Tag Archives: Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland

Corporate Menhaden Harvesting Off Coast Raises Concerns For Local Sport fishermen

menhadenDead fish washing up on Ocean City beaches, a reduced inshore recreational fishery and a diminished stock of the most important species in the ecological food chain are just a few of the impacts likely caused by a large commercial menhaden processer off the coast of the resort in recent weeks, but, for now, it appears there is no immediate way to stop it. (When I read stuff like this, I can tell the direction the article is headed.) According to Captain Jeremy Blunt of the sportfishing boat Wrecker out of the Ocean City Fishing Center, the Omega Protein’s mega-purse-seining operation has been working off the coast for at least the last week. “We’ve seen them off and on over the last week or so as we head out and come in,” said Blunt. “They aren’t allowed to work in state waters in Maryland, so they are hanging just outside the three-mile line. They are working up and down just out the three-mile line well aware of the boundary for state waters.” (They are fishing in compliance of the regulations) Read the story here, and hold your nose! 13:13

Watermen pack legislative hearing as Oyster study debate heats up in Maryland

DWH1604_223326Oyster season may be done for now, but the debate rages on in Maryland over the future management of the Chesapeake Bay’s iconic shellfish. Watermen and seafood industry representatives packed a legislative hearing room in Annapolis on Tuesday seeking to head off legislation that would require a study to determine sustainable harvest rates for oysters. Accusations of political chicanery, bias and deception flew during a four-hour hearing before the House Environment and Transportation Committee, leaving some lawmakers baffled. Read the rest here 18:21

Proposed Maryland oyster study draws watermen’s ire

A bill heard this week by a Senate committee would require scientists to determine a sustainable rate of harvest. But it has drawn the ire of watermen and the seafood industry, who contend such a study is unnecessary and a threat to their livelihood. Supporters of the legislation, including environmentalists and recreational anglers, warned Tuesday that despite a population surge the past few years, the state’s oysters may be at risk of overfishing. That could have dire consequences, they said. Oysters are not only the state’s second most valuable commercial fishery, they also help clean the Chesapeake’s water and provide vital habitat for other fish. The bill, introduced by Sen. Roger Manno, a Montgomery County Democrat. Read the rest here 14:08