Monthly Archives: September 2019
Blaze rages on Russian trawler in northern Norway
A Russian trawler with around 200,000 litres of diesel oil inside and an ammonia tank is in flames at a northern Norwegian port. Authorities have evacuated the surrounding areas because of an risk of the vessel exploding.,, Photos and video footage from the scene showed the vessel had listed drastically by Thursday mid-morning and was covered with thick smoke >Video, click to read< 10:41
Scots fishing value rises to £574m despite drop in catches, increased value of cod and monkish helped
The value of Scottish fishing catches last year rose by 1% despite a 4% drop in the amount caught. New figures, published on Thursday by the Scottish Government, show the value of all fish landed in Scotland stood at £574m from 446,000 tonnes caught. The increased value of cod and monkish helped contribute to the change. Fisheries secretary Fergus Ewing welcomed the statistics. >click to read< 10:06
Orsted To Partner With Commercial Fishing Dock In Montauk For On-Shore Operations Base
According to Orsted, the company will lease a portion of the Inlet Seafood property for its on-shore operations and maintenance facility and will dock the boats there that will be used to shuttle maintenance crews to and from the wind farm. Inlet Seafood is owned by a cooperative of six commercial fishermen. The group owns 6 acres of land on the eastern side of the mouth of the inlet into Montauk Harbor. Commercial fishermen have been the main opposition to the South Fork Wind Farm and to large-scale offshore wind development in general, but the agreement with some of the industry’s most prominent captains in Montauk would appear to have won at least some good will. >click to read< 22:28
‘There’s no margin’ – Monitors final nail in coffin Feds propose up to 100% fish-counting, unclear on who’s on hook for costs
Groundfishermen, speaking Wednesday afternoon during the public comment period, drew a straight line from the increased monitoring costs to the economic collapse of the fishery. “I made 124 trips last year and each day was 10-14 hours,” said Gloucester fisherman Joe Orlando. “At $700 a day for 100% monitoring, that comes to $84,000 for the year. I didn’t even come close to making that. It would completely bankrupt the sector. And there’s only a handful of us left.” >click to read< 19:45
Fisheries disaster declared in multiple fisheries, multiple states
Wednesday,, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced his determination that commercial fishery failures occurred for multiple fisheries between 2017 and 2019 in Alaska, California, Georgia, and South Carolina, while further finding that a catastrophic regional fishery disaster occurred for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama due to extreme flooding events in the Gulf of Mexico. >click to read< 17:41
North Sea cod loses Marine Stewardship Council label as population halves in just two years
North Sea cod, a staple for the UK’s fishing industry, has lost its sustainable status, after stocks were found to have almost halved in the last two years. Cod caught around the UK received the “blue tick” sustainability label in 2017, when stocks of the fish were put at around 152,207 tonnes – its highest level since 1982. However, new advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) puts the stocks at only 81,224 tonnes – more than 100 tonnes less than predicted. >click to read< 16:51
Aquaculture conference overshadowed by fish die-off, bickering
An aquaculture conference in St. John’s is being overshadowed by a massive fish die-off on Newfoundland’s south coast, a war of words between industry leaders and the fisheries union,,, Dozens of delegates have gathered at the Delta Hotel this week for the annual Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association’s Cold Harvest 2019 conference. But a company’s attempts to clean up thousands of dead fish in the Coast of Bays-Fortune Bay area has reignited debate over the industry, which has been scrutinized for repeated infectious outbreaks, escapes, an outpouring of government money, and what some say is a threat to wild fish. >click to read< 15:50
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 45′ x 17′ Novi Gillnetter, business, with Federal Permits
Specifications, information and 54 photos >click here< To see all the boats in this series, >click here< 13:42
Federal fisheries declaration approved for Mississippi
Congressional leaders announced a federal fisheries disaster declaration Wednesday morning to help South Mississippi fishermen affected by the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Mississippi leaders said in a statement that they are now working to expedite the funds set aside by the disaster declaration to provide fishermen with disaster relief more quickly. >click to read< 12:03
Wicker, Hyde-Smith, & Palazzo Commend Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration for Mississippi – >click to read<
Bristol Bay Native Corp. nets two fishing companies in one deal
The Alaska Native corporation with a “fish first” principle is making its first foray back into the signature Alaska industry in roughly 40 years. Bristol Bay Native Corp. announced an agreement Sep. 17 for it to purchase Blue North Fisheries and Clipper Seafoods, two Seattle-based longline fishing companies that operate in the large Bering Sea Pacific cod fishery. BBNC CEO Jason Metrokin said in an interview that Blue North and Clipper will be merged into a new subsidiary, Bristol Bay Alaska Seafoods, when the deal closes Sept. 30. >click to read< 10:19
Quinn Fisheries buys six of Carlos Rafael’s scallop boats
Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the purchase at a hastily announced 3:30 press conference Wednesday afternoon. The mayor had sought to keep the bulk of Rafael’s boats in New Bedford,,, “With the Quinn family’s acquisition of Carlos Rafael’s scallopers and related permits, New Bedford can be assured that a major piece of Rafael’s fishing business will remain here,,, BASE’s seafood auction owners Richie and Raymond Canastra attempted to block the agreement as part of an apparent attempt to acquire the same vessels,,, >click to read< 08:16
Listuguj Mi’kmaq plan to sell lobster without commercial licence from DFO, Ottawa monitoring situation closely
The Listuguj Mi’kmaq government says Fisheries and Oceans Canada refused to grant the First Nation a commercial licence for the fall lobster fishery in the arm of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, located between New Brunswick and Quebec.,,, members took to the waters Monday without a commercial licence and will be “regulated by the community’s own law and fishing plan,” according to a statement. The Listuguj Mi’kmaq government, which signed a Framework Agreement on Reconciliation and the Fisheries with Ottawa last November, remains committed to negotiating a long-term arrangement, said Chief Darcy Gray. “But we cannot be made to wait indefinitely,,, >click to read< 20:03
Forced sell-off of ‘Codfather’ assets begins
The sale of Carlos Rafael’s 11 scallop boats and their related permits signals the beginning of his forced divestment from U.S. fisheries. The federal government is making the imprisoned Rafael sell his fishing assets as part of a settlement. An attorney for Charles Quinn and his son Michael Quinn tells The Associated Press the duo’s buying seven of the scallop boats and selling one. >click to read< 17:17
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Mobilizes for Ocean Survey Activities, Announces Kevin Wark as New Liaison to the Fishing Community
Atlantic Shores announces the launch of ocean survey operations today within the Atlantic Shores lease area,,, The Atlantic Shores team held a tour of the 300-foot Geosea vessel to coincide with the launch, showcasing state-of-the-art capabilities aboard the ship.,, Coinciding with the launch of survey operations, Atlantic Shores also announces Kevin Wark as its Fisheries Liaison Officer to help better communicate and collaborate with the recreational and commercial fishing industries as the project progresses. >click to read< 16:13
Acclaimed cinematographer in critical condition after motorcycle crash
Doug Stanley, a father of three and Emmy-award-winning cinematographer, is in critical condition after he was hit head-on by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle Sept. 9 in Auburn. Son Jett, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was knocked unconscious and suffered a hairline fracture in his foot. While Stanley is best known for his work on “Deadliest Catch,” the Auburn resident is also a pillar of the community donating his time to help salmon restoration in the American River and speaking at local events. >click to read< 12:07
Doug Stanley: Father of 3 in Critical Condition – >click to donate if you can!<
Fylde coast team nets Canadian success with revolutionary lobster pots
A Fylde coast firm has landed an international deal in its bid to revolutionise the world of lobster fishing. Bob Norburn and Steve Simpkin are re-thinking the traditional wood lobster pots used to catch the crustaceans, making the traps more environmentally friendly and safer for fishermen. And now they have secured a patent for the design and signed a contract with a firm in Canada. >click to read< 11:07
Quebec First Nation challenging commercial lobster fishing limits
An Indigenous band in eastern Quebec is challenging the limits of its commercial fishing licence, saying the federal government should allow its members to sell lobster caught during its fall fishery in the Bay of Chaleur. The Mi’kmaq community of Listuguj, located near Cambellton, N.B., has the right to fish for lobster in the fall, but the catch can’t be sold because it’s supposed to be part of a sustainable food fishery — not a commercial enterprise. >click to read< 10:21
Beer and Boats! Historic fishing smack to deliver Green Jack beer to popular festival
Excelsior – Lowestoft’s historic fishing smack – will head to the popular Harwich Shanty Festival next month with a special delivery. For the iconic 1921 Lowestoft-built vessel has joined forces with the Green Jack Brewery – the multi-award winning traditional real ale brewery based in Lowestoft – to deliver beer as part of a special cargo run. >click to read< 10:02
Appeal begins over seabed mining for ironsands off Taranaki coast
An attempt to restore consent for seabed mining of ironsands off the Taranaki coast, has begun in the Court of Appeal. But the appeal by Trans-Tasman Resources is fiercely opposed by environmental and fishing groups, and local iwi, some of them with their own cross-appeals before the court in a three-day hearing that began on Tuesday. In the High Court in 2018 a judge found the original consent may have adopted a wrong management tool, in an area that legally had to be protected from pollution by regulating or prohibiting the discharge of harmful substances. >click to read<
NOAA to vet buyers, Carlos Rafael divesting fleet as part of civil settlement, serving time in criminal case
Charles Green, the acting chief of the enforcement section of NOAA’s office of general counsel, told the New England Fishery Management Council that Rafael has closed on three vessels and their associated permits. The enforcement section of the agency’s general counsel’s office negotiated the final settlement with the fishing mogul, once known as the Codfather, in the civil case brought by NOAA,,, As part of the settlement that resolved all civil charges, Rafael agreed to a full divestiture of all vessels and associated permits, $3.3 million in civil penalties and a lifetime ban,,, >click to read< 21:24
4 fishermen rescued off Newfoundland’s south coast after abandoning boat
Four fishermen were rescued early Monday morning near St-Pierre-Miquelon after their boat began taking on water. According to a release from the Canadian Armed Forces, the St. John’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre received a distress call around 1:27 a.m. Monday from the FV Lawn Bay Pride. Communications were lost, but the vessel’s EPIRB,,, >click to read< 18:04
B.C. salmon fishing industry ask feds to provide disaster relief
The commercial fishing industry in British Columbia is in turmoil.,,,“British Colombia’s coastal salmon fishery is experiencing a disaster,” said Gavin McGarrigle, regional director of Unifor Western. “It’s hard to overstate the importance of the salmon run to local economies up and down B.C.’s coast.” He added: “There is an industry wide consensus about both the degree of the disaster and the urgent need to help workers and communities impacted by the collapse of the 2019 salmon run.” >click to read< 16:43
Vessel lost at mouth of Coos River belonged to Joshua Porter, victim of Mary B II tragedy
The commercial fishing boat lost on the rocks near the entrance to the Coos River this weekend belonged to the late Joshua Porter, the Oregon man who died along with two others in the Mary B II tragedy off Newport in January. The Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued two men from the jetty early Sunday morning.,,, “This is completely devastating for Josh’s loved ones,” the group said. “Newport Fishermen’s Wives are sending all of our love and sympathy to Josh’s wife Denise, his children, family and friends.” >click to read< >click for other reports< 16:13
Gov. Baker Crocodile Tears For Fishing Industry Vs Turbines
In October of 2014 during a pre-election debate now Governor Charlie Baker was asked about the last time he cried. Charlie spoke about a talk he had with a New Bedford fisherman who had asked his two sons to become fishermen, forcing them to give up several scholarships to college. Governor Baker stopped a couple of times during the speech with his eyes swelling with tears. Governor Baker inaugurated on January 8, 2015, as the 72nd Governor of Massachusetts admitted the fishermen story came from a 2009 meeting with fishermen in New Bedford and was a favorite vote-getter ever since. >click to read< 14:03
Gulf Coast seafood industry slammed by freshwater from floods, states requesting federal fishery disaster funding
The governors of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama asked months ago for U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to declare a fisheries disaster, a designation needed to secure federal grants for those whose livelihoods were affected in the Gulf region’s vital seafood industry. Alabama canceled its oyster season. It will be months before all the figures are in and the analysis completed to tell which Louisiana fisheries qualify, said Patrick Banks, assistant secretary for fisheries in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. >click to read< 12:47
UK fishermen furious at quota madness demand hard Brexit: ‘France don’t give away wine!’
Simon Collins, executive officer of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, said those he represents are “not impressed” by the Government’s handling of Brexit and any further delay to the UK’s exit from the bloc would not be welcomed on the islands. Mr Collins said Shetlanders are sick and tired of watching foreign boats sail into their waters and leave loaded with fish due to “unfair quotas” set by European officials. “The UK sits in the most productive seas in the EU but we don’t reap the benefits. >click to read< 11:34
Shrinking the Gulf Coast dead zone part 1: Downriver, part 2: Upriver
The Ace of Trade shrimp trawler motored toward Dean Blanchard’s dock early this summer and winched its nets into storage. Blanchard’s workers, strengthened by a lifetime at sea worked shirtless in the humid summer air. It was the beginning of hurricane season, and so far 2019 had been the wettest year in U.S. history. Blanchard has been in business for 37 years, and is one of the largest shrimp suppliers in America, distributing off the barrier island of Grand Isle in the Mississippi River Delta. >Click to read part one< >click to read part two< 11:00
Celebrating 100 years of canning salmon
Greg Smith’s father always told him one thing: Whatever you do, don’t get into the fishing industry. Like any self-respecting teenager, Smith didn’t listen. He grew up slinging salmon alongside his father, who worked in fisheries up and down the west coast, and his grandfather, who ran the Kildonan fish processing plant. Now vice-president of business development for Gold Seal, a B.C. brand celebrating its 100th anniversary, Smith vividly remembers his youth working “the slime line” in B.C.’s canneries. >click to read< 09:56
Martha’s Vineyard Wind Turbine Globalism
The first offshore wind farm financial fiasco in the United States was launched off the coast of Rhode Island’s Block Island in 2016. The cost of placing 5 wind turbines was 290 million dollars. The high voltage electric cables cost more than the turbines themselves. Block Island residents were told they would save 40 percent on their electric rates if the turbines were installed.,, never got the rate cut. The first Block Island wind turbine base was crushed during installation and later on start up a brand new gearbox had to be replaced. One out of the five turbines was defective the first day. The failure rate was twenty percent a business plan disaster. >click to read< 21:00
Eighteen scientists, environmentalist, blast Maine lobstermen’s stand on whale safety
“Reducing entanglement in East Coast waters of the United States is a critical part of a comprehensive strategy for right whale survival and recovery,” Scott Kraus, chief scientist for marine mammals at New England Aquarium’s Anderson Center for Ocean Life, and Mark Baumgartner, associate scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and chairman of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, said in a letter Tuesday to Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. >click to read< 19:44
