Monthly Archives: October 2015
Hawaii Bigeye Tuna Industry Reels Two Months after Reaching Its Quotas
HONOLULU (08 Oct. 2015) For the past two months, since early August, about a quarter of the 145 active vessels in the 
have been prohibited from catching their target species, bigeye tuna. Arbitrary quotas not linked to conservation objectives are keeping them tied at the docks. These struggling vessels and small businesses they support are accumulating millions of dollars in debt each month, causing untold anxiety for the local fishing community and consumers. This travesty has happened because of two international quota systems,,, Video, Read the rest here 08:42
Trans-Pacific Partnership good news for Nunavut’s fishing industry
Stakeholders in the Nunavut fishing industry say the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a win for the territory, as it will open the industry to more markets. “Overall it is good news,” says Bill Mackay, the Nunavut government’s acting assistant deputy minister of intergovernmental affairs. The massive trade deal between 11 countries was signed this week, making headlines as a possible threat to Canada’s manufacturing and dairy sectors. In Nunavut, the fishing industry is heralding the agreement as a good news story. Read the rest here 19:21
Fishery the ‘economic giant’ of the province, says FFAW leader
Just weeks before Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial election, the fisheries union is starting a campaign to promote rural issues. The campaign is called Rural Works, and it is focused on the importance of the fishery to rural towns around the province. “The reason we were settled here is because of the fishery. The reason we remain here is because of the fishery,” said Fish, Food and Allied Workers president Keith Sullivan at a news conference Thursday. “It remains a primary economic driver …worth over $1 billion to our province. We think it can be worth much more,” said Sullivan. Read the rest here 19:09
Commission calls for proposals to spend 2012 Salmon Federal Fishery Disaster funds
The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
is asking for proposals on how to spend $2.2 million in federal disaster funds geared towards salmon research in Cook Inlet and the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. The funding opportunities will be welcome in wake of state budget cuts that claimed the Chinook Salmon Research Initiative. Randy Fisher, the commission’s executive director, said the total amount will be split between six different areas of study, with each study receiving between $20,000 and $400,000. Because the disasters were declared for Cook Inlet and the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim region in 2012, the research projects will focus in the same areas. Read the rest here 14:57
After 83 years, West Coast Wet Fish Processor, State Fish, to close doors
Eighty-three-year-old US wet fish catcher and processor State Fish will close its doors in the near future after a family dispute and unsuccessful restructuring effort has turned into a liquidation of the company’s remaining assets. Difficult conditions in the wet fish industry in recent years have compounded the company’s problems. Tough times were exacerbated by the family litigation. John, who owned the land for one of the company’s facility’s raised the rent of the State Fish’s plant by 50% in 2005, and — following the company’s objection to the rent increase — proceeded to attempt to evict the company from the plant. Read the rest here 13:39
Caught Up in Catch Shares – Economic, social and cultural effects of privatizing public fisheries resources
Since the 1980s, BC’s commercial fleet has shrunk by 60%. The number of fishermen is down by 70%. Licence and vessel ownership has shifted from individuals to companies; from rural to urban areas. “Armchair fishermen” pocket as much as 75% of fisheries’ landed value, money that should be going to the fishermen who earn it. Once-vibrant coastal communities are in steep declines, as hundreds of millions of dollars are drawn out from the coast by quota leasing. Read the rest here 10:26
American Samoa: Two alia pass Coast Guard safety inspections
Two alia fishing boats are the first to pass safety inspections by the US Coast Guard and have been issued decals that show their compliance with US Coast Guard rules. The safety decals are good for 5 years. Three alias were inspected but one did not meet the complete list to pass the US Coast Guard’s decal inspection.After October 15, any vessel that travels out three miles must have the safety decal or they will be ordered back to port and not be allowed out until they have passed the Coast Guard inspection. Read the rest here 10:02
It’s not overfishing – The stock is mismanaged and mismanaging still occurring.
“Overfishing” or “overfished” are terms used when, for any reason, the stock level of a species of fish is not at a sustainable level. It doesn’t matter what the cause. Theses terms have legal and scientific meaning. There are many things that could go wrong. The obvious one is the stock does not grow as fast as scientists think because of environmental conditions, lack of food, other competing species, incorrect scientific fish growth models, incorrect stock level data, incorrect growth rates or incorrect natural mortality rates. The fishermen are not the cause of the failure of these fishery management plans. Read the rest here 09:07
New Hampshire’s U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta calls for NOAA to stop at-sea monitoring or pay for it
U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta’s bill would exempt fishermen from having to “comply with the independent, third-party monitoring program” required by the NOAA unless the federal fisheries regulator “fully funds the program with funds appropriated from the administration.” Guinta also questioned why the at-sea monitoring is so expensive and why NOAA contracts the services out to third-party operators rather than performing the tasks with its own staff. “It’s just too cozy,” Guinta said Wednesday. “It’s blatantly unfair to the fishermen and appears to be an excessive amount being charged to taxpayers.” Read the rest here 08:30
Kerry: Obama looking to senators to make Atlantic monument happen
Speaking at the Our Oceans Conference in Valparaiso, Chile, Kerry followed a reference to the newly created sanctuaries off the coast of Maryland and along the Great Lakes coast of Wisconsin, by saying “We also have plans in the works which we are pursuing for still another significant one in the Atlantic, where we don’t have the kind of presence that we want and should.” Kerry added that the Obama administration is working with senators “engaged in that particular area in order to make that happen.” That seemed to toss the ball squarely back into the court of, among other New England senators, Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, both of whom have been silent on the issue. Read the rest here 08:04
House Natural Resources Committee Demands Obama Administration Info on Marine Monument Designtions
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has demanded records of all meetings, correspondence and memos related to marine monument designations. The letter references emails that “show representatives from the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Pew Charitable Trusts warning their members to avoid talking to the ‘outside world’ about the organizations’ efforts to influence the Administration to announce a Marine National Monument off of New England during the ‘Our Ocean Conference’ in Chile.” The emails in question were originally obtained by Saving Seafood via public records requests, and were first reported by Greenwire. Read the rest here 17:00
Despite strong winds and cold, pelting rain, hundreds attend the 18th annual Blessing of the Fleet
MOREHEAD CITY – “The Blessing of the Fleet is always filled with pride and homesickness for the local people; today was especially so,” Ms. Amspacher said. “ I think it was the weather, not just today’s rain and wind, but also the fear and threat of a storm we had all worried about for days. All that brought us closer to the realities of a fisherman’s life every day. Over and over today I heard people saying, ‘this is their life – I couldn’t let the weather keep me away,’ and that understanding set the tone for today’s service.” Read the rest here 16:22
Repackaged, Warmed-Over PR Ploys From Greenpeace: Different Hashtag, Same Scam
How many times can Greenpeace recycle the same old publicity stunts before they finally exhaust the gullibility of the news media? That seems to be the wager behind the global fundraising organization’s announcement of its latest manufactured attack on the seafood industry. In a press release Greenpeace executive John Hocevar—who lacks real-world expertise in fisheries management specifically and commercial enterprise generally—lists off imagined crimes against sustainability committed by the tuna industry and ominously warns “there is no future” for providing tuna to consumers. He threatens “a global pressure campaign” unless “the entire tuna industry” switches to fishing practices that he prefers. Pole and Line! Read the rest here 15:59
American eel won’t be listed under Endangered Species Act
American eels will not be listed under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Wednesday, a victory for fishermen of the increasingly valuable species. The wildlife service rejected a petition from the California-based Center for Environmental Science, Accuracy & Reliability to list the eels — which are prized in Asian cuisine — as threatened. The petitioners argued that the eels have lost more than 80 per cent of their habitat and the security of the stock is jeopardized by fishing pressure from commercial fishing, blah blah blah! Read the rest here 13:24
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Search for El Faro Crew Continues, Hopes Fading
Responders continue the hunt for possible survivors from the missing cargo ship El Faro, which is believed to have sunk during Hurricane Joaquin. As of Tuesday night, crews have searched some 172,257 square nautical miles while scanning in the vicinity of the ship’s last known position 35 nautical miles northeast of Crooked Islands, Bahamas. A decision on how much longer the search will continue could be announced on Wednesday afternoon, the Coast Guard said. Officials acknowledged there is scant chance of finding survivors given El Faro disappeared in high winds and seas up to 50 feet. Read the rest here 12:36
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 46′ Jarvis Newman Tuna/Charter/Cruiser
Specifications, information, and 25 photo’s click here To see all the boats in this series, Click here 12:17
Cold Water Cowboys star facing assault charges
Cold Water Cowboys star Richard Gillett is facing two assault charges after an incident in Twillingate this summer. The charges stem from a confrontation in late June at the marine centre in Durrell. They say Gillett had climbed up a scaffold and was working on the vessel’s exterior when a worker at the centre advised him that he must be wearing a safety harness when working at such heights. Sources say Gillett lobbed a power tool at the worker and threw the worker to the ground. Read the rest here 11:27
The enigma behind America’s freak, 20-year lobster boom
Even as biologists puzzle over Maine’s strange serendipity, a more ominous mystery is emerging. A scientist who tracks baby lobsters reports that in the last few years their numbers have abruptly plummeted, up and down Maine’s coast. With the number of breeding lobsters at an all-time high, it’s unclear why the baby lobster population would be cratering—let alone what it portends. It could reflect a benign shift in baby lobster habitats. Or it could be that the two-decade boom is already on its way to a bust. To form a clearer picture why, we first need to unravel the possible causes of the current lobster glut. Read the rest here 09:23
Woman shot on fishing vessel in Port of Cape May
The New Jersey State Police said a Lower Township man was arrested for attempted murder after he shot a Whitesboro woman aboard a fishing vessel docked at Lund’s Fisheries. Capt. Stephen Jones of the State Police said Ernest Davis, 43, of Lower Township was being held in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $1 million cash bail, charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons charges related to the shooting. Jones said Lower Township Police Department called in the state police after they responded to Lund’s Fisheries,,, Read the rest here 08:55
‘Wicked Tuna’ captains to participate in OBX Seafood Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17
The four local captains who starred in ‘Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks’ will be on hand at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17. Joining the event will be Britt Shackelford of the Doghouse; Greg Mayer, Fishin’ Frenzy; Charlie Griffin, Reels of Fortune; and Captain Tami Gray, Reel Deal. A captain’s tent will be located close to the Outer Banks Catch tent, which is one of the larger main attraction tents at the festival. Organizers are planning for two separate autograph signing sessions, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, Captains Griffin and Gray will be participating throughout the day in activities within the Outer Banks Catch tent. Read the rest here 08:15
Fisheries commission delays vote on southern flounder and Sammy don’t like it!
The Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina has written to the commission chairman, Sammy Corbett, saying it is “infuriated” at his decision not to take up the topic until the next scheduled meeting, in mid-November. In August, Corbett said a special meeting would be held in September to consider the restrictions. “This is not your commission, but a governor-appointed body that includes diverse interests, tasked with the duty to safeguard and manage public fisheries resources for all of the citizens of North Carolina,” Bud Abbott, the organization’s president, wrote. Read the rest here 19:59
A Fishery Policy Action – Fishermen walk out of Fisheries Management Council meeting
Dozens of local fisherman, from Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and even New Orleans – most wearing bright orange “Who Fishes Matters” shirts – joined voices to produce a wail of dismay over regional fishing policies that they believe are eradicating both the fish and community-based fishing. “Who Fishes Matters” is a slogan of the North Atlantic Marine Alliance. Fishermen like Ed Barrett, skipper of the Plymouth-based fishing vessel (F/V) Phoenix, whose voice cracked as he spoke outside the conference room after a large group of fisherman had walked out of a meeting of the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC). Read the rest here 19:04
Newfoundland and Labrador Economy: Fishing on Solid Ground
Amidst the recent volatility of oil and mineral production, the fishery has been a steadfast economic driver for Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly in rural areas. Many thought that the collapse of key groundfish stocks in the early 1990s was the death knell for rural Newfound- land and Labrador. Now, two decades later, even a trade as ancient as the fishery is showing that it’s capable of change in modern markets. “We fished mainly cod back then, but when the moratorium came on,,, Read the rest here 17:37
Costa Rica stands with fishermen – will not protect any shark species of “commercial interest”
Luis, spotting globe trotter clf Peter Shelley in the crowd, issues the Green one finger salute, which we edited out for the children.
In a move that is being condemned by numerous conservation groups, the government of Costa Rican president, Luis Guillermo Solis has promised the commercial fishing sector that it will “not propose or support” the inclusion of shark species with commercial value to be protected in Costa Rican waters – or anywhere, for that matter – regardless if such species are threatened or endangered. The government will also actively take part in the promotion of shark fin exports, which will unleash an Enviro backlash that will rival the demonstrations when Keystone X finally,,,,,,, Read the rest here 15:43
Long Island Fishermen Say Governor And Investigators Failed Them – Violating fishermen’s basic rights for decades
Commercial fishermen this week scoffed at a long-awaited report on an investigation of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, saying the report was a hollow failure by State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott’s office to hold the DEC accountable for “institutionalized violations of fishermen’s basic rights for decades,” said an attorney who has represented several fishermen from East Hampton and Hampton Bays. Read the rest here 14:55
Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters’ Federation – Major shift in fisheries thinking as parties vie for coastal vote
A major political shift in fisheries thinking is taking place amongst Canada’s political parties as they compete for the coastal vote according to the survey results released today by the country’s national fishermen’s organization. “There is a recognition across the political spectrum that sustainable fisheries are not just about the ecology and economy; they are about the social values Canadians hold dearly” Christian Brun, President of the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters’ Federation said. “All the parties are saying that who fishes matters, the community they fish out of matters, and how fishery benefits are distributed matters. Furthermore they are saying that our fisheries policies and laws need to reflect and protect these values”, Brun said. Read the rest here 12:42
New trawl door design from Morgére significantly reduces seabed contact
Morgére will for the first time be exhibiting an innovative new type of trawl door known as the ‘Jumper’ that has been designed to minimise contact with the seabed. A model of the Jumper door will be on display on the Morgére stand at next week’s Itechmer 2015 exhibition in Lorient (14 to 16 October). Rather than having continual contact with the seabed when demersal trawling, the door is designed in such a way that it only intermittently hits the bottom before jumping up again. This delivers environmental benefits by significantly reducing contact time on the sea floor. Read the rest here 12:02
It’s time for 1906 Antiquities Act to be drastically reformed or scrapped altogether.
Clearly, the intent of creating these monuments has nothing to do with historical or cultural preservation. As Maine Gov. Paul LePage rightly noted, the designations would “serve only one purpose — excluding commercial fishing activity from certain segments of the ocean.” While the areas in question already enjoy a great deal of protection from destructive practices like trawling and dredging, environmental advocates are hopeful that a national monument would end all fishing activity by means of executive fiat. Read the rest here 11:24
Delta Prince Edward Hotel donates 200 lobsters Upper Room soup kitchen
People dining at the Upper Room soup kitchen in Charlottetown were given a rare treat recently after the Delta Prince Edward donated more than 200 cooked and cracked lobsters. Donna Richards, who works at the soup kitchen, says the hotel called offering her seven crates of lobsters. “I was pretty happy to get them because the clients love them,” she said. “One lady came up and said that was the first lobster she had this year, and she was crying when she came up to the window. Made me feel pretty good, because we can give them something that they never had before.” Read the rest here 10:17
