Monthly Archives: May 2021
State of New Jersey Needs to Address Community Offshore Wind Farm Concerns
Oersted is currently seeking federal permits for its planned 99 turbine wind farm 15 miles off the southern New Jersey coast. Public meetings held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held in April did little to calm the growing skepticism surrounding the project. Cape May County’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism and commercial fishing.,, Save Our Shores argues that the turbines pose a threat to migratory birds and marine mammals. The Sierra Club says those opposing the wind farms are doing so based on bad science. The Garden State Seafood Association contends that the location studies did not consider the potential negative impact on commercial fishing. >click to read< 08:22
President Joe Biden to speak at Coast Guard Academy commencement in New London
The ceremony, which is closed to the public, is expected to take place outdoors on Cadet Memorial Field around 11 a.m. However, New London police said in an email Monday that members of the community are allowed to assemble in three locations: McKinley Park located at the corner of Williams Street and Crystal Avenue, the grass area on Williams Street just after the overpass and the grass parcel across the street from the academy’s main gate. But no one will be permitted to gather past the main gate. >click to read< 07:30
Opening of 2021 Mississippi Sound shrimp season could be delayed
Coast shrimpers will have to be a little more patient before they can drop their nets in the Mississippi Sound this summer. Rainy weather during the last two months has caused salinity levels and lower water temperatures in our local waters, meaning it could push the start of the 2021 shrimp season back a few weeks. “With brown shrimp, two of the factors that influence growth are water temperature and salinity,,, “Once these rains stop – if they stop and the salinity starts to rise,,, video, >click to read< 19:17
‘Disbarred from Irish waters’ – Northern Ireland fishermen have incomes lost over licence delays
A County Down fisherman has said he has lost his livelihood due to a delay in issuing licences for him and others to access Irish waters. Ian Brown’s crab boat, Amity, has been tied up since January and he said he had lost his entire income. Other boats in Kilkeel are said to be similarly affected. The issue is also having an impact on Irish-registered vessels which want to fish close to the coast of Northern Ireland. The rights to reciprocal cross-border access for inshore waters were retained under the UK/EU Brexit deal. But the boats now have to be licensed by,,, >video, click to read< 14:52
Sig Hansen: “My legacy I suppose is going to be ‘Deadliest Catch’, partnered in business ventures in Norway
Hansen, who survived heart attack scares in 2016 and 2018, can see his time at sea coming into port. “My legacy I suppose is going to always be ‘Deadliest Catch,’ I imagine, but there’s other things too that you want to have succeeded at,” Hansen said. And to that end, he’s partnered with two business ventures in Norway. “One is Resqunit, which is a retrieving device so that if you lose your fishing gear you can then retrieve it. It has a GPS monitor, so that’s a game-changer.” And then there’s Captain Sig’s Crab Bait. “We have a nice bait as well that’s never been done,” Hansen told Nicki. “It’s all sustainable, it’s made from fish meal, but we have a secret recipe. And, you know, that’s about sustainability for fishing all across the globe, so it’s really moving forward.” >click to read< 13:03
Small fishing boat washes up on rocks at Garry Point Park
A fishing boat was found tipping over near the Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial on May 17. What appears to be a small boat with crab traps on it was found on the rocks at Garry Point Park Thursday afternoon. In a video taken by Twitter user Climate Watcher, the boat can be seen around 4:15 p.m. tilting at a 45-degree angle up against the rocky area near the Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial. >click to read/watch< 11:35
Scots journalist shines light on abandoned Scottish-built trawler dumped by its drunken English skipper
She had been built in Cockenzie, East Lothian in 1937 and was sold to a fisherman in Tarbert, Loch Fyne, but her full history remained a mystery. Now, however, Jeremy (Jay) Cresswell, emeritus energy editor at The Press and Journal (P&J) in Aberdeen, told us after seeing our original report: “I am that fisherman in Tarbert! I had her for five years, she was a great boat.”,, Now, she is being reborn, and Cresswell said he was delighted >click to read< 10:39
Oregon fisherman lost at sea 28 miles outside Grays Harbor
The Coast Guard suspended the search Friday for a 47-year-old man who fell overboard while heading out with friends to fish for halibut 28 miles northwest of Grays Harbor. Missing and presumed dead is Jason LaBrie of Oregon City, Oregon. According to a GoFundMe page set up for the family, LaBrie leaves behind his wife Bethany, son Alden, and daughter Sophia. Fishermen aboard the 26-foot vessel Defiance II activated an emergency position indicating radio beacon after realizing LaBrie was missing, according to a Coast Guard statement. >click to read< 09:26
Monday morning in Newlyn
Fishing vessel Silver Dawn at dawn heads in through the gaps for the fish market. She will pass a bevvy of the port’s biggest crabbers, five of them currently between trips, tyre fenders in the making, they could come in handy. The weekend saw a number of landings from boats large and small including these top quality red mullet from the Fishing Vessel Harvest Reaper, >32 photos, video, click to read< 22:32
The world’s finest salmon season is now under way
Today officially inaugurates Alaska’s summer salmon season with the opening of the first Copper River salmon fishing period of the 2021 season. Beginning at 7 am, the Copper River fishing fleet, comprised of 540 small-boat, independent commercial fishing permit holders will have the opportunity to harvest highly-prized Copper River king and sockeye salmon during a short 12-hour window. Today’s catch will be delivered to Cordova’s shore-based seafood processors and flown fresh to companies and individuals across the country who have reserved exclusive rights to the season’s first fish. >click to read< 21:19
UNE’s Marine Science Center is home to another rare lobster.
The split-colored lobster came to UNE late last week thanks to a donation by Eric Payne from Inland Seafood Corporation, one of the leading packers of Maine lobster. The half-orange, half-brown crustacean is considered to be a one-in-50 million catch. “We are honored that local lobstermen entrust these rare animals to UNE’s Marine Science Center where we will use them in our teaching and outreach activities,” >click to read< 18:45
An oysterman’s new worry: Will state’s coastal plan wash out his business?
Terry Shelley has spent his entire working life as a commercial fisherman. Before he was a full-time oyster farmer and harvester, he spent the first part of his career harvesting shrimp and reef fish. He’s seen a lot, but not a pileup of challenges like now. Back in September, Hurricane Zeta rumbled over small-town Port Sulphur, Louisiana, where the family’s oyster farm and processing center are based. The Shelleys lost half their cages, and they only managed to retrieve about half of that. Already by then, the Coronavirus pandemic had temporarily halted the supply lines Shelley Farms uses to sell its oysters. Now, after losing most of his oyster crop last year, Mr. Shelley has another worry on his mind. Louisiana coastal planners are pushing a $2 billion project proposal designed to fight back against the trend of persistent coastal erosion. >click to read< 15:24
Few assurances for fishermen in federal offshore wind approval
Offshore wind developers have assured the commercial fishing industry all along that the thousands of massive turbines that they want to install in the ocean up and down the East Coast won’t block fishermen from waters where they make their living. But the final approval issued this week for Vineyard Wind 1, the nation’s first major offshore wind farm, offers few guarantees to commercial fishermen. Take for instance this passage from the Army Corps of Engineers in the Record of Decision for the 62-turbine project that would be built off the coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts: “While Vineyard Wind is not authorized to prevent free access to the entire wind development area, due to the placement of the turbines it is likely that the entire 75,614 acre area will be abandoned by commercial fisheries due to difficulties with navigation.” >click to read< 16: 36
From Pulp Mill to Salmon Farm? Examining Nordic AquaFarms’ Proposed Fish Factory
Is a massive land-based fish factory the best next chapter for a former pulp mill nestled between Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean? Tune in to hear local environmental leaders discuss Humboldt County’s assessment of the impacts Nordic AquaFarms proposed fish factory might have on the bay, ocean, wildlife and climate – and ways to avoid or mitigate them. Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Manager Jennifer Savage and Colin Fiske of Coalition for Transportation Priorities join co-hosts Tom Wheeler of EPIC, Larry Glass of NEC, and Jen Kalt of Humboldt Baykeeper for a discussion of what is proposed and top issues of concern as we gear up to submit comments on May 24. >click to read< 11:01 Search Results for “Nordic AquaFarms” – fisherynation.com, <click here<
Church offers “Do It Yourself” blessing kits for faithful fishermen
This year, the Rev. Michael Kim is offering a special service for Coronavirus conscious Catholics: a “do-it-yourself” kit that fishermen can use to bless their own boats and gear. The blessing kits distributed by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church include the text of a prayer to be read aloud, and holy water in a bottle designed for easy sprinkling. Parishioners hoping for abundant catches or for protection from stormy weather sometimes ask for blessings, Kim said. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made close interpersonal contact more complicated. So, Kim readied 15 kits in preparation for the 2021 fishing season. Kim said he was ready to prepare more kits if demand should increase during the fishing season. >click to read< 09:39
Hawaii’s Fishermen Are Worried About China’s Fleet. So Is The Military
Hawaii’s commercial fishermen and the U.S. military have a potential threat in common, China’s fleet of government-subsidized ships that has been straying into more distant waters in search of seafood and more influence. Local longliners have reported seeing increasing numbers of Chinese vessels near the islands, accusing them of overfishing and intimidation tactics. Sometimes the ships are fishing, sometimes they’re making their way into the eastern Pacific and sometimes they’re seemingly just sitting at sea, says Eric Kingma, executive director of the Hawaii Longline Association. >click to read< 08:05
This is Bryan Mires’ story: An improbable Seacor Power rescue after emergency locator failed
As he drifted for two hours in mountainous waves in the Gulf of Mexico, Bryan Mires kept thinking about his wife and daughter. He didn’t know whether he would live or die. But he was carrying an emergency transmitter to alert radio operators of his position, and he thought his chances depended on one of them detecting him. The first mate on the Seacor Power lift boat, Mires had boarded the vessel at Port Fourchon on April 13, bound with 18 other crew members for a Talos Energy offshore oil platform about 100 miles away near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Their job was to deliver equipment. >click to read< 15:07
At-Sea Processors Association and Seafood Harvesters of America applaud “30×30” initiative
A Biden administration plan to conserve at least 30% of federal lands and oceans by 2030 is winning applause from the seafood industry, but questions abound elsewhere, raising political obstacles. Just about 12% of the nation’s land area is currently under some form of environmental protection, along with about 26% of the country’s ocean areas. The plan, an executive order issued by the Biden administration, and popularized as the “30×30” initiative, has won support from the harvester and processor sector of Alaska fisheries and others, (do you?) in that industry, but farmers and ranchers elsewhere remain skeptical. >click to read< 12:50
Blessing of the Fleet: Riding the wave of celebration and sorrow
Losing her husband to the sea more than 20 years ago still feels like yesterday to Jude Wells, but the annual Blessing of the Fleet brings some comfort to the heartache. At the 20th anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet held at the Sunderland Marine Pier on Saturday afternoon, hundreds turned out on the sunny Nelson autumn day to sample the $3 fish and chip trays, and take in the sights and sounds of the event. But for some, the day is more than an enjoyable afternoon out , it’s a commemoration of those lost to the sea. video >click to read< 11:18
Sanford “Sandy” Twitchell, Santa Rosa – WWII Marine Vet, teacher and commercial fisherman has passed away
Sanford “Sandy” Twitchell passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at the age of 96, 17 days before his 97th birthday. He is now with the love of his life, Lois, and his middle son, Bob. Sandy, a man of God, was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Marine, teacher and commercial fisherman. During summers he was a carpenter and pursued commercial salmon fishing. He had a 38 foot boat named the ‘Tomina Mae.’ Later, he built the first cement commercial fishing boat on the West Coast, a 42 foot vessel built from government plans that he modified to make it stronger and more seaworthy. These mods were so superior, the government bought the plans. >click to read< 09:27
Will Fake Lobster Meat Grown In Labs End Up In Supermarkets? Thanks, but no thanks.
A Wisconsin based startup is developing lobster and other seafood meat in a lab for a more sustainable approach for future food. A quick overview of how the startup creates lab-grown lobster meat is called “cell-culture meat.” Researchers pick the best lobsters from the coast of Maine, select a small tissue from these lobsters at its Madison facility, isolate individual lobster cells from the tissue then grow the meat in a controlled environment with a nutrient-rich solution called media. Once the meat is grown, it’s ready to harvest. >click to read< Meanwhile, They’re talking about it in Maine this morning, A food tech company in Wisconsin plans to commercialize cultured lobster meat, but industry leaders in Maine say they don’t see it as an immediate threat. >click to read< 08:02
Vigo Shipyard Delivers New 77- Metre Tuna Seiner
‘The construction of this tuna vessel is a decisive step in the fleet renewal plan we have set ourselves,’ explained Calvo’s fleet manager, Mararena Ubis Lupion. The Vigo shipyard received the order at the beginning of 2019. Freire has long experience of building this type of vessel, has several tuna operators among its client list, and has a track record of delivering such vessels, such as Draco in 2006, for Mar de Las Antillas. >photos, click to read< 16:33
Lobster fishing 101: Everything you wanted to know! From Setting Day to Fishers pay!
In early May, hundreds of Prince Edward Island fishing boats head out into the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to sink their traps and bring back lobsters,,, Jada Yeo has been a fisherman’s helper aboard her father David’s boat, Let Her Go, for the past six years, since she graduated from high school. Sheila Eastman has been North Lake’s harbour manager for 20 years, and is like a mother to most of the fishermen. In fact, her son, one of her brothers and other relatives fish out of North Lake. From Setting Day, lobster boats, sharing up, fishing areas, and terminology preferences such as fishers, fisherman, fisherwoman, with lots of photos!, >click to read< 13:12
North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 14, 2021
Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<11:50
Ban on trap fishing lifted, Massachusetts Lobstermen start setting gear
When last we saw Joe Mondello in early April, he was standing in front of a mountain of 550 traps,,, Mondello, as with many lobstermen at docks around Gloucester and the rest of Cape Ann, wasted little time getting back to work. The 71-year-old, flying solo on Friday, was on the water by 6:30 a.m. By 10 a.m., Mondello, using frozen redfish heads, had baited the first load of about 30 traps and set them off the Back Shore from his 37-foot Tully IV. Then it was back in to the Everett R. Jodrey State Fish Pier,,, Tied up behind him, Sam Harrington was similarly engaged on the Lady Marie. >click to read< 10:34
The bird people are willing to let them die for Offshore Wind Farms. The responsible wind farms, that is!
There is no shame when it comes to ignorance! “Renewable energy sources, including wind power, are essential to saving the lives of countless birds, in addition to saving our coasts.” – As the country takes stock of the first months of the Biden Administration, the waters of New England are playing host to the epicenter of one of the major climate commitments made shortly after the president took office. The largest U.S. offshore wind project to date, Vineyard Wind, has received the green light to start building off the coast of Massachusetts, promising to deliver 800 megawatts of energy to over 800,000 homes. As conservation organizations that are committed to the protection of birds and the ecosystems,,, >click to read< 08:42
F/V Determination sinks in Woods Hole off Penzance Point Friday evening
The U.S. Coast Guard was notified the vessel was taking on water at 4:50 pm, according to Petty Officer Amanda Wyrick. Two 45 foot response boats from Station Woods Hole came to the vessel’s aid and safely recovered the crew, Wyrick said. The vessel sank by Buoy 11, Wyrick said. She could not confirm whether or not the vessel struck rocks. >click to read< More photos, >click here< 07:02
Search suspended for missing fisherman who fell overboard off Grays Harbor, WA
The Coast Guard suspended the search Friday for a 47-year-old man who reportedly fell overboard while underway fishing for halibut 28 miles northwest of Grays Harbor. Missing is Jason LaBrie of Oregon City, Oregon. Fishermen aboard the 26-foot vessel Defiance II activated an emergency position indicating radio beacon after realizing LaBrie was missing. Fishermen aboard the 26-foot vessel Defiance II activated an emergency position indicating radio beacon after realizing LaBrie was missing. >click to read< 18:55
