Daily Archives: August 12, 2017
Effective fishing regulations benefit all Floridians by Edward Gaw, president, HI-LINER Fishing Gear Inc.,
I often read Bob McNally’s outdoors columns and am frequently informed and entertained. However, a recent piece, “Why are Spotted Seatrout not Gamefish?,” left me scratching my head. To be clear, we are both in agreement that gamefish status for this species needs due and complete consideration and public debate. My exception begins and ends with his assault on commercial fishing. Here at HI-LINER we have a unique division of supply to both the recreational and commercial sectors. We remain sensitive to arguments on both sides of the water. It is our humble perspective that demonizing any fisherman runs counter to our mission. click here to read the op-ed 13:56
Grimsby man stole his boat – and world fame
Some called him The Lone Captain, the BBC called him The Buccaneer. He called himself a Freelance of the Sea. But a criminal court judge had other words in mind and sent him to prison – and hard labour – for 18 months. But history, which dwells inordinately on the glamour of swashbuckling, has found a friendly niche for Dod Orsborne, a curious Jekyll and Hyde of a man who, in 1936, stole a seine netter from its owner and sailed out of Grimsby and into the newspaper headlines of the world. click here to read the story 12:56
Despite guilty plea, ‘Codfather’ continues to fish
New England fishermen are wondering how the fishing fleet owned by New Bedford fishing mogul Carlos Rafael continues to fish nearly five months after he pleaded guilty on March 30 in federal district court in Boston to 28 offenses, including conspiracy, false labeling of fish, bulk cash smuggling, tax evasion and falsifying federal records. Those vessels include many Rafael agreed to forfeit in his plea deal for their role in his scheme to sell fish he didn’t have enough quota to catch, under the name of species for which he had enough quota. The fishing year starts May 1 and Rafael won’t be sentenced until Sep. 25 and 26. Many are angry that Rafael’s fleet has been allowed to operate through the summer months when fishermen traditionally catch most of their fish. click here to read the story 09:51
Police identify body found in Portland Harbor, investigating circumstances of death
Portland police have identified the body found Thursday morning in Portland Harbor as that of Paul J. Kirchhoff, a Portland fisherman. The state medical examiner’s office determined that Kirchhoff, 42, died from drowning, with no other source of physical trauma, according to Martin. Kirchhoff’s body was found in the water near Long Wharf.,,, Anyone with information about Kirchhoff’s final hours is encouraged to call the Portland police at (207) 874-8575. click here to read the story 09:27
Statement by Ministers Garneau and LeBlanc on actions taken to address the deaths of whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
“In our efforts to do everything possible to prevent further whale deaths, our government is today implementing a temporary mandatory slow down for vessels of 20 metres or more in length. Speed must be reduced to a maximum of 10 knots when travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence from the Quebec north shore to just north of Prince Edward Island. This temporary measure is effective immediately. ,, “We have taken extensive action to ensure the protection of North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, including decisions around fisheries. click here to read the press release 08:59
OPINION: Deadly year at sea reminds us that perceptions about PFDs are outdated
If you follow the news regularly, you read a lot of sad circumstances. Families die because of carbon monoxide poisoning from their stove, people perish when their car spins out of control on a winter drive, or someone gets buried in an avalanche. There is no doubt that living in Alaska has more inherent risks than more temperate locations and Alaskans, in general, take more risks than their brothers to the south. But there are some risks we take that are unnecessary, especially when it comes to the fishing industry, which is risky enough without throwing fuel on the fire. click here to read the op-ed 08:23
