Daily Archives: December 22, 2023
Fish about to be plundered off coast of UK as EU about to strike major deal with Iceland
A non-EU country may soon be allowed to fish in waters just miles away from UK shores thanks to the European Union, sparking fury among fishermen closer to home. Fishing officials in Ireland are worried that they have not been consulted on the negotiations, which could be nearing the final stages of approval. Iceland reportedly wants to strike a deal so that they can catch blue whiting which are common in Irish waters but cannot be found near the Nordic nation. Concerns are now growing that fishing will become unsustainable as Irish fishermen worry for their livelihoods. CEO of the Irish Fish Processors Organisation Aodh O’Donnell told GB News: “We fear that this give away of more foreign access to Irish waters is being agreed behind closed doors. There is a lack of clarity and Christmas is upon us, and we are very concerned. more, >>click to read<< 14:26
Darwin fisherman Daniel Schoolmeester charged after allegedly holding workers captive on his boat
A Darwin man who allegedly lured workers to his boat, forced them into labour and held them captive against their will with minimal food or water, has appeared before court. Daniel Schoolmeester, 47, appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Friday afternoon, charged with deceptive recruitment, causing a person to remain in servitude and forcing labour. It’s alleged he posted deceptive job advertisements on Gumtree and his social media account calling for deckhands and coxswains to work on his fishing boat. Workers allege once on board, Mr Schoolmeester made them work extensive hours without pay, denied them food, water and sleep, and subjected them to cruel and degrading treatment. Video, >>click to read<< 11:36
A unique partnership connects Lowcountry fishermen with people who don’t have enough to eat
Daniel LaRoche watches as his crew, who’s just returned from nearly two weeks at sea, hoists dozens of giant swordfish from the belly of a boat. Some are real whoppers, weighing more than 200 lbs. LaRoche owns Cherry Point Seafood on Wadmalaw Island, just south of Charleston, selling fresh fish and shrimp from his dock. But making a living, he says, has never been harder. He wrestles daily with the rising costs of fuel, boat repairs and lures. LaRoche says he must sell even more shrimp to compete with imports as he struggles to keep up. Now, a new program promises help, by providing monthly pre-paid orders for 160 pounds of his shrimp and swordfish. So, who’s picking up the tab? The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. photos, more, >>click to read<< 09:12
Scallop season is underway
In pitch-black morning, the scallop draggers start heading out Penobscot Bay to be ready one-half hour before the sun rises in Augusta to drop their drags overboard and begin a day’s work. Daylight here already broke the horizon as the scallop fishery opens for the day in the Gulf of Maine. “When the season opens, it’s like the first day of school,” said David Tarr, a scalloper off Naskeag Point and a member of the state’s scallop advisory council. Now two weeks into the season, and Tarr says, “I think it’s been a good opening. Boats are keeping local. Whether dragging or diving, the daily limit is 15 gallons of meat that sells anywhere from $12 to $23 per pound, depending on its size. 8 photos, more, >>click to read<< 07:55
Family of shrimp boat captain found dead in Tampa hopes to get body back to Virginia
The family of a shrimp boat captain who was found dead after a powerful Gulf storm blew through over the weekend is looking for help from the community. Curtis Lee Cowling lived on the shrimp boat full time and his body was found onboard the submerged boat around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the Tampa Police Department. Now, his family is trying to get his body back to Virginia. A GoFundMe page was made to help with funeral and memorial costs as well. There’s a goal of $11,000 to be raised. Video, more, >>click to read<< 06:37
