Daily Archives: March 9, 2024

Probe sought into conditions of ‘stranded’ migrant fishers whose boat ran aground off Inis Mór

An investigation has been sought into conditions faced by four West African fishermen who were working on a boat that ran aground off the Aran Islands last weekend. The men had to be rescued from the fishing vessel as part of a multi-agency response that included the Coast Guard and RNLI. The Dáil has heard allegations that the men were “bogusly” recruited to work in Ireland, having first thought they would be working in the UK, only to find themselves working in the Atlantic Ocean off the Galway coast. Solidarity TD Mick Barry claimed the men were “put working illegally” on an Irish boat, called ‘Ambitious’, until the vessel ran aground off Inis Mór and the men required rescue last Sunday. Barry further alleged that attempts have been made by the owner “to send the four men back to Ghana in quicktime” before any authorities have an opportunity to hear of the “ordeal” they allegedly suffered. photos, more, >>click to read<< 13:30

Talks continue on catch limits before moratorium lifts on East Coast redfish fishery

The federal Fisheries Department (DFO), says it is still collecting feedback on how to reopen the redfish fishery this spring in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, after collapsing stocks led to a decades-long moratorium. The department says in a news release that it wrapped up four days of meetings with the industry-government redfish advisory committee in Halifax on Thursday. Participants included representatives from Indigenous groups, industry, provincial governments and environmental organizations. more, >>click to read<< 11:31

The Complete Guide to Dungeness Crab, where to source, how to break it down, and what utensils you’ll need

Dungeness are cold-water crabs, 7 to 9 inches in width, and 1 1/2 to 2 pounds in weight, found off the coasts of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, with the San Francisco Bay Area being a singular hotbed for Dungeness lovers, writes F&W assistant food editor Andee Gosnell. They’re prized for their flaky, sweet, juicy meat. Historically, Dungeness crab season started at the beginning of November and lasted through June. In recent years, environmental stressors and the conservation policies to address them have led to a delayed start and early end to the season. The 2023 season is expected to start in mid-December. If you can’t find Dungeness crab, substitute lump crabmeat. Video, photos, more, >>click to read<< 09:44

Maine Fishermen’s Forum Awards $52,000.00 in Scholarships to Children from Maine Fishing Families

The Maine Fishermen’s Forum is pleased to announce that $52,000 in scholarships was awarded to children from Maine fishing industry families at the 49th annual Forum event held from February 29-March 2, 2024. Two scholarships were funded by an anonymous donation in the amount of $16,000, and a record breaking $36,000 was raised from a silent and live auction, along with other cash contributions. Senator Angus King drew the names of two lucky winners, Leighia Gray of Deer Isle, and Lake Lindelof of Islesboro who each received $8000.00.  All other applicants received a $1500.00 award. Forum President Hank Soule said, “We’re truly grateful for the generosity of all those who contributed to our annual scholarship fund, and we’re delighted to make these awards to children from Maine fishing families”. For more information about the Maine Fishermen’s Forum and its Scholarship Fund, please visit https://mainefishermensforum.org/education/scholarships/ 08:07

Lifeboats and helicopter race to rescue mission off west Wales coast

Four lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were involved in a mercy mission to a stricken fishing vessel off the west Wales coast yesterday (Friday, March 8). The five-hour operation coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard, got underway shortly before midday when the Irish fishing vessel, the Shauna Leon, reported she was taking on water. The Wexford-registered boat, with five people on board, was 24 nautical miles north-west of Strumble Head, Fishguard. photos, more, >>click to read<< 06:53