Daily Archives: July 5, 2023
Trudeau Government Continues to Mismanage the Fishing Industry While Fish Harvesters and the Processing Industry Lose Opportunity
Conservative Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Clifford Small, released the following statement after the Trudeau government refused to increase quotas for Northern Cod and the Atlantic Mackerel moratorium continues: “Trudeau’s Fisheries Minister, Joyce Murray, has once again ignored fishing industry stakeholders and harvesters by refusing to modestly increase fish quotas. A full survey assessment of fish stocks in Newfoundland has not been completed since 2019 and now because the Liberals failed to live up to their multiple promises to the industry, working people who make their living in the fishing industry will suffer. “The Trudeau government has failed to live up to its commitments on fisheries science and they are punishing working people without a second thought as a result. >click to continue< 16:42
NJ’s other wind farm developer wants government breaks, too.
A company approved to build New Jersey’s third offshore wind farm says it, too, wants government financial incentives, saying its project and the jobs it would create are “at risk” without the additional help. Atlantic Shores issued a statement Friday, shortly after New Jersey lawmakers approved a tax break for Danish wind developer Orsted, which has approval to build two wind farms off the state’s coast. Elaborating on Monday, the Atlantic City-based Atlantic Shores said it has contacted the offices 
of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and leaders of the state Senate and Assembly, saying it seeks a “solution that stabilizes all awarded projects.” Atlantic Shores did not say precisely what sort of assistance it wants, and refused to publicly clarify its request, or discuss the likelihood of being able to complete the project with its current financing. Video, >click to read< 14:38
Fishing boat stuck in undredged Steveston Harbour
A full crew of fishermen wasn’t able to fish for at least three hours after getting stuck in the Steveston Channel on Tuesday afternoon. The F/V Queen’s Reach was on its way to collect its gear from Steveston Harbour before it was stopped short due to low tides and not enough depth in the channel. Jaime Gusto, Steveston Harbour Authority general manager, told the News “being stuck in the mud is unacceptable” when there are 45 businesses depending on water access. “This is a big deal,” she said, adding that it is an economic, safety and environmental issue. >click to read< 13:02
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 32′ Holland Tuna Boat, 425HP Yanmar Diesel,
To review specifications, information, and 15 photos’, >click here<, To see all the boats in this series >click here< 12:01
Retired Commercial Fisherman/Entrepreneur Samuel Asaro of Gloucester, Massachusetts has passed away
Samuel Asaro, 96, of Gloucester, husband of Lousia (Balbo) Asaro, passed away peacefully on July 1st, at Kaplan Family Hospice House, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Gloucester, MA on July 2, 1927, son of the late Peter and Catherine (Ciaramitaro) Asaro. Sam attended Gloucester Schools. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for several years. Afterwards, he was the cook on fishing vessels: F/V Regina Maria, F/V Ida & Joseph, The F/V Eagle, F/V Pat Saint Marie, F/V St. Anthony, and F/V Maria Immaculata. He worked for East Coast Lobster and later co-owned Folsom Seafoods in Salem. Sam’s final job was at the fish auction next to Captain Carlos where he worked until he was 84. >click to read< 11:04
(Un)welcoming Waters: Sea otters poised for comeback to Marin and Sonoma counties
On a daily basis, sea otters consume 25% of their body weight in food. Hence, there are very real concerns by the fishermen who make their living hauling in Dungeness crabs and the other invertebrates that sea otters devour. Reestablishing sea otters could disrupt an entire industry right here in Marin and Sonoma counties and beyond. Dick Ogg, a Sonoma County resident for 62 years, has been fishing most of his life. For the last 25 years, he’s been a commercial fisherman, with his income relying heavily on crabbing. “They’re cute, the sea otters, but they are going to eat whatever they can get their hands on. Everybody knows bringing them back is going to affect the crab industry.” >click to read< 10:24
After court victory, Maine lobster industry expects status quo for a few more years
The Maine lobster industry scored a major victory last month, when a federal appeals court ruled that the scientific assumptions used to regulate fishing and protect endangered North Atlantic right whales went too far. That means the status quo for Maine fishermen should remain for several more years. “The gear markings, weak links and other steps the fishery has taken in attempt to reduce entanglement risks will stay in place for the foreseeable future,” says Patrice McCarron of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. >click to read< 09:35
Take a look inside Shetland fishing crew’s 30% bigger boat
She made her maiden appearance in Shetland’s largest port last weekend. Skipper Chris Duncan described her as “top class”. And it is hard to argue, considering all the modern equipment and comfortable surroundings for the crew, as well as the distinctive red sweeping across the exterior. Measuring more than 260ft from bow to stern, the new Altaire is nearly the longest ship in the Shetland fishing fleet. But it is her width that makes the vessel such a standout. She currently has a crew of 12 but there is space for more on board. 5 photos, >click to read< 08:56
A Call for a More Long-Term Solution to the Shoaling Problem in Ocean City’s Inlet
For commercial fishermen like Mike Coppa, getting through the inlet is not as easy of a task. “In any waterway you’re supposed to be able to come in between them buoys and have water, but right now no, no, no,” said Coppa. “You have to be on top of that red one and almost run it over to find water.” Coppa’s 75-foot fishing vessel, F/V Instigator, ran aground back in March. Since then, he said he and his crew have avoided Maryland all together. “We had to basically change our plans and fish in other states that we had quota, and then we ended up going to New England scalloping all summer,” said Coppa. Video, >click to read< 07:56
