Daily Archives: November 12, 2022
Turning a Profit During Tough Times
Despite very high fuel prices, it’s possible to trawl for shrimp and make a profit, according to Agnar Langtveit. 2022 has been an exceptionally tough year, but he’s managed to run the 42-year-old Astrid Ann at a modest profit. ‘The problem for many trawlers is the combination of high fuel costs and heavy debts. I am fortunate in not having any big debts. I could choose to build a new vessel, but then I’d have to buy more quota. So as long as Astrid Ann is profitable, I don’t see any reason to buy a new boat,’ he said. On the other hand, older trawlers come with higher maintenance costs and older engines bur more fuel. Fishing between 200 and 500 metres, Astrid Ann needs reliable towing power, so last year a new 1044hp CAT 3508C main engine was fitted, along with a Mekanord 500 HS gear and a CAT C44 harbour set. Photos, >click to read< 12:47
Draft North Atlantic Right Whale and Offshore Wind Strategy Announced
As the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has ramped up offshore wind development to meet the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of generating 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, the question of how the expansion of offshore wind energy could affect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) has come under close review. To help address this question and support the recovery of endangered NARW and the responsible development of offshore wind energy, BOEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) developed a joint Draft North Atlantic Right Whale and Offshore Wind Strategy (the Draft Strategy). >click to read< 11:29
Louisiana shrimper wants more to be done for the dying industry
Congressman Clay Higgins recently announced a $25 million purchase of gulf shrimp to help the struggling Louisiana shrimping industry. Thomas Schouest Jr., has been in the shrimping industry for decades. He said that he thinks this move is a step in the right direction, but, “That is just a drop in the bucket compared to the situation that is going on with the shrimpers. There is a lot more to be done.” Schouest said. Schouest also said that the biggest issue shrimpers are facing are imports from other countries, an issue that he said has been ongoing for years. Video, >click to read< 09:15
Repeated Failures: DFO ship woes hampering East Coast science surveys
DFO has missed multiple surveys as it struggles to bring new offshore fishery science vessels into service, and aging ships near retirement. Sailing restrictions imposed early in the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the problem, but so too have breakdowns on older ships and part replacements needed on the two new ships stationed on the East Coast. The science surveys are used to assess the health of major fish stocks and are critical in determining quotas for commercial fisheries worth hundreds of millions of dollars in Atlantic Canada. “There’s huge consequences. We want to know what’s going on. We need the data,” said Carey Bonnell, vice-president of sustainability and engagement at St. John’s-based Ocean Choice International, which is a seafood company. >click to read< 08:13
The Massachusetts Christmas Celebration Where You Can Visit with a Lobster Boat Santa
If you think that Santa only travels by a sleigh pulled by reindeer, you may be surprised that he travels a bit differently when he comes to the small seaside town of Marblehead. This year, you can have a unique Santa experience in Massachusetts when you visit the town of Marblehead for its annual Christmas walk. In addition to Santa’s arrival, there will also be a parade, music, tree lightings, and a gingerbread festival, among other festivities. Photos, >click to read< 07:30
