Daily Archives: October 25, 2017
F/V Burin Breeze Crew Assists in Two Overnight Rescue Missions
Ralph Paul and his two-man crew Brian Paul and Steve Caul had an eventful adventure while fishing on the St. Pierre Banks yesterday, onboard the Burin Breeze. They were called on for two rescue missions. The first was around 6:00 yesterday evening when Ralph Paul and his crew received a mayday from a vessel fishing for sea cucumber about six miles from their location.,, While heading to their home port of Burin around 10:30 last night—with the crew members from the first rescue onboard—they received a second call click here to read the story 16:00
Fine laid after vessel runs aground in Witless Bay
The company that owns a vessel that ran aground near the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve has been fined $35,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court. Bright Eye Fishing Corporation pleaded guilty to violations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act of 1994, according to a media release issued by the federal government Wednesday. The money will go towards an environmental damages fund and the company’s name will be added to the environmental offenders registry. click here to read the story 15:34
The Great Pacific Migration of Bluefin Tuna
Shortly after their first birthday, Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) complete an impressive feat. From the spawning grounds in the Sea of Japan where they were born, the young tuna embark on a journey over 5,000 miles (8,000 km) long, across the entire Pacific Ocean to the California coast where they spend several years feeding and growing. Until recently, scientists believed only a small portion of juvenile tuna made the journey, but several new studies show that may not be the case—in some years the majority of tuna aged between one and three participate in the trans-Pacific migration. click here to read the story 14:53
Don’t just drink the Kool Aid – be diligent when you read all of the anti-commercial fishing rhetoric
In the October-November issue of Tradewinds, the bi-monthly magazine published by the North Carolina Fisheries Association, there is an intriguing column by Brent Fulcher, chairman of the association. “The Internet can be a very enlightening tool at time,” writes Mr. Fulcher. “It amazes me when I read comments from those who are opposed to commercial fishermen. When they post on certain sites that are known for their anti-commercial fishing rhetoric, there are no fish left in the ocean. The sky is falling, and those bad commercial fishermen are to blame. click here to read the story 13:59
Ray Hilborn tells US Senate overfishing shouldn’t be most important concern
A U.S. Senate subcommittee considering the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act heard additional testimony Tuesday, with a University of Washington researcher telling lawmakers the U.S. is leaving money in the ocean. Ray Hilborn, a professor at the university’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, noted that in many cases fisheries aren’t even bringing in half of the total allowable catch in some seasons. For example, in 2015, mixed bottom commercial fishermen caught USD 65 million (EUR 55.1 million) worth of fish available in the West Coast. The total allowable catch had an estimated value around USD 168 million (EUR 142.5 million). click here to read the story 12:20
Hearing: Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act: Fisheries Science – click here
Still Stuck! State, Coast Guard still trying to move fishing vessel
A fishing boat that ran onto a reef close to Kaimana Beach in Waikiki nearly two weeks ago is sticking around a little longer. The Coast Guard has made multiple attempts to move the Pacific Paradise, but the 79-foot vessel hasn’t moved. The Coast Guard explained a plan is being developed to either reduce the weight of the ship after taking on water, or even trying to lift the vessel rather than pull it. Before any further actions, the Coast Guard will take a complete assessment to get the Pacific Paradise off the reef. Video, click here to read the story 12:02
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: Solid Fiberglass 42′ Cape Dory Split Wheelhouse Lobster Boat, 500HP Lugger
Specifications, information and 23 photos click here To see all the boats in this series, Click here 10:38
Eat local seafood to celebrate National Seafood Month
If I could only eat seafood, I would be quite happy. I’ve tried everything from jellyfish to cuttlefish, in addition to all the varieties of actual fish. So, I like the month of October, as it is National Seafood Month. National Seafood Month is a celebration of all kinds of delights that we harvest from the sea. It simultaneously celebrates the health of our oceans, a necessity to provide harvestable products, as well as our connection to our oceans through those who harvest its food and bring it to market and to our tables. click here to read the story 10:06
Scaling back hatchery salmon could mean huge losses for fleet
Salmon hatcheries play a huge role in Alaska’s fishing industry. But what effect are all those hatchery salmon having on Alaska’s wild stocks, which are even more valuable? In Part 1 of this 2-part series, KCAW’s Stephanie Fischer looked at the Wild Hatchery Interaction Study, an 11-year project researching the genetic consequences of hatchery salmon straying into wild streams and cross-breeding with wild stocks. In this story, Fischer examines the economic consequences on the industry, should Alaska ever have to scale back its hatchery programs. click here to read the story 08:25
Enviro groups threaten Canadian snow crab imports over whale deaths
An alliance of U.S. environmental groups is preparing to ask Washington to ban imports of Canadian snow crab unless Ottawa steps up its efforts to save the endangered Atlantic right whales. Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said a provision of the United States Fishermen’s Protection Act allows the White House to ban imports of fish or seafood from a country if that catch is affecting conservation efforts of an endangered species. Monsell said snow crab is the target, because Canada has no mandatory regulations in place for snow grab gear or lines that could help keep whales from getting caught in them and Canada itself. click here to read the story 07:47
