Daily Archives: March 5, 2025
Classic boat review: Atlas CN 258
When John Watt took over premises in Macduff and changed the firm’s name to Macduff Boatbuilding and Engineering Company in 1966 to enable 80ft vessels to be built, he probably didn’t realise that smaller boats were, for some years, going to be his bread and butter. One of these was the Atlas, built for William (Billy) West and partners of Macduff in 1973. This was to be a replacement for Ocean Crest BF 116, which they then sold after the new boat was launched. First registered as BF 182, her original engine was a Caterpillar 240hp. At just under 50ft registered length, she stayed within the 25GRT regulations. She paired-trawled with the red- painted Helenus UL 33 for many years. Sometime in the 1980s they replaced the whaleback with a full shelterdeck, covering her in entirely. Excellent photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:41
A Watchdog Group Told People to Not Buy Maine Lobster. Now It’s Facing a Lawsuit.
A lawsuit related to Maine’s lobster industry is no longer stuck in the claws of the legal system. A federal judge recently ruled that the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and others can proceed with their defamation suit against the nonprofit Seafood Watch, The New York Times reported on Monday. The lobstermen’s group initially sued the nonprofit, which is run by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, almost two years ago, following Seafood Watch’s downgrading of Maine lobster from yellow to red in its sustainability ratings. “This ruling is a crucial step in holding the Monterey Bay Aquarium accountable for misleading statements that have unfairly targeted our industry,” Patrice McCarron, the executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, said in a statement. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:49
Bermagui boat wreck salvage ‘complex’, clean-up likely to take weeks
The fallout from fishing vessel F/V Volition running aground at Bermagui’s Dickinson Point will likely continue for some time. Bermagui’s main beach in town, Horseshoe Bay, was closed when the boat ran aground in the early hours of 27 February (Thursday) due to pollution concerns. There is debris in the ocean and washed up on beaches as far north as near Camel Rock, and people reported the strong smell of diesel. Horseshoe Bay beach reopened to the public at 2:15 pm on 4 March (Tuesday). Marine Rescue and NSW Water Police responded to the mayday call issued from the vessel. All four men on board made it safely back to shore. They are said to be shocked and devastated. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:38
Berth control: NL fish harvesters hope there’s room for everyone at Little Port amid cargo ship salvage
Some fish harvesters in the outer Bay of Islands are wondering how their livelihoods might be affected by the ongoing situation with the grounded cargo ship in Cedar Cove. The MSC Baltic III lost power and ran ashore in the cove, also known as Wild Cove, in the early morning hours of Feb. 15, 2025. For fish harvesters, Little Port is a crucial area. It’s where they base their fishing enterprises, including landing their catches and tying up when not at sea pursuing their respective quotas. John Gilbert of Humber Arm South is the skipper of a crew of five that catches crab, lobster and halibut. He is also a fleet representative for FFAW-Unifor, the union representing inshore fish harvesters and plant workers. He said harvesters have no real contingency plan if they can’t use Little Port. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:10
Canadian tariffs would ‘cripple’ Maine lobster industry, state’s top fisheries leader says
Maine’s outgoing commissioner of marine resources is warning about the dire impacts of newly imposed tariffs on Canadian imports. Maine sends about $200 million worth of lobster each year to Canada, where it’s processed and sent back to the U.S. or to third markets. Marine Resources Commission Pat Keliher said the tariffs could trigger major cuts in what Maine lobstermen are paid for their catch that could “cripple” the state’s iconic fishery. “The only way for this to be made up on the cost perspective is at the boat price,” Keliher said Tuesday during an appearance on Maine Calling. “So I am very concerned that going into this year, that we are going to see all time low boat prices. And… with the declining volume of lobster, we will see, potentially hundreds of people going out of business because of these tariffs.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:50
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 73’X 20′ Steel Stern Trawler w/Federal & State Permits
To review specifications, information, with 45 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< o6:38
