Daily Archives: November 19, 2015
Unifor calls on federal government to revoke Jim Pattison Group’s fishing licences
If Jim Pattison Group’s Canadian Fishing Company 
(CFC) cannot generate good jobs with a majority control in the salmon fishery, the federal government should revoke the fishing licences, said the union representing cannery workers in Prince Rupert. CFC announced last week that it has plans to close the last production canning facility in British Columbia, costing up to 500 jobs and virtually closing the community’s largest employer. “Fish caught in northern BC waters should be processed in a north coast plant,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor’s Western Director. Press Release here 20:20
Oak Bluffs shellfish constable says seed scallop must be protected
Mr. Grunden first announced the closure at the selectmen’s meeting on Oct. 13. “It was a very difficult decision,” he told The Times on Monday. “A lot of factors had to be considered, including a few people’s wages. But there is a very high percentage of seed in the pond.” Mr. Grunden said it was the first time he has closed Sengie to scalloping in his 16 years on the job. And the closure was not well received. Read the article here 17:16
Third party subpoenas denied in Pebble litigation
A federal court judge has ruled against motions from the Pebble Limited Partnership to compel testimony and documents from third party interests in Pebble’s lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. In a U.S. District Court decision handed down in Anchorage on Nov. 18, Judge H. Russel Holland quashed the motion in which Pebble sought testimony and numerous documents from the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, through former employees Sam Snyder and Bob Waldrop respectively. Read the article here 16:39
Seattle salmon fishing industry reacts to FDA approval of genetically engineered salmon
On Thursday the FDA ruled genetically engineered salmon are just as safe to eat as any other salmon. The news was not well received at Seattle’s Fisherman’s Terminal. “I think it’s a horrible idea,” said Spencer Anderson, who is a commercial fisherman with his father based out of Fisherman’s Terminal. “It kind of feels like they’re choosing the salmon as a guinea pig,” said Paula Cassidy, owner of Wild Salmon Seafood Market. The AquaAdvantage Salmon are the first genetically engineered animal approved for humans to eat. Read the article here 15:28
FDA approves first genetically modified salmon for consumption
AquaBounty Technologies’ salmon became the first genetically engineered animal to receive U.S. approval for human consumption, setting the stage for more such approvals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday the company’s genetically engineered Atlantic salmon was as nutritious as the farm-raised ones and was safe for consumption. (1.usa.gov/1NFfKyd) The company is majority owned by Intrexon Corp, whose shares rose 7 percent at $37.80 Thursday morning. Read the article here 11:45
Is NOAA About to Crack? ‘Pausebuster’ study under intense scrutiny
According to House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), who is leading a Congressional investigation into the infamous Karl et al 2015 “Pausebuster” study, NOAA whistleblowers have come forward, with information which cast doubt on the scientific integrity of NOAA’s global temperature reconstructions. According to the Washington Post; Smith told Pritzker that the whistleblowers’ allegations make it more crucial that he be provided with the scientists’ internal e-mails and communications. If NOAA does not produce the e-mails he is seeking by Friday,,, Read the post here 11:21
Pacific Marine Expo blog: Crabbers hope for better prices with opilio quota cut; Interest in buying halibut quota growing
Undercurrent News is reporting live from the Seattle-based equipment and commercial fishing trade show which is the largest annual show on the west coast of the US. The show, which is being held at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field, brings together over 500 exhibitors including equipment companies, propulsion, builders and suppliers. Covered: Crabbers hope for better prices with opilio quota cut – Vessel broker: Interest in buying halibut quota growing – ‘Chix Who Fish’: Company makes fishing apparel for women, and more! Read the article here 10:22
Heroic father relives rescue of Northumberland fishermen
A heroic father and son helped rescue two fishermen whose boat had sunk off the coast of Amble, pulling one from the sea and alerting crews to the other. Tom Lillico was aboard his vessel, Boy Liam, with son Jason, 38, when he noticed something in the water yesterday morning, near Coquet Island. The 59-year-old originally thought it was a seal, but soon realised it was a man clinging onto a buoy. It sparked a dramatic rescue mission. Read the article here 09:54
Rare blue crab found in Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau
Missouri Department of Conservation resource scientists found an unexpected guest recently when they pulled a net during fish sampling in the Mississippi River. Southeast Missouri State University graduate student Nick Kramer, working with colleagues Wes Sleeper and Mark Hempel, pulled the net containing a male blue crab, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Conservation.,, Read the article here 09:36
Bluefin tuna industry needs more oversight, Pictou County fisherman says
A fisherman in Pictou County wants the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to increase oversight of the bluefin tuna fishing industry in Nova Scotia. Harold Bowen has fished out of Caribou along the Northumberland Strait his entire life, including for tuna. One day, earlier this fall, seven dead tuna — one weighing 317 kilograms — washed up on the rocks, Bowen said Wednesday. Part of the fishing line was still hooked in at least one of them, he said. He says that’s an indication the tuna died as a result of improper fishing practices,,, Read the article here 08:46
Cease and Desist – Judge bars boat from dredging for clams
A judge has temporarily barred a Gloucester fishing vessel from dredging for clams off Herring Cove while a dispute about who governs such dredging in that area makes its way through court. Barnstable Superior Court Judge Raymond Veary issued a order Nov. 3, after the Provincetown harbormaster’s staff followed the 70-foot Tom Slaughter as it dredged for surf clams the previous two days, Harbormaster Rex McKinsey said. The Slaughter is one of three clam draggers whose owners are in court in separate actions fighting cease-and-desist,,, Read the article here 07:31
