Daily Archives: December 31, 2024
d’Entremont talks fishery mismanagement, violence in Clare
The MP for West Nova says fishery disputes were top of mind in 2024. Conservative Chris d’Entremont says the federal government has mismanaged the herring and elver fishery and have not been properly enforcing illegal lobster fishing in Clare. He says Minister Diane Lebouthillier is too worried about her own riding in Quebec. “Fishery-wise, 2024 wasn’t the year we wanted. I was hoping we’d have some ears that would listen to us. We continue to get pushed aside for political reasons,” said d’Entremont. d’Entremont says southwest Nova didn’t get a cent out of Small Craft Harbour funding, with 60-70 percent of it going to the minister’s riding. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:50
Retired Lobsterman Arnold “Joe” Alvin Nickerson III of Kennebunkport, Me. has passed away
Arnold “Joe” Alvin Nickerson III peacefully passed away on December 25, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. He was a loving father who cherished his grandchildren, a caring brother and uncle, and admired by all who knew him. Joe was born on December 8, 1934, in Amherst, MA, to Arnold and Anna (Ashman) Nickerson Jr. He grew up in North Amherst, MA, helping on the Ashman family farm. His Uncle Stanley nicknamed him “Hey Joe,” and the name stuck. He shared a special bond with his Lithuanian grandmother, Caroline “Bobute” Ashman. Summers often found him in Cape Porpoise, visiting his grandparents Arnold Sr. and Verna (Fisher), where his love for the ocean began. By age five, he was lobstering with his father and grandfather. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:50
The Dark Side “Green” Energy Make Nuclear Power the Obvious Choice for Maine’s Future
Maine has been treated to a near non-stop barrage of demands that we acquiesce to the lucrative demands of the Nuclear Power and solar panel lobbies for the sake of saving the environment. As the 132nd Legislature begins to consider the likely slew of proposals related to industrialized Nuclear Power and a further expansion of the farm-land devouring solar subsidy program, we must keep in mind the health implications as well as the theoretical benefits. As a member of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee, I am compelled to highlight the potential risks these technologies pose to our environment and public health, risks that demand a serious reconsideration of Maine’s current energy policies. Offshore wind turbines, often hailed as a green solution, are shedding microplastics into our marine environments. In some cases, such as with the recent 300-foot Vineyard Wind turbine blade that exploded near Cape Cod, the pollution is obvious. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< by Reagan Paul 10:27
Alaska: Sen. Stevens says more details forthcoming on state insurance pool for commercial fishermen
One of the ideas rising to the top of the Alaska Seafood Task Force’s forthcoming recommendations is an insurance pool for commercial fishermen. The state legislative task force plans to release a full list of a dozen potential bills next month to address a downturn in the seafood market. But the group’s chairperson shared some information in advance with the Kodiak Fisheries Work Group on Dec. 18. State Senator Gary Stevens of Kodiak told members of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly and City Council that he would like to use a model the Alaska Municipal League is using for sharing its communities’ insurance costs. This is known as the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association (AMLJIA), which is a self-insurance pool owned and paid for by the municipalities and school districts that make up its membership. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:53
Vineyard Wind and DOJ dispute ACK For Whales Supreme Court case
ACK For Whales is steadfast in their belief that their case against Vineyard Wind and federal agencies should be heard by the Supreme Court. Judges at the state and federal level have already dismissed their arguments in court twice the last two years, but that doesn’t mean their case doesn’t deserve to be heard by the highest court in the land, according to court filings from the local opposition group filed earlier this month. “That this petition focuses on only one aspect of the agency’s shortcomings . . . its failure to consider the cumulative impacts of other known, authorized, planned, and soon-to-be-approved projects—does not render this petition unworthy of review by (the Supreme Court). And that the First Circuit gave short shrift to (ACK For Whales’) arguments, including this one, equally does not render this petition unworthy of review,” reads a reply to critiques from federal agencies and Vineyard Wind filed Dec. 20. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:22
Looe RNLI volunteer recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours
David Haines, former Lifeboat Operations Manager at Looe RNLI who has dedicated over 30 years to the RNLI, has been recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours for his role in helping the charity save lives at sea. David is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the RNLI. His citation reads: ‘a humble hero whose legacy transcends accolades, his selfless devotion is an inspiration to everyone in guaranteeing a path of service, courage, and kindness for generations to come.’ From the moment Looe Lifeboat Station reopened its doors in 1992, David has provided selfless service and steadfast commitment to saving lives at sea. Over the past three decades, he has held volunteer roles across all levels within the station, initially as lifeboat crew and then helm, before stepping into the pivotal role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at a time when the station needed strong leadership and stability. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:01