Daily Archives: December 22, 2024
In the Pacific Northwest, killing sea lions is a necessity
Don’t let their adorable faces and playful personalities fool you: California and Steller sea lions are capable of having disastrous impacts on nonnative ecosystems. In places like the Columbia River Gorge, these so-called dogs of the sea have been encroaching on native fish habitats for decades. Making homes in the Pacific, in coastal areas like the beaches of California, Alaska and Japan, these sea lions especially thrive on the West Coast, where population numbers are estimated to have grown from 75,000 to 257,000 in the last 30 years. This population boom has meant increased nutritional needs, sending thousands of sea lions inland in search of prey. One of the easiest targets for sea lions is the Columbia River, one of North America’s largest rivers and a key migration route for North American fish. The picturesque river valley abounds with seafood, including 13 federally protected species. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:12
Southeast Alaska Tanner crab down, golden king crab up as next fishery approaches
Southeast Alaska’s next commercial golden king crab and Tanner crab fisheries will open on Feb. 17. The Tanner crab population is on a slight decline, whereas golden king crab is on track for an increased harvest. Recent Tanner crab stock surveys show less mature biomass compared to years prior. But according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the fishery can still expect a normal season, consistent with the past couple of decades. “The harvest has been steady for the last 25 years, pretty much, besides a couple years in 2007, 2008 where it kind of dipped down a little bit. But it hangs right around a million pounds every year, pretty consistently,” said Adam Messmer, Regional Shellfish Biologist for Fish and Game. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:44
End to lobster war with China could save Australia’s fishermen
In this part of the world, the small, spiny, clawless western rock lobsters — commonly known in Australia as crayfish — play a starring role on seafood platters. “It’s our busiest time of the year,” said James Paratore, a fisherman who will be among those selling the lobsters from the back of his boat on Monday with his father Joe in Fremantle, near Perth. While trade in the local delicacy picks up over the festive period, the fishing industry has struggled since losing its biggest customer by far: China. Four years ago, exports to the lucrative Chinese market were sealed off by a trade war. Now they are in a cautiously celebratory mood after Beijing confirmed on Friday its trade ban on Australian rock lobsters had officially been lifted. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:54
