For the first time since 2008, a politician from Newfoundland and Labrador will head up the country’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard. Joanne Thompson was sworn in as federal minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Ottawa in the cabinet of new Prime Minister Mark Carney. Thompson, the MP for St. John’s East, was first elected in September 2021. She was most recently Minister for Seniors under the former prime minister, Justin Trudeau. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:31Daily Archives: March 14, 2025
NL MP Joanne Thompson named Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Coast Guard
For the first time since 2008, a politician from Newfoundland and Labrador will head up the country’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard. Joanne Thompson was sworn in as federal minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Ottawa in the cabinet of new Prime Minister Mark Carney. Thompson, the MP for St. John’s East, was first elected in September 2021. She was most recently Minister for Seniors under the former prime minister, Justin Trudeau. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:31Rep. Paul Presents Bills to Protect Sears Island from Offshore Wind Development
Protecting Sears Island from exploitative development has been a mission of its Waldo County defenders for decades, and the latest leader in this effort wants to make sure that it is not turned into a port for controversial wind turbines. On Wednesday, the Maine’s Legislative Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held public hearings on Wednesday for two bills from Rep. Reagan Paul (R-Winterport) that would codify protections for Sears Island into law and prevent it from being developed for that offshore turbines that have raised the ire of fishermen up and down the coast. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:14
Fire levels Cape John Crabs and Seafood plant
Two fishermen wondered about the future the day after fire devastated the Cape John Crabs and Seafood plant. Wayne and Roy, who didn’t provide last names, said they both did business with the plant over the years and enjoyed a good relationship. “I guess we’ll have to find somewhere else now,” Wayne said March 13, adding he and his wife were coming from Tatamagouche and could easily see the flames rising in the air. “It didn’t take long,” added the veteran fisherman. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:23
Lifelong lobsterman Elmer R. Witham of Owls Head, Maine, has passed away
Elmer R. Witham passed away on March 3, 2025, at his home in Owls Head, surrounded by family. Elmer was born on Feb. 16, 1940, to the late Clayton R. Witham and Constance M. Gardner. He grew up in Rockland, attended local schools, and enjoyed a full social life until his later years. He began working as a lobsterman at a young age, and remained a lobsterman all of his working life, fishing the grounds around Large Green Island until health issues forced him into retirement. He never lost his drive and passion for lobstering. Even when his health no longer permitted him to work, he always followed the local lobster trade, catching up with the news of fellow lobstermen, and keeping an eye on the weather. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:015
Amid ‘shrimp fraud’ reports, Tampa Bay area shrimpers need support
When restaurants charge a premium for Gulf-caught shrimp and pocket the extra profit by serving farm-raised imported shrimp, they’re denying local shrimpers a fair income. A recent study by SeaD Consulting revealed that 42 out of 44 Tampa Bay area restaurants surveyed were falsely passing off imported shrimp as locally caught. Local shrimpers say the effects of this kind of shrimp fraud go beyond betrayed diners. Shrimper Merritt Joseph Latino has been in the business for over 17 years. On one arm, underneath an anchor tattoo, the words “shrimpin’ ain’t easy” are permanently emblazoned in ink. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:38
Snow crab now crab as FFAW and ASP show willingness to work together
A week of long days and almost around the clock negotiations has left the Fish, Food and Allied Workers union and the Association of Seafood Producers optimistic that a snow crab harvest will happen this year. “The FFAW and ASP have done an incredible job together to have constructive conversations at this point,” ASP executive director Jeff Loder said Wednesday. “Of course, until you get a deal, you have no deal. But I am cautiously optimistic that we are close.” The two sides are keen to negotiate a deal as soon as possible. A meeting with a price setting panel is scheduled for March 20 should the two sides not make an agreement by then. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:08
