Daily Archives: April 14, 2023
Commercial Fisherman Justin P. Doberck, 41, of Mattapoisett, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 7, 2023.
Those who knew Justin were amazed watching him move through this life, and feel blessed to have been in it at the same time. He was beautiful and one of the most interesting people anyone could know. He was loved fiercely by his family who were relentlessly proud of him. Justin was a commercial offshore fishing captain for many years, starting over two decades ago working on the Serene out of Mattapoisett, captured on the cover of Insider Magazine, F/V Buzzards Bay, F/V Sally Katherine and F/V Silver Key out of the Port of New Bedford, F/V Direction out of Fairhaven, and then operator of fishing vessels with his mate and brother, Billy, for more than 10 years for M.E. Fisheries, then F/V McKinley, and most currently for Atlantic Red Crab. He also enjoyed logging and working at his sawmill in his spare time. >click to read more< 17:19
La. Wildlife and Fisheries boss resigns amid reports on alleged kickback scheme
The head of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has resigned after he was implicated in an apparent kickback scheme involving a contract the agency signed with a private contractor, sources told WBRZ. LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet who abruptly resigned Friday morning, is believed to have signed that contract in October 2021, according to The Advocate. The allegations emerged this week after Dusty Guidry, who was appointed by Governor Edwards to the LDWF Commission, pleaded guilty to bribery-related charges in Lafayette. >click to read< 13:35
COLOSSAL CRAB CRISIS: FFAW TO RALLY IN ST. JOHN’S ON MONDAY ARIL 17, 2023
Hundreds of people are expected to demonstrate outside the Confederation Building in St. John’s on Monday, calling attention to the crisis in the snow crab fishery and the need for our elected officials to act. WHY? – Our coastal communities are in crisis. Thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians rely on the snow crab fishery through fishing on boats, processing in plants, and all of the jobs on the wharf and in between. Not to mention the businesses who rely on the economic spinoffs. In 2022, the snow crab fishery was worth over $800 million for our province. Losing that kind of money into our economy this year is going to have harsh consequences in the form of mass unemployment and bankruptcies. >click to read the press release< 12:41
Fishermen in protest song comparing proposed fishing ban to Highland Clearances
Two fishermen have written a protest song against plans to ban fishing in 10% of Scottish waters, saying they consider the move one of the biggest risks to rural life since the Highland Clearances. Donald MacNeil, 64, said fishing has been his “whole life” and it supports his family as well as the community he lives in on Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides. He has teamed up with fellow fisherman Angus MacPhail, the founder of Celtic band Skipinnish, to make his recording debut in the track The Clearances Again – a stand against plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). >click to read< 10:44
City of Morro Bay seeking answers on nearby offshore wind project
The offshore wind farm would be about 30 miles northwest of Morro Bay, but the project could have direct impacts on city infrastructure and the environment. “The city very much is concerned and wants to be better educated about the potential effects or impacts on the city and on the harbor,” said Morro Bay Interim City Manager Greg Carpenter. Not everyone is happy with the proposal. Some welcome an extra source of clean energy while others are worried about impacts to the marine environment and the local fishing industry. “We got a humpback highway right outside Morro Bay. We have tons of mammals out there and we don’t know what’s going to happen to them,” said Tom Hafer, President of the Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organization. Video, >click to read< 09:35
The European Union’s Plan to Ban Bottom Fishing is Causing Widespread Outrage
The plan, which seeks to ban bottom trawling in protected areas, has caused widespread demonstrations, disruption of work in ports, and the launch of a protest movement by fishermen in France called “Blocked Ports”. Although the Commission’s proposals do not represent new legislation, and will not be implemented soon in a way that satisfies some environmental protection non-governmental organizations, they have been met with strong opposition from a number of member states. There was outrage in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Denmark, who feared the plan would endanger the entire fishing industry. The “Marine Action Plan” for sustainable fishing was announced on February 12, and it includes initiatives to phase out deep-sea trawling in protected areas. >click to read< 08:51
Clammers to honor one of their own: CPR class to be conducted in memory of ‘The Legend’
He was known in town simply as “The Legend.” Edward G. Lane, who fit the mold of a classic commercial fisherman and clammer, died doing what he loved. Lane, 60, died on Saturday, March 18, while clamming the flats off Conomo Point. But his death has spurred the commercial fishing community of Essex, Gloucester and Ipswich to gather to honor Lane by hosting a CPR class. The class is aimed at teaching participants to be prepared for a medical event, such as the one that took the life of their beloved friend. “In the wake of Ed’s passing, we’re offering the CPR course,” said Essex Harbormaster Daniel Fialho. “Clammers are a pretty close-knit group. I think the event opened some eyes to the need for some training.” >click to read< 07:43
