Daily Archives: April 27, 2016
Unusually big pink salmon may be related to smaller coho and kings
Fisheries researchers are investigating why pink salmon, a staple of Southeast Alaska’s commercial fisheries, seem to be growing bigger every year while other, longer-lived salmon species are getting smaller in size. “These pink salmon that we got in early this year are some of the largest I’ve seen in quite a long time,” said John Joyce, fisheries research biologist at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute, in an interview last summer. As Auke Creek flowed over rocks and returning salmon lingered in a nearby pool, Joyce explained how the creek’s weir provided more than 35 years of continuous data that is valuable for climate change research. Read the rest here 19:46
Fishermen make dead pal’s ashes into bait – and then catch 180lb monster
Two anglers have honoured their late fisherman friend by turning his ashes into a bait that snared a monster 180lbs catch. Ron Hopper, 64, died from cancer before he could go on a much-anticipated fishing holiday to Thailand with friends Paul Fairbrass and Cliff Dale. While Ron was on his deathbed the trio agreed Paul and Cliff, both aged 65, should take his ashes to the Far East with them and infuse them with a special bait mix to make ‘boilies’. The two fishermen named the special bait ‘Purple Ronnie’ and cast off with it on the end of their lines throughout the nine day trip. And their dedication to their late friend paid off as a whopping a 12stone Siamese carp – one of the biggest carp fish in the world – took a liking to his ashes. Read the rest here 17:53
NOAA Propaganda Machine: Media roundtable on the effects of the Magnuson-Stevens Act on U.S. fisheries after 40 years
With the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the primary law governing ocean fisheries management in U.S.waters, turning 40 this month, NOAA will feature speakers to discuss how the act serves as an international model for sustainable fisheries science, management, innovation, and collaboration. Media roundtable on the effects of the Magnuson-Stevens Act on U.S. fisheries after 40 years. Both U.S. and international reporters may attend. Thur., Apr. 28, 2:00 p.m. ET. On the panel: Russell Smith, deputy assistant secretary for international fisheries, U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA-Samuel Rauch, deputy NOAA assistant administrator for fisheries regulatory programs-Matt Tinning, senior campaign director, Environmental Defense Fund oceans program-Chris Brown, president, board of directors, Seafood Harvesters of America-Rick Robins, chairman, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council-Ciaran Clayton, director, NOAA Office of Communications. Interested media may call in to 1-888-810-9645, and use the passcode “MSA” Link 17:00
Louisiana shrimpers encouraged to provide input regarding potential shrimp fishery regulation changes
Louisiana commercial shrimpers are encouraged to provide their input regarding potential changes to existing shrimp fishery regulations. NOAA NMFS is considering new regulations citing new information that sea turtles are vulnerable to capture by skimmer trawls and that tow times may not be as effective in reducing bycatch-related mortality as turtle excluder devices. NOAA is currently receiving input from fishermen and other constituents on this issue. Comments can be sent electronically via email to [email protected], or physically via U.S. mail to Michael Barnette, Southeast Regional Office, Protected Resources Division, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33701-5505 until April 29, 2016. The NOAA Scoping Document can be found here. Scoping document, click here 14:24
Goldfish – A lucrative Great Lakes commercial catch
Whenever Dave DeLong brings in one of his Maumee Bay seine nets, there’s almost always one or two distinctive bright orange fish swimming around the writhing mass of bullhead, catfish and carp. DeLong, a Lake Erie commercial fisherman, makes a living hauling live fish to the Luna Pier Harbor Club, where his catch is weighed and sold. He’s been fishing for 45 years on Lake Erie and goldfish have been part of that catch every year.”We used to throw them away,” he said. Not anymore. Goldfish — larger versions of the species found in household aquariums — have been a part of the Great Lakes ecosystem for a long, long time. While that’s really no secret, most would be surprised to learn just how many actually inhabit the bi-national waters. Photo gallery, Read the rest here 13:16
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 50′ Fiberglass Day Scalloper, 425HP CAT 3406 Diesel
Specifications, information and 33 photos click here To see all the boats in this series, Click here 11:30
Big Catches, Big Prices cause boat backlog for Nova Scotia fishermen
A booming lobster industry certainly has its ups, but some of the downs are becoming apparent to one fisherman from Kelly’s Cove, N.S., who says he can’t find a vessel because boat builders are being stretched by high demand. Craig Smith sold his old fishing boat to put a down payment on a new one, which was supposed to be ready last August. Since then, he’s managed to get by using boats he leases. Boatyards in Nova Scotia have been working full tilt, as fishermen get rid of older vessels in favour of new ones as they capitalize on a prosperous season of big catches and good prices in southwest Nova Scotia. Read the rest here 09:01
AIS Regulations: New Responsibilities and Opportunities
From increasing situational awareness and enhancing the safety and security of maritime transportation, to its use in accident investigation, search and rescue, Aids to Navigation and asset monitoring, the role of AIS (Automatic Identification System) as a flexible and developing technology continues to grow in significance. The month of March 2016 – has come and gone – and represents an important milestone which will increase the prevalence and general awareness of AIS. As new United States Coast Guard regulations are introduced, more commercial vessels working along U.S. coasts will need to be equipped with AIS, affecting all mariners in U.S. waters. Read the rest here 08:29
A week into a challenging Togiak herring fishery, some fishermen are ready for halibut season.
Herring opened April 17 this year, a record early start for the fishery. But it’s been a tough go of it – by April 25, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game said 7,741 tons of herring had been harvested by the seine fleet, well below their quota of about 20,000 tons. This year, 17 seiners are selling to four companies, and two gillnetters have also participated. Daily hauls seemed to have declined already, with seiners taking 252 tons April 25, almost 450 tons of April 24 and 1,500 tons on April 23. Although the numbers have shown something off a drop-off in catches, Fish and Game Area Management Biologist Tim Sands said it’s too early to say that the fishery is definitely winding down because stormy weather has had such an impact on fishing activity. Audio, Read the rest here 08:12
