Daily Archives: May 14, 2025
Kodiak fisherman sentenced to prison for directing illegal transport of crab from Alaska
A Kodiak fisherman was sentenced today to one year in prison and will serve two years on supervised release for leading a plan to illegally transport crab from Alaska to Washington on two crab catcher vessels, in violation of the Lacey Act. In February and March 2024, Corey Potter, 64, owned and operated two crab catcher vessels and harvested Tanner and golden king crab in the waters of Southeast Alaska on those vessels. The vessels were captained and operated by co-defendants, Kyle Potter, 30, and Justin Welch, 34. Corey Potter directed Kyle Potter and Welch to transport their harvest of live crab to Seattle, where they intended to sell it for a higher price than they would receive in Alaska. Before leaving Alaska, neither vessel landed their harvest at a port nor reported the harvest on a fish ticket, which all three defendants knew was a requirement under state law. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:26
US Wind proposes $20M deal to aid fishermen amid offshore wind plans
Offshore wind developer US Wind has announced a proposed $20 million investment to support commercial fishing operations in Maryland and Delaware, as part of agreements with each state’s environmental agencies. The memoranda of understanding with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control aim to address concerns from the local fishing industry as offshore wind development takes place off the coast. “This proposal, one of the biggest investments in commercial fishing in the region, demonstrates our commitment to the fishing industry and the local community in which we’ll operate,” said Jeffrey Grybowski, US Wind CEO. “The funding will provide direct support to commercial and charter fishermen, grants for local businesses, and support for harbor maintenance and infrastructure. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with local fishermen and the states of Maryland and Delaware to finalize this unprecedented agreement.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:56
U.S. food producers celebrate tariffs, urge more for imported seafood, honey
Many U.S. farmers seem prepared to endure short-term trade challenges for the prospect of long-term benefits, particularly in dealings with China. Perhaps none are more prepared for that trade than shrimpers. On Monday, a coalition representing four major American food industries relayed that confidence, urging President Donald Trump to impose targeted tariffs on imported honey, catfish, crawfish and shrimp. They warn that continued inaction on unfair trade could devastate domestic producers and threaten imported. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10″55
AWARDS 2024 | Best Prawn Trawler – Forever Faithful – Macduff Ship Design & Macduff Shipyards
Having followed the design and construction of Scottish fishing boats for the past half century, it has been interesting and impressive to follow their evolution and refinement. The ancestry and DNA of Forever Faithful is obvious and has led to this latest iteration of a chunky, solid, seaworthy and effective trawler to work the wild waters to the north of Scotland. “It was designed in collaboration with Macduff Shipyards, with the Wolfson Unit in Southampton being commissioned to run a case study of two hull forms utilising CFD technology,” Ian Ellis, Managing Director of Macduff Ship Design, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:42
Mexican fishermen indicted for illegal red snapper harvesting in U.S. waters
A Brownsville grand jury has indicted a crew of four men from Matamoros, Mexico, for unlawfully transporting fish taken from the Gulf of America, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Previously arrested upon the filing of a criminal complaint, Miguel Angel Ramirez-Vidal, 32, Jesus David Luna-Marquez, 20, Jesus Roberto Morales-Amador, 27, and Jose Daniel Santiago-Mendoza, 22, are expected appear for their arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt May 22 at 1:45 p.m. On April 17, the crew of four allegedly attempted to transport and export roughly 315 kilograms of red snapper illegally taken from U.S. waters. The charges allege they intended to sell the fish in Mexico. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:32
Fishers see rough start to spring lobster season
The first week of the 2025 spring lobster season wasn’t a good one, as fishers saw their season begin with low catches. “Oh, it’s bad. I’d say it’s down over half,” said Brian Matthews, a fisher in Northport, comparing the beginning of this year’s season with how things were at the start of the 2024 spring season. “We’re hoping next week it will pick up.” One theory behind the low catches is the fact that waters along the fishing grounds in LFA 24 are colder than they were last year, which could be keeping lobster at bay. “I think it affected it a little bit, the cold water. The weather wasn’t great,” said Davy Callaghan, who fishes out of Jude’s Point in Tignish. “Compared to last year, I’m down, but not crazy. But I think going early might have had something to do with it.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:44
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 38′ H&H Lobster/Scallop Boat, 425HP John Deere 6090 Diesel
To review specifications, information, with 12 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:29
