Daily Archives: January 3, 2025
Fishing vessel runs aground on Cape Cod beach: Officials on the scene
A fishing vessel ran aground on the beach approximately one mile north of Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, according to a release from the Wellfleet Fire Department. Fire personnel were dispatched to the area shortly before 9 a.m. on Friday. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England identified the boat as the Guardian, a 70-foot fishing vessel. According to a release from the Coast Guard, the “vessel did not incur any damage, and no pollution has resulted or been at the site of the grounding.” Five crew members were aboard the boat at the time. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ< 17:43
REMINDER: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Chapter 25.76 Lobster Minimum Size
Attention all lobster harvesters and dealers: The Maine Department of Marine Resources has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for: Chapter 25.76 Lobster Minimum Size. A brief summary: This proposed rulemaking incorporates the minimum lobster size required by Addendum XXVII: Increasing Protection of the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank Spawning Stock that was originally approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) in May 2023. In October 2024 Addendum XXXI postponed the implementation of certain measures from Addendum XXVII to July 1, 2025. For compliance with the current Interstate Fisheries Management Plan, this regulation implements changing the minimum size of lobster from 3 ¼ inches to 3 5/16 inches, effective July 1, 2025. >>CLICK TO READ<< the full notice. 14:25
USCG Safety Alert: Mind Your Lifesaving Equipment Stowage
Two recent marine casualties on commercial fishing vessels (CFVs) highlighted hazardous stowage conditions that rendered onboard lifesaving equipment ineffective. During the first incident, a 41-foot CFV capsized and sank within two minutes after taking on water. The personal flotation devices (PFDs) were not stored in an easily accessible location, preventing the crew from retrieving them before exiting the vessel. For the second incident, a 60-foot CFV caught fire, forcing the crew to rapidly evacuate. Although the crew retrieved PFDs before abandoning the vessel, they were not readily accessible. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:45
2017–2025 North Atlantic Right Whale Unusual Mortality Event
Beginning in 2017, elevated mortalities in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) were documented in Canada and the United States and necessitated an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) be declared. The whales impacted by the UME include dead, injured, and sick individuals, who represent more than 20 percent of the population, which is a significant impact on an endangered species where deaths are outpacing births. Additionally, research demonstrates that only about 1/3 of right whale deaths are documented. The preliminary cause of mortality, serious injury, and morbidity (sublethal injury and illness) in most of these whales is from entanglements or vessel strikes. Endangered North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction. There are approximately 370 individuals remaining, including about 70 reproductively active females. Human impacts continue to threaten the survival of this species. The many individual whales involved in the UME are a significant setback to the recovery of this endangered species. Links, graphics, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:29
Memories of a wilder time come alive inside Karumba’s Animal Bar
Crocodiles thrown at barmaids, a weapon drawn over a bad prawn deal, and a heist orchestrated on Mother’s Day. It’s the stuff of fiction, at least you’d think so, if not for the hundreds of pub-goers who lived to tell the tales of one infamous outback watering hole. Found in the belly of Karumba — a tiny seaside fishing village nestled in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria — the Animal Bar has a storied history that most locals would be happy to share over a cold one. Opened in 1974, if the graffiti-covered pub walls could talk, they might explain why, back in the old days, every bit of furniture was bolted to the floor, including the ashtrays. Commercial fisherman John Kemeridis remembers the Animal Bar glory days fondly after making Karumba his home almost five decades ago. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:24
Tory MPs issue Brexit warning over EU attempts to tear apart fishing agreement
Tory MPs have warned the EU is attempting to undermine British sovereignty by trying to tear Brexit fishing agreements apart. Danish fishermen have successfully convinced the EU to launch an arbitration tribunal against the UK in a bid to gain access to fishing the species in English and Scottish waters. Sir Bernard Jenkin MP said: “The EU cannot accept British sovereignty over our waters, and Labour seems all too ready to concede this. While the EU talks tough on ocean conservation, it has a shocking record and shows no signs of improvement. So this is a challenge to the UK’s ability to protect the marine environment and to create sustainable fisheries. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:03
