Monthly Archives: October 2015
Oak Hill mayor: County should end ban on smaller-mesh seine nets
The Volusia County Council on Thursday will consider a proposal to roll back its decades-old ban on using seine nets to fish in Mosquito Lagoon and other county waterways. The measure comes at the request of Oak Hill Mayor Douglas Gibson, who would like to improve the economy for his coastal fishing community. However, the proposal is already gathering widespread opposition from the environmental and recreational fishing communities, who were in part responsible for the ban in the first place. The nets can harm fish nurseries and other species and habitats. Read the rest here 08:18
Sam Parisi – Fishermen need a farm bill
Over the past five years NOAA has imposed strict regulations on cod and other groundfish. Our fleet has gone from 200 vessels down to about 65. At the same time, if you can make sense out of this, NOAA has increased rental space by two thirds and has employed three times more workers. In the last two years, our small boats have been particularly hurt due to closures of inshore fishing grounds. Now rumor has it that NOAA,,, Read the rest here 07:41
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 42′ Duffy Lobster/Scalloper – 500HP Lugger L6125-A Diesel
Specifications, information, and 14 photo’s click here To see all the boats in this series, Click here 20:07
One of Three Defendants in Waldoboro Lobster Boat Arson Case Pleads Guilty
One of three men charged with arson for allegedly burning a Waldoboro boathouse containing a 36-foot lobster boat in 2012 pleaded guilty in Lincoln County Superior Court Oct. 1. Sentencing for the class A arson charge was continued so Luce could testify against his co-defendants, Frederick Campbell, 31, and James Simmons, 40, both of Friendship, District Attorney Geoffrey Rushlau said. Campbell and Simmons have been charged with two counts of class A arson each. Read the rest here 17:24
Man diving for sea cucumbers near Kodiak dies after medical airlift
A Kodiak man working as a commercial diver aboard a vessel taking part in a was airlifted to an area hospital Sunday — but Alaska State Troopers say he couldn’t be resuscitated. An initial call about the incident came in to Kodiak troopers at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, after a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew flew 36-year-old Gary Graves to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center’s emergency room. Graves had been diving from the fishing vessel Momo & Maddie. Read the rest here 15:54
New methane scare off Washington coast begs the question: did anybody look for these before?
I have to wonder, before the scientific world went nuts looking for GHG boogymen under every rock and tree, had anyone observed methane venting in this area before? While they enlisted the help of fishermen now, would anyone bothered to have documented these bubble plumes 50-100 years ago? I think not. They claim “… it is not likely to be just emitted from the sediments; this appears to be coming from the decomposition of methane that has been frozen for thousands of years.” yet offer no methodology for how they determined that. I seems to be little more than the opinion of the researcher. Anthony Watts. Read the rest here 15:15
NPFMC Bering Sea fishing decision based on science, not bias
This week, the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NFPMC) ruled that it will not be placing a limit on trawl fishing in the Bering Sea’s Pribilof and Zhemchug canyons, despite claims by various NGOs that the practice places vulnerable coral in danger there. Greenpeace, taking the lead on the NGO protests of the NFPMC’s decision, suggested that the council was catering to fishing industry special interests; however,,, Read the rest here 13:39
Hawaii Tuna Fishery Reopens, But Judge Could Quickly Close It
Despite pending litigation and concerns about disrupting international agreements, the U.S. government has decided Hawaii’s longline fishing fleet can reel in an extra 1,000 tons of bigeye tuna by making payments one of the Pacific island territories. The National Marine Fisheries Service plans to publish a rule Wednesday that sets a 2,000-ton limit on bigeye for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and allows the territory to allocate up to half of its quota to the U.S. “in exchange for payments to support responsible fisheries development.” Read the rest here 10:58
Lobster fishers asked to relocate gear as Inshore Trawl Survey approaches Maine
The fall inshore trawl survey is now underway in New Hampshire waters, working its way east to finish up about Oct. 30 near Machias Bay. The survey is being carried out this year aboard the F/V Robert Michael of Portland, Captained by Rob Tetrault, a white fiberglass Northeast 54’. The survey vessel will fish the first five good days each week, using the weekend to make up for bad weather or equipment problems. This should enable the survey to maintain a predictable schedule as it moves up the coast. Read the rest here 10:36
Fish wrap-up – Debriefer: October 14, 2015
From the Article: U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman co-sponsored the West Coast Dungeness Crab Management Act that seeks to permanently extend a 20-year fisheries management agreement aimed at protecting the health of the crab fishery in . It is set to expire next September. But there’s a longstanding critique of Dungeness management that small-time Bodega Bay operators say puts them at a disadvantage. And speaking of endangered species,,, Read the rest here 08:28
Torpedo ray tagged by Dalhousie University researchers
Researchers from Dalhousie University in Halifax are hoping technology will help them learn more about some underwater giants living off the East Coast. What makes this ray somewhat unusual from its relatives is its powerful electric organs, visible as large, kidney-shaped patches on the side of its head that can put out a shock of about 200 volts. “It uses that to stun prey, knock it out and then it swallows them whole,” Read the rest here 07:56
Penny Rich: Dangerous drilling
Last month, the Orange County Board of Commissioners told Gov. Pat McCrory and President Obama that we oppose offshore oil and gas exploration, drilling activities and seismic blast activities off the coast of . We are not alone. About 80 municipalities along the East Coast have opposed these activities, including 70 percent of the coastal communities in North Carolina. In addition, 92 members of Congress, roughly 500 local and state officials, more than 300 businesses and several fishing interest groups have weighed in with opposition. Read the rest here 19:55
Ocean wind project making waves to get guaranteed funding
A committee appointed by Governor Kate Brown 
has begun work to figure out how to pay for what would be the first offshore wind project on the West Coast. The commercial fishing and processing industries also opposed the bill and continue to raise concerns about the project. “The project is now located directly in prime shrimp and rockfish fishing areas utilized by several small businesses in Charleston,” the coalition wrote. “This action displaces traditional fishermen.” The project could also take over some of the area used by a fishing fleet whose members are based in Newport, Astoria and Seattle. Read the rest here 17:24
Fishermen encouraged to take big bite out of Bay’s blue catfish population
For years, Rocky Rice made his living primarily by fishing two of the Bay’s most iconic species: striped bass in the spring and blue crabs much of the summer. But after several years of poor blue crab catches, and with new catch limits on striped bass being put in place, Rice added one of the Bay’s most troublesome species to his mix: blue catfish. Rice is one of a growing number of fishermen responding to the plea of fishery officials to catch as many of the voracious predators as they can. Read the rest here 17:07
Chesapeake crabbers face changing workforce, murky future
Morgan Tolley is a third generation crab processor working on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, but he’s worried that his industry may be under threat as more and more young people shun the traditional family-oriented trade. The A.E. Phillips crab picking house Tolley manages in Fishing Creek, Maryland, relies on crabs harvested by the “watermen” of the Bay. “It’s passed down from generation to generation, that’s how you learn to become a waterman. Not everybody knows how to fish a trotline or bait a crab pot,” Tolley said. Read the rest here 13:08
Commercial, recreational flounder fishermen at odds
Two months have passed since the state’s Marine Fisheries Commission was supposed to approve new protections for flounder, but fishermen are still catching them under the same rules. A fight between commercial and recreational fishermen has stymied discussion, with commissioners disagreeing over even the rules for holding meetings. Though some commissioners say a change is urgently needed to help the fish, the group will not meet until Nov. 18. “We won’t be really able to impact southern flounder until September of 2016,” Read the rest here 12:55
Hawaii’s $100 Million Fishery Reopens in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean
HONOLULU (13 Oct. 2015) After a closure that lasted more than two months, Hawaii’s longline vessels can fish again for bigeye tuna in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. Since Aug. 5th, the 145 active vessels in the Hawaii longline fleet have been prohibited from catching bigeye tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), i.e., waters east of 150 degrees West longitude. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) determined that the fleet had reached its 2015 US bigeye tuna limit of 3,502 mt, developed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, to which the United States is a party. Read the rest here 11:35
Sea urchin, or uni, is a popular B.C. delicacy — but not in B.C.
As the weather turns colder, some of the most prized sea urchin in the world is being caught right now off the coast of B.C. The spiny creatures are treasured in Japan, where Canada will export much of the haul. There, sea urchin is called “uni,” and is considered a delicacy. “The thing with buying live sea urchin is you never know what’s inside,” said Janice Yu, owner of Fresh Ideas Start Here fish shop in Burnaby. “That’s why we try and pick the best boats with the best divers who know where to pick these sea urchins.” Read the rest here 11:25
Uganda: Army to Replace Fishing Enforcement Officers
Wakiso — State minister for Fisheries Zurubabel Nyiira Mijumbi has said UPDF officers will replace law enforcement officers in fighting illegal fishing. “We are going to recruit UPDF officers to replace these lazy law enforcement officers to carry out operations in fighting illegal fishing in the country as it is in Naads now,” Mr Nyiira said last week. He made the remarks while addressing stakeholders during the annual review and planning workshop on fisheries in Kajjansi, Wakiso District, last week. Read the rest here 10:59
North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for Oct. 12, 2015
Click here to read the Weekly Update, to read all the updates, Click here 10:27
Alma celebrates the launch of lobster fleet – The annual late-night party has grown into a vibrant community event
Tonight, at midnight, by the light of the moon and the stars, the lobster boats will put out to sea from the wharf in Alma. And they won’t be heading out quietly. What started off four years ago with a cup of coffee and a simple goodbye has grown into a major event. Starting on on Tuesday afternoon, the Alma Fleet Launch festival gets underway with a kitchen party and an awards presentation. The party continues into the evening music and fireworks. Read the rest here 10:00
Pilot program looks at health factors for commercial fishermen
Dr. Debra Cherry returned to Cordova earlier this week to present results from a commercial fishing health survey conducted this summer. Cherry is an Associate Professor and Director of the Occupational Medicine Training Program at the University of Washington. Not surprisingly, the study found three areas of health concern: hearing loss, upper extremity disorders and fatigue. Part of the value in the research is identifying these issues as chronic, versus acute; and also looking at underlying issues. Read the rest here 09:06
Dead menhaden wash up on Eastern Shore after fish spill from Omega Protein boat
Last Wednesday, said Omega spokesman Ben Landry, the John Dempster was pulling in hundreds of thousands of menhaden from the bay when the net apparently ripped on some bottom debris and dumped about 75,000 dead fish into the water. It’s an unfortunate accident that occurs maybe two or three times a year, he said. Omega notified the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, he said. On Friday, he said, they got reports that the wave of dead menhaden would strike land, probably around Smith Beach and Cherrystone Inlet. Read the rest here 21:47
Mobile clean-up opportunity presented to Shell as alternative to dispersants
As the clock ticks down to the final decision of the Canada Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (NSOPB) on Shell Canada’s proposed drilling program in the Shelburne Basin, the calls are getting louder from the fishing industry and communities along Nova Scotia’s south shore for regulators to put some environmental teeth in the company’s emergency response plan in the event of an oil spill on the southwestern Scotian Shelf. Read the rest here 21:08
Mutiny on the Majestic Blue – A captain held captive by his own crew. A boat flying the U.S. flag but violating every American law
Captain wanted. No experience necessary. The ad described a gig as master of a Western Pacific tuna fishing boat, an American ship with a crew of 24 men. The vessel was a purse seiner, a steel-hulled fishing boat that used a gigantic rectangular net that closed like a drawstring purse to catch tuna for StarKist, America’s most popular tuna brand. He sent an email. Less than 15 minutes later he had a response. It didn’t come from the address listed, but from someone at a Korean company called Dongwon. “When can you be here?” the email asked. Read the rest here 16:58
Hake: A Guide to Handling and Quality
The aim of this guide from the Irish Sea Fisheries Board (BIM) is to provide practical and contemporary guidelines on the handling and quality of hake, at all stages, from capture to the first point of sale. Optimal handling and storage practices at sea and ashore are essential elements in the management of fish quality and the achievement of maximum return on national and international markets. Read the rest here, 9 images for comparison. 14:49
House Committee approves territorial waters protection
A bill that includes an amendment by Congresswoman Aumua Amata for protection of territorial waters from federal regulations has been approved by the House Natural Resources Committee. The congresswoman’s amendment specifically prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce from restricting fishing access in any state or territorial marine waters, or the Great Lakes, under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service or the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries unless the restrictions have been developed with and approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Agency of the affected state or territory. Read the rest here 13:25
Marathon man jailed for 121 illegal lobster – Second man escaped by jumping off boat
More than 100 marine-resource conservation counts were filed against a Marathon man late Monday after law officers surprised a boat making a nocturnal landing. Jose Carlos Acosta Arias, 37, was carrying a mesh bag with 77 wrung lobster tails when he stepped off a “blacked-out vessel” near the oceanside of 74th Street in Marathon. A second man aboard the small boat jumped overboard and escaped by swimming away. The man’s identity is known and warrants for his arrest were being filed, FWC Officer Bobby Dube said. Read the rest here 12:33
Adak seeks cod quota, factory trawlers cry foul
Despite factory trawler opposition, Adak wants federal regulators to guarantee a minimum amount of Pacific cod each year, in hopes that the local fish processing plant will re-open. The Aleutian Islands Pacific cod catcher vessel fishery and shoreplant delivery requirement is on the agenda of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting this week in Anchorage. The bottomtrawl factory trawler’s lobbying group, , condemned Adak’s request. Read the rest here 10:32
3MMI – Small Pollock Creates Strong Minced Market, Brazil’s Economy Impact on Global Seafood Market
3-Minute Market Insight: As Alaska Pollock continues to land with smaller sized fish (500-750 grams), the Minced Pollock market continues to grow. Pacific Whiting supply is short, pressuring Pollock inventories for the production of Surimi. The weakened Brazilian Real has deterred Portuguese producers of Salted Cod to export product to the Latin American country. The big question now is where will the Atlantic Cod go, as Portuguese processors hold large inventories of the raw materials that would typically be used for Salted Cod production. Watch the video here 09:18
