Daily Archives: August 21, 2024
US Wind to offer compensation package to local fishermen
This week, US Wind’s senior director of external affairs, Nancy Sopko, confirmed that the company is developing a mitigation program for commercial and for-hire recreational fishermen. The announcement comes a week after the Worcester County Commissioners shared concerns about a potential agreement. “US Wind is adopting a compensation program to benefit commercial and for-hire recreational fishermen, a measure BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) recognized as effective in our FEIS (Federal Environmental Impact Statement),” Sopko said. “US Wind and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources signed a Letter of Intent in July 2024 to develop a fisheries compensatory mitigation program by early 2025. Such a mitigation program could include financial assistance, assistance with equipment upgrades or training, and other services. We look forward to working with the state on outreach to the fishing community to further develop details of this mitigation program.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 18:09
Feds say SC boat owner may face prison for catching too many fish, then concealing it
A South Carolina fisherman has been indicted by a federal grand jury after authorities say he exceeded the number of fish he was legally allowed to catch, then attempted to conceal his actions. One count in the indictment charges Don Michael Rynn with submitting a trip report with a lower number of fish than he actually caught to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Another count charges him with lying to a federal agent, falsely telling the agent that various fish he caught were contaminated with oil and he disposed of them by putting them in a dumpster. The fish were snowy grouper and tilefish, according to the indictment. A third count charges him with falsifying records in a federal investigation. Maximum punishment in this case is a fine up to $250,000 and 20 years in prison. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:38
Canadian government to build conservation hatchery in Prince George to boost Chinook and sockeye salmon recovery
The Canadian federal government has announced plans to build a new Pacific salmon hatchery in Prince George, British Columbia (B.C.). This initiative, supported by the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI), aims to bolster the conservation and recovery of wild Chinook and sockeye salmon populations. Operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Canfor Pulp Ltd., the hatchery will be constructed this fall on federal land along the Nechako River, near its junction with the Fraser River. “As a Nation, fisheries are central to the work we do,” said Chief Dolleen Logan, on behalf of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “We remain committed to maintaining biodiversity in our traditional territory while enhancing salmon populations throughout the region.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:02
Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers Welcome Representation on NPFMC
In a significant development for the Alaska Bering Sea crab industry, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce has announced the appointment of Jamie Goen, a dedicated advocate from the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers (ABSC) to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC). Goen will fill the vacant Washington state seat for the remainder of the term, following the unexpected passing of former member Kenny Down. This appointment marks a two-year term where Goen is expected to continue the work of ensuring fair and sustainable fisheries management. Goen’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the crab fishing community, which has long valued her commitment to the industry. more, >>CLICK TO READ<<10:30
New Jersey Residents opposing power cables: Don’t make us Guinea Pigs
When wind power is generated, it needs to go somewhere. And residents of southern Monmouth County say right now, they’re in the line of fire, as plans call for much of the energy produced by an offshore wind project — located nowhere near the county’s coast — to come ashore in Monmouth County and run underneath a handful of municipalities. “I think we still have time to fight this,” said Glenn Hughes, a founding member of the group Stop the High-Risk Power Cables. According to locals, contractors have already begun visiting the area to finalize their bids for a project to install the wind power transmission cables underground. The bids are due by the end of September. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:06
Sitka mariner dies in engine room accident
A Sitka fisherman died on Monday (8-19-24), after an accident in the engine room of his boat. Alaska State Troopers report that 75-year-old Barry McKee was fishing aboard his troller Lisa Jean in the vicinity of Salisbury Sound, about 20 miles northwest of Sitka, when he became entangled in mechanical gear below decks and was killed. McKee’s crewman was uninjured in the incident. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:45
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 68′ Gamage Steel Dragger, 3412 Cat, Permits available
To review specifications, information, and 21 photos’, >click here< To see all the boats in this series, >click here< 06:23
