Daily Archives: April 22, 2025
Little Lady Readies for Next Chapter
Little Lady, the last one-man, wooden western-rig dragger in New England that has been a fixture in Menemsha for three generations, is preparing for a new voyage: this time in education and historic preservation. The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust is working with Capt. Dennis Jason to buy and rebuild the iconic fishing vessel. The nonprofit trust, formed in 2011 to safeguard the Island’s fishing heritage, hopes to raise $2 million to pay for repairs amid plans to use the Little Lady for living historical and educational programs, including fishing. Photos, links, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:32
Alaska’s fishing industry sounds alarm over proposed NOAA cuts
The commercial fishing industry relies on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for everything from marine weather forecasts to fisheries data. But NOAA, which lost hundreds of employees in February when the Trump administration fired probationary staff, is in the administration’s crosshairs again, according to a preliminary budget proposal from the White House Office of Management and Budget. The budget calls for slashing NOAA’s funding by more than 27% for fiscal year 2026. It also restructures the agency’s fisheries division, shifting key responsibilities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Frank Kelty, a fisheries consultant and former Unalaska mayor, said big changes like these could have major consequences for commercial fishing in Alaska. “What are we going to do if we don’t have weather information?” he asked. “People are going to go out and get sunk.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:36
Fishing representatives brand fish-for-arms EU deal ‘absolutely ludicrous’
Fishing representatives have reacted with alarm to unconfirmed reports that the UK government is wagering access to British waters for an arms deal with the EU. After months of unease, reports first emerged over the weekend that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was closing in on access to a €150 billion EU defence fund — in return, at least in part, for a more generous, multi-year access arrangement for European fishermen. “If true, it is ludicrous that the UK government has caved in to French demands,” said Elspeth MacDonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishing Federation. “Absolutely ludicrous indeed,” said the Shetland Fishermen’s Association. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:44
Will offshore wind ever come to the Great Lakes?
Wind turbines in the Great Lakes have the potential to produce huge amounts of clean energy in one of the most populated regions in North America. But offshore wind has been banned by a moratorium in Ontario since 2011 and faces headwinds in the U.S. Still, the Ontario Clean Air Alliance thinks it’s time to reconsider, arguing offshore wind could end the province’s reliance on natural gas imports from the U.S. for its gas-powered generators at a time when the U.S. threatens Canada with punishing tariffs and talk of annexation. “Given that we’re in a sovereignty crisis and affordability crisis and a climate crisis,” said Jack Gibbons, the group’s chair, “this is a solution that can address all three of those crises and we should just be moving forward as quickly as possible.” Videos, photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:20
‘I’m happy it’s back on:’ Scallop fishing resumes along Northern Gulf of Maine
Scallop fishing is back after a brief pause. On April 11, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration paused scallop fishing along the Northern Gulf of Maine because regulators had not finalized catch limits for fishermen. The Northern Gulf of Maine regional area runs from Boston all the way to the Canadian border. The pause ended on Monday morning after the annual quota was decided at around 675,000 pounds. Togue Brawn, owner of Down East Day Boat, says these regulations are critical in preventing overharvesting. Video, Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:45
