Daily Archives: March 29, 2015
Heiltsuk take over DFO office to stop herring fishery
Heiltsuk tears and anger were cast at Department of Fisheries and Oceans officers standing on the front steps of the federal office on Denny Island Sunday afternoon, as band Elders, leaders, women and youth pleaded for the controversial herring fishery not to resume on the central B.C. coast. Within hours, more than a dozen band members also occupied the DFO office, promising to remain there until the herring fishery is closed. Read the rest here 22:34
NMFS Implements Management Measures to End Overfishing of Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
NOAA Fisheries NMFS is implementing management measures in Amendment 32 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 32). The final rule publishes in the Federal Register, and is effective, on March 30, 2015. A commercial trip limit of 100 pounds gutted weight is included. Read the notice here 16:57
In considering the lobster, PETA only inflicts pain on itself
At least People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) makes things fun for its critics. The pro-vegetarian group yet again proved its incompetence this week by attempting to claim credit for a business decision it had nothing to do with, this one concerning a Minor League baseball team and what’s being served at its concession stands during games. Read the rest here 14:56
MAFMC to Hold Scoping Hearings for Squid Capacity Amendment: April 6 – 21, 2015
The amendment would likely consider a variety of approaches for reducing capacity in the squid fisheries, such as a requalification of permits, a tiered limited access system, and/or individual fishing quotas (also known as “catch shares”). If the Council decides to move forward with an amendment, a range of alternatives would be developed for analysis and additional public comment. Meetings and dates here 13:49
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update, MAR 29, 2015
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 To read all the updates, click here 13:16
American Fishermen, American Consumers and Coastal Communities, Support the A-7 Survival Fund – Highly Migratory Species
American fishermen,American consumers and coastal communities all lose under the current A-7 amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for Highly Migratory Species. Fearing further decline of domestic fisheries for rebuilt stocks of swordfish, some tuna, and the possible resulting transfer of the United States’ international quota to foreign fleets, members of the Pelagic Longline Fleet and other related businesses have filed suits challenging aspects of Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for Highly Migratory Species, which includes swordfish and tunas. Read the rest here 11:56
Record prices help buoy Maine scallop fishery
In the mid-2000s, when Maine’s scallop fishery hit historic lows for volume and value, its future did not look promising. A lot has changed since then. Annual catch totals still may lag behind what they were in past decades but, according to Maine Department of Marine Resources, 2014 is one of the most lucrative years the state fishery has ever had. Scallop fishermen harvested 584,000 pounds of scallop meat in Maine’s coastal waters last year and,,, Read the rest here 10:42
Is Austral Fisheries Legitimizing Sea Shepherd? In Pursuit of the Thunder
For the past 100 days Sea Shepherd’s flagship the Bob Barker has been chasing an illegal fishing vessel caught taking valuable Patagonian toothfish from Australian territorial waters off Heard Island in the Southern Ocean. The two ships were off the west coast of central Africa. Carter said although neither Sea Shepherd nor Austral could do much apart from pressure the illegal vessel FV Thunder, he had been “impressed” by the group’s commitment and wanted to help. Read the rest here 10:01
Key West charter Captain files change of plea in illegal sale of finfish and lobster case
The last of five Lower Keys fishermen snared last year in a state wildlife case and accused of illegally selling fish to undercover officers will likely plead guilty in Plantation Key on April 9. Key West charter Capt. William Osgood Wickers Jr., 42, of Big Coppitt Key, has a change of plea scheduled before county Judge William Ptomey, according to court records. An earlier report, click here Read the rest here 08:59
Conservationists push to bypass or remove dams, restore alewife run in Maine
Alewives, which grow to 11-12 inches in length, play a critical role in the marine ecosystem. They are eaten by virtually every other marine fish, mammal and bird, and are commonly used as lobster bait. The more alewives that are introduced, the healthier the overall ecosystem will be, Gray said. China Lake has the potential to create a gigantic population bump. Read the rest here 08:40
