. 15, 2011, while captain of the Stirs One based in Point Lookout, he “systematically overharvested fluke in excess of New York State” and federal research set-aside catch limits. Read more here
Whale research Vessel Shearwater traveling at 9 (?) knots plows into a North Atlantic right whale
A Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies research vessel R/V Shearwater “accidentally” collided with a North Atlantic right whale Wednesday, prompting the organization to issue a warning Friday to area boaters of a great concentration of the marine mammals in Cape Cod Bay. Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, Read more here! 07:14
Lobster Trails – A finely honed supply line delivers fresh crustaceans to global markets
Salt water glistens on their yellow slickers in the cold morning sunlight as the two young men reach over the starboard side of the boat with a long-handled gaff,,, Read more here 07:01
RACKETEERING LAWSUIT FINGERS HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
The Humane Society of the United States actively campaigning against the seal hunt Accused of using methods that are usually associated with the mafia or other criminal groups, the Humane Society is also accused of illegally influenced the European Parliament. In a prosecution under the RICO anti-mafia law, the Humane Society is accused of having paid $ 190,000 for false testimony. Read more here 22:16
North Pacific council asks for three Gulf of Alaska papers – how to manage bycatch – adaptive management quota – community fishing associations
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council asked for three discussion papers on issues associated with Gulf of Alaska trawl fisheries today. The 11-member council manages federal fisheries from three to 200 miles offshore from Alaska. Read more here 21:44
Pacific Fishery Management Council has good news for both Oregon sport anglers and commercial troll salmon fishermen
Recreational and commercial troll Chinook salmon fishing this year looks to vary from good to great based on forecasted adult returns destined for key river basins of the Columbia River, the Central Valley in California, and the Klamath River. Read more here dailyastorian 21:34
Econuts File Another Suit.
A coalition of environmental and animal protection groups has sued the federal government to protect critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Read more eco sue and settle squalk here 19:53
NMFS give go-ahead to new Steller sea lion management – Oceana “We cannot and will not,,,
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced April 2 that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s preferred management measures to protect the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions in the western Aleutian Islands would not cause jeopardy or adverse modification to the sea lion habitat. Read more here alaskajournal 17:24
Fisheries Department looks to expand green crab fishery in Maritimes
Known as the “cockroach of the sea,” the green crab is an invasive species from Europe and northern Africa known for its aggressive and territorial behaviour. The crustacean can wreak havoc on other fisheries as it chows down on clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. Read more here 16:10
Riding the Pew Science Short Bus to “The Best Available Science”
Looks like U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns took a ride on the Pew Science Short Bus! Hey, Judge! look at this graphic. 13:36
