Daily Archives: April 24, 2021

Falmouth working boat in Carrick Roads vandalised at Penpol Feock

Erin Bastian said her father Mike had been working and living in the local community all his life. She explained that at the end of March the oyster fishing season comes to an end and over the summer the fishermen store their boats on public beaches,,, However, last night it appears to have been the victim of a vandalism attack. “My dad saved this year for a new boat, his pride and joy, an old wooden working boat. Many people will see them out on the water from October to March, working by hand, using sail power alone. “This week someone has callously damaged my dad’s boat by digging up his anchor, and unbolting one of his support legs. “I am mortified to see my dad’s livelihood vandalised. >photos, click to read< 15:57

Injured N.S. lobster fisherman Andrew Saulnier is overwhelmed by ‘unbelievable’ community support

“It’s unbelievable how much the community can actually come together to help somebody. I can’t thank anyone enough … Andrew Saulnier struggles to find the words to describe his last few weeks. The 24-year-old fisherman suffered life-threatening injuries on a lobster boat. Saulnier has dealt with multiple surgeries, including a leg amputation, but said the outpouring of support from friends, family and the community has been truly incredible. “It’s unreal, that’s part of the reason why I’m so emotional,” RCMP have said the fisherman got caught in the machinery when the vessel’s engine went into gear. It’s a long road ahead. Please donate >click here< if you can!  >click to read< 13:23

The ‘disastrous’ Brexit deal: Fishermen lament Brexit betrayal and ageing crews

This year was meant to mark the rebirth of British fishing. After years of decline under the Common Fisheries Policy, fishermen overwhelmingly backed Brexit as a means of regaining control of the waters and rebuilding the country’s fleets. It was a tantalising glimpse of a new dawn, but instead the deal struck between the Government and the EU,,, The combination of red tape and a lack of opportunities at sea means many young people are now turning their back on the industry. Ruinous as it has been, many fishermen say they were struggling to attract young people due to domestic red tape long before the Brexit negotiations neared their conclusion. >click to read< 10:41

“This is a transformational moment” – Mi’kmaq lead billion-dollar sea change

One of the key differences between the Clearwater deal and the Mi’kmaq moderate-livelihood fishery is that Clearwater held commercial offshore licences, allowing them to fish lobster year-round, while moderate livelihood contends with treaty rights and typically means inshore lobster fishing (within 50 nautical miles from shore). Offshore fishing requires larger boats, more intense training and safety protocols. Last summer, Membertou First Nation purchased two of the offshore licences, and Paul promised then that they would continue to gain access to more seafood markets. Buying out Clearwater, which sold more than $600 million in scallops, clams, rock crab, shrimp and lobster on the global market in 2019, has made the coalition the largest holder of shellfish licences and quotas in Canada. >click to read< 09:38

Commercial fisherman Devyn Campbell running for one-year Boothbay Harbor selectman’s term

Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues? First, affordable housing is almost impossible to find in this town and year round rentals can take years to find. Second, year round employment – I’d like to find a way for people not to have to go elsewhere to find work in the winter after their summer job here is over. Third, working waterfront access and commercial maritime viability – Boothbay Harbor supports the commercial fishing fleets of Boothbay, Southport and Trevett. Protecting the interests of our fishermen and their families will be forefront during my service on the board. >click to read< 08:37