Daily Archives: February 18, 2025
Scientists at U.S. weather forecasting agency ordered to get clearance before talking to Canadian counterparts
Travelling for international meetings or even joining a call with Canadian counterparts has become impossible for some U.S. government scientists, under new directives since U.S. President Donald Trump took office. Canadian ecologist Aaron Fisk says he recently tried to set up a virtual call to discuss plans with American colleagues, including a government scientist, around sampling fish. “We tried to have a quick meeting with one of our collaborators … and they were denied access,” Fisk said. Given that the Great Lakes — and their aquatic life — straddle both sides of the border, having American scientists suddenly barred from meetings has had deep impacts. That, combined with funding freezes, is drastically altering the way science works in North America, at least for now. Fisk, who is the Canada Research Chair in Changing Great Lakes Ecosystems at the University of Windsor, receives funding from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for his work. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 19:44
Maine Dept. of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher to retire in mid-March
2023, Commissioner Patrick Keliher (left) presents the annual DMR Andy Mays Award of Excellence to Friendship fisherman James “Jimmy” Wotton, of Friendship.
Governor Janet Mills said Feb. 18 that Patrick Keliher, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), will retire from his position on March 14. “After nearly 14 years of dealing with the challenges facing Maine’s marine resources it’s not the issues I remember most, it’s the people,” said Keliher, in a release from the Governor’s office. “The issues facing the marine sector are ones not easily solved, which means rolling up your sleeves and having tough conversations about how people make a living on the water and about what Maine has to offer. Through the good times and the bad, I have made lasting friendships up and down the coast. This work and the success of the DMR was made possible only through the hard work and dedication of our employees. I leave this job humbled by these friendships and by my extraordinarily talented staff who I was blessed to work with every day.” Keliher is the longest-serving commissioner in the history of DMR. He was re-appointed by Governor Mills as DMR Commissioner in 2019, after serving in the position since 2012. much more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:12
Southern crayfish industry impacted by Australia’s re-entry into Chinese market
The re-entry of Australian rock lobster into the Chinese market has adversely impacted on the southern rock lobster industry, with prices decreasing, an industry leader says. Australia was banned from exporting lobster and several other products to China in 2020, soon after then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. However, in late 2024 China told Australia the live rock lobster trade could resume. Kathryn Bell, chief executive of the Cra8 Rock Lobster Industry Association which encompasses the lower South Island and south Westland, said in just five weeks 1500 tonnes of Australian lobster had entered the Chinese market — more than half of New Zealand’s total commercial catch for the year. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:46
Will the tariff tiff tear at the fabric of Canada-U.S. seafood trade?
From snow crab and lobster to Pacific salmon, seafood is a trade driver between Canada and the United States. This cross-border commerce has mutually benefited the two nations, but rising trade tensions now threaten this critical supply chain. This month, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders imposing broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, its top trading partners. With a trade war still looming, the seafood sector faces uncertainty over pricing, market access and job security. Across Canada, industry leaders are bracing for economic fallout as possible tariffs could disrupt the flow of seafood between the two nations. The seafood trade between Canada and the United States generates billions in revenue annually, benefiting both countries. Canada imported (U.S.) $3.1 billion worth of seafood in 2023 alone, with the United States supplying the largest share at $1 billion – making up 31 percent of Canada’s total seafood imports. On the flip side, the United States imported more than $3.6 billion in seafood products from Canada, making it the country’s largest supplier. more, >>CLICK TO READ<<< 10:39
Climbing whale deaths sparks questions over offshore wind
A 20-foot dead whale washed up on Quonnie Beach in Charlestown in December, becoming one of several stranded whales found on beaches in Southern New England in 2024. It’s a trend that scientists have been watching over the past decade, when whale deaths started to drastically increase in the region. Every time a whale dies, hundreds of online comments blame offshore wind farms as the reason behind the death. University of Rhode Island Emeritus Marine Research Scientist Robert Kenney says there’s no evidence to back those claims. Last year alone, 28 dead whales washed ashore in Rhode Island and Massachusetts combined, compared to 16 in 2023, two in 2022, and 18 in 2021. Video, photos, more. >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:25
On Louisiana’s coast, communities embrace ‘Gulf of America’ rebrand
Sitting in the business office next to his boat dock and shrimp processing plant, David Chauvin couldn’t be more excited about the Gulf of Mexico’s rebrand to the Gulf of America. Chauvin is already scrawling Gulf of America on his seafood companies’ invoices. Last week, he submitted a trademark application for a new Gulf of America logo he plans to use on his shrimp packaging later this year. Chauvin’s life is intimately tied to, and almost entirely dependent on the gulf. His family businesses include David Chauvin Seafood, Bluewater Shrimp and Chicky Lou’s. They cover nearly all the stages of getting shrimp from the gulf to people’s plates. The companies sell fresh shrimp wholesale and through a retail store. They also peel, process and freeze shrimp, and supply shrimp boats with fuel and ice. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:18
