Daily Archives: October 14, 2023

Oregon fishing disaster declared after failure impacting Chinook Salmon

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced Friday that a fishing disaster has been declared following a three-year commercial fishery failure in the state. The declaration comes after U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo determined that a commercial fishery failure occurred in 2018, 2019 and 2020 because of a fishery resource disaster impacting Oregon Chinook Salmon Fisheries, the governor said. The determination comes after a request from former Gov. Kate Brown in October 2021. Fisheries with disaster determinations are eligible for funding from fishery disaster appropriations to help with community recovery, fishery restoration and prevention of future disasters. >>click to read<< 17:00

Net Zero Ambitions: Sinking in a Sea of Reality?

Political voices across the globe are expressing skepticism and concern regarding the feasibility and impact of net zero policies. Australian Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, for instance, has described net zero as a “soundbite” and “totally insane,” emphasizing the extensive reliance of various sectors on fossil fuels. ““Almost everything we grow, we make, we do in our society relies on the use of fossil fuels,” he said.” Various countries seem to be subtly shifting away from aggressive net zero targets, reflecting a more pragmatic approach to energy policies. For instance, the UK has delayed the banning of new petrol and diesel cars and residential gas heating, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stating, “We’re not going to save the planet by bankrupting the British people.” >>click to read<< 14:26

Whale Vomit: Fisherman shocked as dog finds ‘disgusting’ blob on beach – and could be worth £400,000

A fisherman said he was surprised after his dog found a “disgusting” blob on a Scottish beach which could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Patrick Williamson, 37, was walking his dog on a beach in Ayrshire when the pup dropped her ball and ran towards a mysterious rock on the shore. The local resident was sure it was ambergris – also known as whale vomit – and was surprised to find it in the area. The substance, a secretion produced in the intestines of sperm whales, is created by the animals when they cannot regurgitate problem foods. The whale will then expel the valuable ambergris, which will float in the sea until it washes up on the shore – ready to be found by a lucky treasure hunter. Photos, >>click to read<< 12:10

Celebrating fish and seafood with British fishing community

Next time you fancy a fish dish, forget the familiar standbys and try something different and local, suggests the author of a new cookbook For the Love of the Sea II has been hailed as ‘a seafood odyssey’ in the book’s foreword by Rockfish founder Mitch Tonks. He says: ‘This delightful book not only inspires you with wonderful pictures of our coastline and of fishermen and their communities, but also with recipes from real people, like me and you, that do love British fish and seafood.’ The book reveals stories and recipes from the individuals and businesses that work within the country’s diverse coastal communities, from fishmongers to foragers and basket weavers to marine scientists. Lots of photos, >>click to read<< 10:19

Massachusetts wind farm dodges lawsuits over environmental, fishing concerns

A U.S. judge has rejected challenges to federal environmental permits and construction approvals for a $4 billion offshore wind farm near Massachusetts, which commercial fishing groups have claimed will harm whales and impair their businesses. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston on Thursday tossed the final two federal district court lawsuits directly challenging the Vineyard Wind project roughly 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard, which would be the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the country. Representatives for the plaintiffs and the Army Corps didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. The Interior Department, which oversees BOEM, declined to comment. >>click to read<< 09:11

Bristol Bay red king crab, tanner crab fisheries open Sunday

The Bristol Bay red king crab fishery is back on track, after being closed for two years, with a total allowable catch of 2.15 million pounds – just a bit lower than when it was last opened in 2020 at 2.6 million pounds.  The announcement on Friday, Oct. 6, was cheered by crab captains and Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, as a way to get back out doing what they loved, pay some bills, and keep crew working, all while keeping the crab resource sustainable for generations to come. Veteran crabber Glenn Casto, captain of the FV Pinnacle, called it a start in the right direction, that will help pay some bills and help out crew. >>click to read<< 08:20