Daily Archives: January 7, 2025
COMMENTARY: Bringing peace to Atlantic lobster fisheries, By Geoffrey V. Hurly
The ongoing controversy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishing interests is centred over equity in fishing rights. Indigenous groups claim that their treaty rights (signed in the 18th century) allow them to fish lobster (or any other species for that matter) anytime of the year, including outside the regulated fishing seasons imposed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Non-Indigenous harvesters argue that Indigenous people should not have the right to catch and sell lobsters at a time of year when commercial fishermen don’t. They worry about their own livelihood if lobsters are fished out of season during their moulting breeding time. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:39
Tough economic season for Lowcountry shrimpers, who say they are already struggling
“Mild winters are what I pray for,” says Craig Reeves, owner of Sea Eagle Market. However, a mild winter isn’t what’s forecasted for January, and this is creating anxiety for shrimpers across the state. Reaves warns, “If we get to 48 or below, it’s like a critical temperature where we can start having some issues.” That cold weather could put an early end to the season, and with it, a major setback for an already struggling industry. Since 2021, shrimpers have faced a series of tough challenges. High fuel prices and the rising competition from imported shrimp from overseas. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:44
Local fishermen fight for survival and infrastructure in changing San Diego waters
In the early morning hours, as most San Diegans prepare for their daily commute, Mario and Jordan Souza set out on a different kind of journey. The father-son duo boards their boat, the Extremis, to continue a family tradition that spans generations. “Welcome to the office,” Mario says as he gestures to their vessel and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before them. The Souza’s story is about resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for the sea. Jordan, who started in the fishing industry at the age of eleven, recalls his father taking him fishing as a toddler. They come from three generations of fishermen and remember the glory days of San Diego’s fishing industry well. Photos, Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:09
Experienced Fisherman Dies of Hypothermia in English Channel Rescue
Last weekend, an experienced fisherman went over the side of a commercial trawler in the English Channel and died of hypothermia, according to local media. Glenn Vandewalle, 50, was a lifelong fisherman and a crewmember aboard the beam trawler Jerki Z-45. On Saturday, the vessel was operating about 12 nautical miles off Eastbourne, England in rough weather when Vandewalle fell over the side. His crewmates initiated a rescue and called the UK Coastguard for help. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station in Eastborne received the call just before midnight and quickly dispatched their volunteer-crewed response boat, the Esme Anderson, to join the search. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:45
Fishermen may not like offshore wind, but some work for it
The blue-hulled scalloper, built in 1997, started out as a tender boat, transporting loads of fish between vessels and processing facilities. After a few years catching tuna, the vessel brought in over a million pounds of scallops over its life. But times, regulations and fish stocks have changed. The bivalves are still relatively lucrative, but vessels have spent more and more days sitting at the docks while expenses have risen. So two years ago, Alvernaz, the part-owner of six scallopers, put aside his personal feelings and did something he never thought he’d do: He signed up to work for an offshore wind company. In about two years, Vineyard Wind has paid about $8 million to local fishermen and vessel owners — many from New Bedford, like Alvernaz — to provide safety and security work during the wind farm’s construction (a figure that includes fuel costs). Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:16
