Monthly Archives: April 2023
Coast Guard rescues 3 from sunken longliner off Dry Tortugas National Park
A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued three fishermen, Sunday, after their fishing vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 2 p.m., hoisted the men into the aircraft and transferred them to Key West International Airport in good health. A good Samaritan contacted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders at approximately 8 a.m. reporting the 45-foot longliner, F/V Mrs. Sandy, was taking on water with three crew members aboard. Sector Key West watchstanders used Mrs. Sandy’s emergency indicating radio beacon position to locate the vessel. 3 Photos, >click to read< 19:49
Celebrate Whale Week with NOAA Fisheries: A message from Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator
At NOAA Fisheries, our team of dedicated scientists and managers is responsible for the health and sustainability of more than 30 whale species in U.S and territorial waters. Every year, we spend a week taking a deeper dive to share our whale expertise. This year is particularly notable because it is the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Some of the most recognizable whales—North Atlantic right whales, Southern Resident killer whales, and Cook Inlet belugas—are at the top of our Species in the Spotlight initiative. >click to read< 18:33
Locally built addition to fishing fleet launched at Careys Bay
A Dunedin commercial fisher has launched his newest vessel, F/V Elodie, amid fanfare at Careys Bay. Damon Cooper has been fishing commercially for 30 years and added a third boat to his fleet on Saturday, with the boat launch. Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association executive officer Chanel Gardner said her husband, Mr Cooper, was committed to and very passionate about the fishing industry in Otago. The boat was built in Dunedin to contribute to the local fishing industry, she said. The boat will mainly fish rock lobster and blue cod and its more efficient systems would enable Mr Cooper to get the rock lobster to market in excellent shape. >click to read< 15:36
Fisherman prepares to take to the stage with HPMA protest song
Vatersay fisherman Donald Francis MacNeil talks to Jacqueline Wake Young about The Clearances Again, the protest song he co-wrote with Celtic band Skipinnish, as they prepare to perform it live at Aberdeen Music Hall concert on May 12. DF, as he is known to family and friends, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a fisherman as soon as he left school. “Many young men did the same. You could leave school on Friday and start on a fishing boat on Monday. It was very much a natural option and I enjoyed it.” Now the 64-year-old is about to face another challenge – singing on stage with Skipinnish after their protest song reached number five in the iTunes downloads chart. >click to read< 11:50
NOAA proposes hammering 208% of vanishing Right Whales
Okay it is a trick headline because they can only hammer 100% of the severely endangered North Atlantic Right Whale population. The point is that NOAA is proposing, for offshore wind development, to authorize a horrific 706 cases of physical harassment of Right Whales, whose dwindling population is down to just 340 magnificent critters. The average whale will get hammered roughly twice. The Right Whales migrate along the coast twice a year. Migration requires repeatedly running a gauntlet of dangerous offshore wind projects. Most likely some whales will be hit many times. The harassment numbers for each proposed project are listed below. Read the take numbers and weep for the whales. >click to read< by David Wojick, Ph.D., 09:30
Gurnet Trading has new owners with ties to Cundy’s Harbor
Two life-changing events convinced Brae and Scott Harley to buy Gurnet Trading Co., a popular seafood market and small restaurant in Brunswick, just across Gurnet Strait from Great Island. “It was kind of a sign,” said Brae. “My dad died the end of April (2022). We were trying to do something else before he passed. He died on a Wednesday and a week later, Scott had a stroke.” “I’m an accountant and had my own business for 30 years,” said Brae. “Scott is a lobsterman who started fishing with his father in kindergarten.” After her husband’s stroke, they needed to make a change. “This was up for sale. We thought we could be successful and so we pivoted.” >click to read< 08:07
‘Deadliest Catch’ Captains Earn Good Money From the Show, Says Jake Anderson
With great risk comes great reward. That certainly can be the case when it comes to commercial fishing. Captains featured on Discovery Channel’s long-running show Deadliest Catch can earn six figures in a single season, depending on their haul. And that’s not counting what they make for appearing on the reality series, which can be substantial, cast member and captain Jake Anderson has said. Anderson has spent more than 15 years as a Deadliest Catchcast member, rising from greenhorn to captain of his own boat, the F/V Saga. Now a seasoned veteran of the Alaskan fishing industry, he’s said he can make millions of dollars in just a few weeks, if everything goes well. 2 Video’s, >click to read< 22:07
Lobster fishers set traps off Covehead, P.E.I., with Fiona still on their minds
In many ways, Saturday was like any other setting day for lobster fishers at Covehead Harbour, P.E.I. There was some good-natured teasing as the captain and deck hands heaved the 50-pound traps onto the boats over and over until there was just enough room to squeeze themselves in before starting the engines and heading off to sea. But, thanks to post-tropical storm Fiona last fall, it was also not like any other setting day. But how the storm affected the lobsters crawling along the ocean floor was something on the mind of Allan Coady, a member of the Covehead Harbour authority whose family has been fishing lobster for four generations. “We’re really anxious to get out there and get our first pick and see what they look like because after that storm nobody really knows,,, Photos, >click to read< 19:41
Big changes are coming to Cordova’s south harbor
Long overdue renovation of Cordova’s south harbor begins this fall, with a schedule that sets completion of the $40 million project in the spring of 2024. The project is under contract with Turnagain Marine Construction, an Anchorage firm that specializes in heavy civil marine construction, said Tony Schinella, who has served as harbormaster at Cordova for about a decade. “We are definitely excited,” said Schinella. “We’re well overdue for a facelift. The existing docks have been there about 40 years.” The revamp, initially expected to cost about $30 million,,, >click to read< 16:50
The $200 million lobster season is underway in Quebec
The lobster season is underway in Quebec, starting with Saturday’s launch in the Gaspé Peninsula. “For the past 11 years, lobsters caught near the coasts of the Gaspé and Anticosti Island have been marked with an alphanumeric code, which allows consumers to trace the origin of the lobster on their plates, and even to know the name of the fisherman, the boat and the area in which it was caught,” said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) in a news release. Approximately 1,500 fishermen earn their living from lobster fishing in Quebec, according to the most recent data from MAPAQ. Video, >click to read< 14:20
Alabama Implements Shrimp Harvesting Ban to Promote Wise Stewardship
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced in the press release (below) that all inside waters will temporarily close for commercial and recreational shrimp harvesting starting from May 1, 2023. This closure is in accordance with the state laws and regulations and is aimed at promoting wise stewardship of Alabama’s natural resources. The inside waters, which are defined as all waters north of a specific line along the Gulf of Mexico, will reopen for shrimp harvesting on June 1, 2023. >click to read< 13:04
Sunday, April 30th: 36th Annual Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet, ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ shirts include tribute to Capt. Wayne Magwood
The annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival celebrates Mount Pleasant’s rich maritime heritage and highlights the importance of supporting our local shrimping/fishing captains and their crews who are prayed over for a safe and bountiful season ahead during the ceremonial boat parade as it passes the end of the Mount Pleasant pier. Video, >click to watch< ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ shirts include tribute to Capt. Wayne Magwood >click to read< 10:59
Fish from Washington’s coastal commercial troll Chinook fishery are a more sustainable way to eat salmon
Washington Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) says the coastal commercial troll Chinook fishery will begin May 1, and encourages customers to keep an eye out for locally caught salmon. It says the fishery is unique for both its economic and environmental impacts. “A lot of the people who hold troller permits are families that have been doing this for generations in Washington state,” WDFW Marine Salmon Fisheries Policy Coordinator Dr. Alexandrea Safiq said. Fisherman Geoff Lebon says trollers catch different stocks throughout the summer and pace their fishing to fit the market, keeping costs lower for customers. Video, >click to read< 09:47
The New Green Activists Would Rather Save The Windmills Than Save The Whales
Save the whales. Once upon a time, that used to be the favorite mantra of environmental activists. Today, not so much. These days, it’s more chic to be into giant offshore wind turbines. And if dozens upon dozens of whales must be killed to make way for turbines along with their new mantra, “save the planet,” well, that’s just the price we must pay. Or so goes the current thinking among the green set. Scores of whale and dolphin carcasses have washed up along the East Coast in recent months, and particularly on New Jersey and New York-area beaches where no fewer than nine whales have washed ashore just since December. The evidence is not yet incontrovertible, but the deaths coincide with sonic testing in conjunction with massive wind turbine projects. >click to read< 08:28
Morning Glory! Iceberg lovers go wild over viral photos of the ‘dickie berg’ off Newfoundland’s coast
A man from Dildo, N.L. has captured the attention of iceberg lovers after photographing an oddly-shaped hunk — now popularly known as the “dickie berg” on social media — off the coast of Newfoundland. “I’m gettin’ a lot of response, a lot of reaction to the photo because of its resemblance to … part of the male anatomy, say,” chuckled drone photographer Ken Pretty. In an interview Friday, Pretty said he noticed from his very first photograph that the iceberg, in an area of the province known as Conception Bay, had online potential. 2 photos, >click to read< 07:39
Lennox Island, DFO strike deal for 2023 moderate livelihood lobster fishery off P.E.I.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it has struck a deal with Lennox Island First Nation for a treaty-protected lobster fishery off P.E.I.’s North Shore for the 2023 spring season. In a statement to CBC News, DFO says the one-year interim understanding was reached on Wednesday. The band had said its boats would begin to set about 1,000 lobster traps on Saturday with or without DFO approval. “The Government of Canada is committed to advancing First Nations’ Supreme Court-affirmed treaty right to fish,” DFO officials said in a statement sent to CBC News on Friday. “Designated community members are authorized to fish up to 1,000 traps total in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 24 during the spring 2023 commercial lobster season … >click to read< 15:40
Md. Gov. Signs Offshore Wind Legislation Into Law
Last Friday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act into law. Joined by representatives of offshore wind energy companies at the Tradepoint Atlantic facility in Sparrows Point, Moore highlighted several bills that will allow Maryland to reach its clean energy goals.” Today I’ve signed legislation to quadruple Maryland’s offshore wind energy goals, reduce greenhouse gas emission in our state, and to provide rebates to businesses that purchase electric vehicles,” he said. “Together we will build on the great work of our partners at Tradepoint Atlantic, Ørsted, and U.S. Wind to build the clean energy future we want to see in Maryland.” >click to read< 14:43
NOAA Fisheries Releases 2022 Status of Stocks
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is pleased to present the 2022 Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries. This report highlights the achievements of NMFS, the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils), and our other partners. In 2022, the number of stocks on the overfishing list decreased slightly, the number of overfished stocks also slightly decreased, and two stocks were rebuilt. We continue to implement management measures that will end overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, and sustain our fisheries for future generations. Sound science, an increasing focus on climate-informed management, effective enforcement, meaningful partnerships, and public engagement drive our success in managing the most sustainable fisheries in the world. >click to read< 11:58
Licence technicality forces son of a Nova Scotia moonlighter lobster fisherman to move away
Mike Kaiser has fished lobster with his father, Dwayne, since he was little. Like many, he wants to carry on the legacy. On Tuesday, Mike Kaiser will move to Alberta to pick up work. He says he’d rather stay in Nova Scotia around his family, doing what his father did for nearly 50 years. But a policy that’s been around almost as long means Dwayne cannot pass on his licence to his son. He holds one of about 70 “moonlighter” licences granted years ago to part-time fishermen in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Those licences die with them. >click to read< 11:09
Black Carolinians in fishing industry heart of new exhibit
NC Catch, a nonprofit aimed at educating consumers about the importance of buying local seafood, is spearheading a collaboration of Black seafood business owners and historians to roll out the North Carolina Black Seafood Trail. The traveling exhibit will share the under-told, multifaceted, sea-to-table story of Black North Carolinians’ contributions to the state’s fisheries. The conceptualization of the historic trail goes back a couple of years when conversations within NC Catch, an organization that includes Black chef ambassadors and seafood market owners, began reflecting on Black-owned seafood businesses. Personal experiences and stories from those who’ve lived it highlighted just how much fishing — from catching fish to cooking it and eating it — is intricately woven into the cultural fabric of Black communities. >click to read< 10:24
Herring fishermen get money after decline of fish, quota cuts
Fishermen in Maine’s historic herring fishing business will receive money from the federal government to help cope with a decline in the fish’s population that has caused the industry to struggle. The government has appropriated $7 million for the fishermen, the Maine Department of Marine Resources said Wednesday. Atlantic herring were found to be overfished via a 2020 scientific assessment, and fishing quotas were slashed after that. The nation’s catch of Atlantic herring has plummeted in the face of quota cuts and concern over the health of the stock. The loss of herring has led to a bait crunch for lobster fishermen, who have had to seek other sources of bait for traps. >click to read< 09:26
F/V L’Ecume II: Sections of sunken trawler to be taken to La Collette
The land-based operation to transport recovered sections of the L’Ecume II fishing trawler to a secure site at La Collette is due to begin. And further tributes to one of Jersey’s ‘most-respected’ fishermen, Michael ‘Mick’ Michieli, have poured in after a body was recovered from the wreck on Wednesday. The trawler sank on Thursday 8 December following a collision with the Commodore Goodwill freight ship off Jersey’s west coast, triggering an immediate search-and-rescue operation spanning 36 hours. On Wednesday evening, the States police said that a body had been brought ashore and that the family of Mr Michieli had been informed. A formal identification process is due to take place. >click to read< 08:11
One Dead, Two Injured in Trawler Fire in Iceland
A fire aboard a trawler in the harbor at Njardvik, Iceland claimed the life of one crewmember and left two others injured, according to first responders. At about 0200 hours on Tuesday, a fire broke out aboard the trawler Grímsnes at the port of Njardvik. The vessel was at the pier and was due to depart later in the day, according to local media. Four crewmembers escaped safely, but two were injured, including one with serious burns on his back. The seventh member of the crew did not survive. >click to read< 21:52
GALLERY: Safety & Survival Class and Drill Conductor Certification at Coast Guard Station Atlantic City
On April 27, 2023, In Atlantic City, The U.S. Coast Guard and Fishing Partnership Support Services are teaming up to offer local commercial fishermen a free hands-on Safety & Survival Class and Drill Conductor Certification at Coast Guard Station Atlantic City. The day’s training is designed for all fishermen, including crewmen, to learn or hone fundamental safety and survival skills. 57 photos, >click to review< 19:50
Under pressure, Maine lobstermen could get funding to test new gear that could safeguard whales and their livelihoods
Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli (D-Arrowsic) is sponsoring LD 1552, which would set aside $1 million a year for the next two years to provide stipends to lobstermen to test new lobster gear. “Over the past several years many fishermen have come to terms with the fact that some level of innovation will be needed to ensure the future of the fishery.” A move by the state’s congressional delegation late last year delayed implementation of additional regulations for six years, buying the industry time to “develop new fishing gear technologies,” Patrice McCarron, policy director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, wrote to the committee. Studies are looking at whether ropeless technology can be used, but McCarron doesn’t believe that’s the answer. >click to read< 15:29
Anti-wind farm petition hits 500,000 signatures
An online petition drive in opposition to offshore wind farms following the deaths of dozens of whales along the East Coast has now hit a milestone of 500,000 signatures. Suzanne Hornick, an Ocean City resident and a founder of Protect Our Coast NJ, the independent grassroots organization that started the petition drive, said the goal is to collect a million signatures as a push continues to halt the wind farm projects. “Protect Our Coast NJ is absolutely thrilled that we have well over half a million signatures on our petition that was only started mid-January. Many of the signers are from states other than New Jersey up and down the East Coast,” Hornick said. “This is a wake-up call to every single politician. If a half a million people can come together against a single issue so quickly, imagine what we will be able to do going forward.” >click to read< 13:11
High fuel costs impacting shrimping industry in Charleston
The shrimping scene on Shem Creek looks like something out of a movie. Tarvin Seafood supplies shrimp to over 75 buyers in Charleston. In 12 years of business, Cindy and her son Kola Tarvin have seen the tides shift a lot in the industry, but not quite like they have the last two years — especially when it comes to fuel prices. “Couple boats just this year have left the creek,” Kola Tarvin said. Cindy Tarvin says fuel prices have skyrocketed. “It was almost five dollars at the end of last season, per gallon,” Tarvin said. And it has a ripple effect on their business. >video, click to read< 11:37
PHOTOS: Setting Day 2023 at eastern PEI harbours
Lobster fishers in south side harbours, LFA 26A, set their traps on Wednesday morning to kick off the spring season for 2023. Graphic reporters visited harbours in Fortune, Graham’s Pond, Murray Harbour, Souris, Montague, Beach Point and Annandale. The north side, LFA 24, will set sail on Saturday morning. Graham’s Pond wharf was still shrouded in darkness as the Katie & Kelcie lobster boat, captained by Mackie Dixon, headed for open water with their first load of traps. Josh Lewis photo, >click to see 8 photos< 10:25
Captain William Tyndale “Punk” Daniels of Wanchese, North Carolina has passed away
William Tyndale “Punk” Daniels, 77, of Wanchese, North Carolina, died on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Chesapeake Health and Rehabilitation Center. As a commercial fishing boat captain with Wanchese Fish Company, Punk spent countless hours on the water, providing for his family, and contributing to the local economy. In addition to his work as a captain, Punk was a co-owner of Wanchese Fish Company. Punk’s expertise in the fishing industry was legendary, and he was widely known in fishing ports on both coasts of the United States. Punk was also well known for his trademark whistle; if you heard it, you knew it was him and that he would “see you around like a donut.” >click to read< 09:24
Fewer turbines but more conflict for Revolution Wind farm
The fishing industry and offshore wind developers are again at odds over how a mammoth array of 80-story-high wind turbines will affect ocean species, and the fishermen whose livelihoods depend on them. And without consensus on the potential damage, the two sides also can’t agree on what measures – including money – are enough to offset the harm caused by the Revolution Wind project. Even a 33% cut to the number of wind turbines – from 100 to 65 – negotiated by state coastal regulators hasn’t done much to reduce conflict. Developers Orsted A/S and Eversource Energy LLC have agreed to pay $12.9 million, to commercial and charter boat fishermen to offset potential revenue losses caused by the noise, electromagnetic field waves, boulder moving and other disturbances that the towers and undersea cables cause to the delicate underwater ecosystem. >click to read< 08:46
