Monthly Archives: November 2015
Film sheds light on years of controversy with Port and Fishermen at Fishermen’s Terminal
West Seattle filmmaker and Antioch University instructor, B. J. Bullert (Ph.D), has made a second film that examines “the news” created during a period when the Port of Seattle was being scrutinized by the media and fishermen for their management and policy decisions. The 23-minute film, “Fishermen’s Terminal Revisited: A Story of Survival” is a follow up to “Fishermen’s Terminal,” a film from 2005 that documents the backlash from fishermen as the Port allowed pleasure boats to moor alongside fishing boats at terminal. Read the article here 21:49
Tappan Zee Bridge construction may be killing sturgeon
The environmental group Riverkeeper on Thursday called for a federal investigation to see if construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge is causing the deaths of endangered sturgeon in the Hudson River. The group said 100 Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon have died since the start of construction in 2012. Many of the fish, which date back to pre-historic times, were found cut in half, severed at the head or mutilated, suggesting vessel strikes,,, Read the article here 19:46
Cape Breton lobster fisherman dies after falling overboard
A lobster fisherman died in hospital after falling overboard southwest of Yarmouth on Monday morning. Two others were safely pulled from the water after they went in the water from another boat in the area, marking a tragic start to the lobster season. He fell from the Cock-A-Wit Lady sometime before 9 a.m. Shortly before that incident, two other people went into the water in the same area off a boat called Nomada Queen I. Read the article here 17:50
New England Fishery Management Council meeting in Portland Me. – December 1st thru 3rd – Listen Live!
The New England Fishery Management Council and its advisory bodies will meet December 1 thru 3, 2015 Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, Me. View the Revised Council Meeting Agenda, Click here. Register to Listen Live, Click here Starts 8:30 a.m. with Introductions and Announcements (Council Chairman Terry Stockwell) 17:27
No Fukushima-Related Radiation Detected in Alaska Seafood
Following the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, there have been public concerns about potential impacts on Alaska seafood from the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Although modeling and other analyses have not demonstrated a potential risk to Alaska fish, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Environmental Health (DEH) has been coordinating with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Division of Public Health, as well as other state, federal, and international agencies and organizations to address continued public concerns. Read the article here 16:59
Selling out the Fishermen and Consumers in Port Phillip
Nets ban snares fishermen – The lost campaign to continue 
in Port Phillip has had a devastating impact on established participants. One Rye fisherman of long standing was too upset to talk last week with his livelihood – and way of life – coming to an end. Seafood Industry Victoria CEO Johnathon Davey said many bay fishermen, after fighting the impending ban for five or even 10 years, had “developed mental health issues which have not been thought through” by decision-makers. Diabolical. Read the article here 15:25
3 Fishermen pulled from water after falling overboard on first day of lobster season
Three people were pulled from the water after they went overboard from two boats southwest of Yarmouth for a freezing and dangerous start to the lobster season. Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokesman navy Lt. Len Hickey said two workers went overboard from one boat, plus one from a different boat, about 30 nautical miles southwest of Yarmouth. He did not know the time of the incidents, but it’s believed to be between 9 and 10 a.m. Read the article here 14:19
Ben, 16, makes waves in the fishing industry as he launches own business
While most 16 year-olds are hunched over their phones or fretting about homework, Ben Lowe is out on the open sea pondering the expansion of thebusiness empire he founded when he was a schoolboy. The entrepreneurial teenager is making a splash with his one-man fishing business which sees him supply fresh lobster, crab and line caught fish to restaurants and wholesalers across Cornwall. Read the article here 12:55
BC’s Halibut trail
Pacific halibut is the most valuable fishery in British Columbia. In 2013, 3746 tonnes landed were worth $44.50 million, or 17.8% of the $250 million total value of British Columbia’s capture seafood landings. Lee Anderson, skipper of the longliner Pacific Baron and his three crew have just docked in Sointula on Malcolm Island, after having delivered 8.50 tonnes of fresh Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) over in Port Hardy, across Queen Charlotte Strait on Vancouver Island. Read the article here 11:00:
Rights of Spawning Salmon Could Trump Gold Miners’ Federal Guarantee
Salmon spawning in America’s great Northwest is nothing but a brief, fleeting romance that is always followed by death. However, the annual rite of watery reproduction is at the heart of a legal battle being waged by a small group of gold miners who are trying to stop Oregon from doing to them what California environmentalists have already accomplished. The miners have filed suit to overturn new rules in Oregon that would ban the machines they use for suction dredge mining to harvest gold from the bottoms of riverbeds. Read the article here 10:08
They’re off! Lobster season gets underway in southwestern Nova Scotia
The lobster season in lobster fishing area (LFA) 34 – which takes in all of Yarmouth County and parts of Shelburne and Digby counties and LFA 33, which takes in the rest of the South Shore, kicked off early Monday morning. All indications are that the season will be an excellent one, say industry representatives and are hoping strong prices and good catches. There are around 980 licence holders in LFA 34. As for the lobster season that is now getting underway, it will come to an end on May 31, 2016. Read the article here with 4 nice photo’s 08:50
Fit to eat, or what? Sea urchins worth scarfing, say fans
They’re the snack of choice for thousands of seagulls, and a delicacy on dinner plates in Japan, and now some foodies in Newfoundland and Labrador say sea urchins are a local treat worth trying. Just ask Roger Andrews, whose sea urchin Bavarian dish won first place at the St. John’s Gold Medal Plates 2015 in November. Andrews, who is normally in the kitchen at Relish Gourmet Burgers on Waldegrave Street, looked for something more exotic when donning his competition chef’s hat. Sea urchins fit the bill. Read the article here 08:04
Sea Shepherd warns Japan on whaling – Is this the year Sea Shepherds get someone killed?
Sea Shepherd warned Japan on Sunday against resuming “research” whaling in the Antarctic and called on the Australian government to intervene. After a decade of harassment by Sea Shepherd, Japan was forced to abandon its 2014-15 Southern Ocean hunt after the International Court of Justice said the annual expedition was a commercial activity masquerading as research. But on Saturday Japanese media reported that it would start again next year, despite a call by global regulators for more evidence that the expeditions have a scientific purpose. Read the article here 21:18
Claws out: Race for best spots kicks off lobster season in Nova Scotia
Before the crack of dawn Monday, Hubert Saulnier and nearly 5,000 other lobster fishermen prepare for the most hectic and lucrative day of their season. “Dumping Day” in Southern Nova Scotia falls on the last Monday in November, where 1,500 fishing boats depart at the same time, usually 6:00 a.m., to let out their lobster traps for the year. “It’s the worst day of the season,” said Saulnier, captain of the Lindy Dawn and 46-year veteran of Dumping Day. “In the winter it’s cold and rough sometimes, but it’s not as bad as Dumping Day.” Read the article here 18:24
Obama breaks his promise on frankenfish, (and everything else) and Alaskans will pay
For close to two decades, AquaBounty, a company from Massachusetts, has been genetically modifying salmon. Apparently the whole years in the ocean, swimming back to the home creek, spawning upriver natural progression, is just too much of a pain. It takes too long. The Food and Drug Administration has been reviewing this “salmon” for some time. The White House decided to keep that report under wraps until after the election. (Like Keystone) Make no mistake. I’m furious with the Obama administration. Read the article here 17:39
Coast Guard oversees salvage of a fishing vessel near Stonington, Maine
Coast Guard crews ensured a successful salvage operation of a 42-foot fishing vessel (F/V Marley Gabriela)Saturday after it sank in about 70 feet of water at its mooring ball on Friday in Stonington, Maine. Weather and nightfall prevented safe operations Friday, and salvage efforts resumed Saturday at 6 a.m. The fishing vessel has been successfully raised, de-watered, and dry docked at Billings Marina. No injuries or significant pollution was reported. Initially after sinking, a small sheen was observed in the area, as seepage from the ship’s vents was suspected. Read the post here 16:52
Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance Weekly Update, November 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 12:18
BLUE STATE OF MIND #1 – Listen up…
In 2007, Shannyn Moore — the brilliant mind, clear voice of experience in Alaska fisheries, and nationwide known talk show host — fulfilled her wish to do a FISHERIES Talk Radio show on station in Anchorage, Alaska. She had become aware of the public advocacy, and anti-corruption, efforts of the Groundswell Fisheries Movement and offered Stephen Taufen, a chance to go live radio. Stephen is a former high level corporate accountant, heroic whistle blower and founder of the Groundswell Fisheries Movement. Listen to the audio here Visit Moore Up North with four more interviews 11:32
This Week in Print – Did you know Charleston once produced scallops?
In 1978, Mount Pleasant was a sleepy little town, with very little to report on to include crime. So the article about a nine and ten year old being charged with attempted breaking and entering might bring quite a few chuckles. But the boys were caught on Easter Sunday, crowbar in hand, trying to pry open the vending machines at a Coleman Boulevard service station. An employee there caught them and detained them until the police got there. Police Chief Chuck Dawley told the Moultrie News that despite their age,,, Read the article here 10:48
Mystery as boats filled with dead bodies of North Korean fishermen found off Japan
The rotting and lifeless bodies of 25 people were found on board 11 rickety vessels, which have either washed ashore or been retrieved by coastguards over the past two months. Experts are now desperately trying to determine where the boats came from as some point the finger to secretive North Korea. Fishing equipment was also recovered, sparking theories that the boat may have belonged to North Korean fishermen or people looking to escape the communist state. Read the article here 10:09
Canadian Federation of Independent Fish Harvesters – ‘Real change’ needed in fishery management
An advocacy group for fish harvesters across the country says the federal Liberal government needs to follow through on its election promises for people who fish for a living. Marc Allain, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Fish Harvesters, said that fishery management needs to be done by the people involved with the fishery. He added that it should be done on a regional basis and not by people in Ottawa with little knowledge of how the fishery operates. Read the article here 09:41
Better in or out? England’s former fishing hub faces EU dilemma
GRIMSBY, England: The European Union is not an abstract concept in Grimsby, an English port where many blame EU fishing quotas for destroying livelihoods, but views on whether Britain should quit the club are more nuanced than the decaying fish docks suggest. Located on the estuary of the river Humber on England’s northeastern coast, Grimsby was home to a fleet of some 600 trawlers in its 1950s heyday, but now there are hardly any left and the town struggles with a legacy of poverty and unemployment. Read the article here 09:17
Environmentalists, fishermen clash over proposed Chumash marine sanctuary
A controversial underwater national park proposed off the Central Coast aims to protect and manage the area’s marine life, stop oil drilling and seismic surveys, and encourage scientific research. In October, the nomination for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was accepted for consideration, setting the stage for a showdown in coming months and years between environmentalists who strongly support the proposed sanctuary and the fishing community that opposes it. Read the article here 23:22
Navy ‘deep sixes’ Phuket probe into missing IUU trawler
PHUKET: The 
this week formally declined to reveal any findings of the investigation into how the seized Antarctic trawler Taishan, also known as the Kunlun, and its crew and illegal cargo managed to escape Phuket earlier this year, or name any of the officers who may be responsible. “The results are not for publication,” Vice Admiral Sayan Prasongsamrej, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command. Read the article here 20:56
Don’t under-estimate the importance of crab season
The North Coast is undeniably crab country. Our traditionally cold coastal waters have been perfect for producing some of our nation’s healthiest crab harvests. This harvest, a time-honored tradition since the mid 1800s here in Northern California, represents a change of season.,, So, when North Coast crab tested with high levels of a naturally occurring toxin, fishermen, industry leaders and public officials all came together, as partners, to call for a delayed opening to the crab season to ensure the public’s safety. Read the article here 17:10
N.S. lobster pilot project to be expanded
Fifteen months after announcing a pilot project focused on lobster quality, Nova Scotia’s fisheries minister says the project is so successful it is expanding — but he still won’t reveal the locations of the work. The aim of the pilot is to add value to a lobster at every step of the process, from the time it comes out of the water to the time it ends up on a person’s plate in an export market. Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d’Entremont said it’s great to hear the project is successful, but if that’s the case it would be nice if there were some more details. “I think he’s trying to be too cute,,, Read the article here 12:06
Private Fishing Rights: Control Over Access to Seabed, Harvest at Issue in Texas
A novel claim that a fleet of commercial boats on the Texas coast has exclusive rights to thousands of acres of seabed — and the lucrative oysters found there — has spawned a flurry of high-stakes lawsuits and has state officials saying the move undermines their efforts to protect wildlife. Some fear the move could lead to a handful of commercial operators holding rights to depleted fisheries, freezing out smaller competitors. The fight could be fierce, in light of how the oyster market alone yielded 4 million pounds and $19.2 million in sales last year. Read the article here 11:39
This is good! Mullet plan could create hundreds of jobs, preserve fishing industry
Mullet could one day be Florida’s desired fish, help create hundreds of jobs and preserve the fishing industry. Local organizations have teamed together to study the uses of the under utilized and widely available fish and say one day it will be a big money maker. Mullet is abundant in the Bay Area. However, right now the only part of the fish that’s profitable to commercial fishermen is the roe from the females. Some local organizations are working to change that. Read the article here 10:48
Lobster fisherman arrested. Again!
A Summerland Key fisherman arrested in October 2014 for lobster fishing with hundreds of illegal traps was arrested again Thursday for lying on a wildlife form about his marine violation history, according to court records. David Lee Boggs, 51, was ultimately charged with more than 100 counts of misdemeanor fishing without proper tags. Boggs was initially found to be fishing with about 100 untagged traps, but later confessed to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers that he had more in the water that needed to be removed,,, Read the article here 10:04
Cape Breton energy plans worry fishermen
Although no oil and gas activity is expected in Cape Breton waters in the foreseeable future, fishermen say they have concerns about their livelihood and the future of their communities if petroleum exploration begins in the area. “I’m certainly concerned,” said Merrill MacInnis, a crab and lobster fisherman from Jersey Cove, near Englishtown, Victoria County.“We all are. Fishing is the lifeline of our rural communities here. “It could jeopardize our livelihoods, this whole thing, and maybe we should try and put a moratorium in like they’ve got in Georges Bank,,, Read the article here 09:39
