Daily Archives: December 21, 2024
Farmer who became seafood champion takes on new roles in fishing industry
For complicated reasons, UK seafood has become marginalized in its home market. Despite a stunning coastline filled with a rich array of sea species, the UK exports much of its own fish produce to countries which appreciate it – only to import vast amounts of seafood for home consumption from abroad. It’s a conundrum which has vexed Mike Warner, founder of A Passion for Seafood, for many years. In the UK, we stick largely to what we know – cod, haddock, farmed salmon, tinned tuna and prawns – most of which is sourced from abroad. Meanwhile there are 40 to 50 commercial marine species which UK consumers largely ignore, and which instead make their way to high-class continental restaurants and to grateful seafood connoisseurs. “We have got a paradox in this country that we export 80% of what we catch and import 80% of what we consume,” he says. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:09
Trawlers applaud rejection of efforts to ban PWS trawling
Members of the Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance are applauding an Alaska Board of Fisheries decision made in Cordova in opposition to a proposed ban on trawling in Prince William Sound. In a statement issued on Dec. 16 from Cordova, the Alliance cited the board’s decision as a “collaborative victory for science-based fisheries management, sustainable fishing practices, and Alaska’s coastal communities.” “It was also a profound moment of solidarity for sustainable fisheries among stakeholders who sometimes compete for resources in these challenging economic times,” the Alliance said. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:37
Lost at Sea
When a group of seven fishermen went missing off the northeast coast of Newfoundland in July, the small community of New-Wes-Valley was gripped with dread. Coast Guard captain Colin Roul describes the waters around Newfoundland and Labrador as dangerous and unforgiving. “Usually, when you hear distress situations like this, where no sign or sound was heard from these guys, yeah, the outcome is bleak,” he said. As 24 hours turned to 36, then 48, not much hope remained. “We knew this was going to be a regional funeral,” said Michael Tiller, mayor of New-Wes-Valley, where five of the seven men were from. “The food was ready. The place was booked. We were ready to help this town go through one of the worst disasters that it could ever go through. “But then, news of the nearly impossible — the men were found in a raft about 270 kilometres from shore. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:43
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California Dungeness crab opening date announced
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday it will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino County line to the U.S./Mexico border starting on Jan. 5. A pre-soak when crab pots can be baited in the water will begin at 8:01 a.m. Jan. 2 before the fishery opens at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 5. This area (Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6) will be subject to a 50 percent trap reduction. The trap reduction is expected to reduce entanglement risk for humpback whales by decreasing the amount of gear and vertical lines in the water. The Dungeness crab season in the Northern Management Area (Zones 1 and 2, California/Oregon Border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) will be further delayed due to the inability to conduct industry-sponsored meat quality testing. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:33