Tag Archives: scallop fishing industry
Maine Lawmakers ask NOAA about trouble in scallop fishing industry
Two lawmakers from Maine want to know what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is doing to address trouble in the Atlantic scallop fishing industry. U.S. Sen. Angus King, an independent, and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, say NOAA should work to ensure sustainability in the high-value fishery. A disagreement over the right to fish for the scallops has recently pitted small boats against big boats in the northern Gulf of Maine, a key fishing area. The federal government maintains different rules for the small- and big-boat fisheries, though they work some common areas. Pingree and King say they’ve heard concerns that the scallops are being overfished. They sent a letter to NOAA saying they’re concerned that an emergency action doesn’t seem to be on the table. Link 18:21
MSC certifies the scallop fishing industry in the United States as sustainable. Not all are impressed
The certification will allow the 14 member companies of the American Scallop Association to be able to display, for a fee, the blue MSC label on scallops from this fishery and to continue to sell to global customers who require proof of sustainability, according to an association news release. Maine scalloper Togue Brawn, who had brought a formal complaint to the MSC that was dismissed, issued a statement Thursday saying, “I am very disappointed that the Marine Stewardship Council would certify a fishery that contains no real measures to prevent overfishing in the Northern Gulf of Maine. This decision deals a significant blow to the integrity and validity of the MSC eco-label.” more@southcoasttoday 02:12
