Tag Archives: UMass School for Marine Science and Technology
UMass Dartmouth awarded $1M for scallop, flounder fisheries research
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth scientists will receive $1 million in federal research funds to improve management of the scallop and flounder fisheries.The funding, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast Fisheries Science Center and New England Fishery Management Council Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program, was awarded last week to the researchers at the UMass School for Marine Science and Technology.Projects will focus on bycatch reduction, scallop biomass and improving the understanding of scallop biology. The scallop survey research will be led by Kevin Stokesbury, while Daniel Georgiana will expand on previous sea scallop gray-meat research. Link 11:51
2017-2018 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Recommended Awards Announced – Click here to read about the projects
Video fish survey simple in concept, challenging in execution
In a multi-media world, conducting fishery stock assessment surveys was stuck in the early 20th century until Dr. Kevin Stokesbury came along.The marine scientist at the UMass School for Marine Science and Technology concluded more than a decade ago that if he could do it using underwater cameras, he could be far more accurate than bottom trawls using questionable net gear in questionable ways. The result is the booming scallop industry, confidently and sustainably fishing thanks to the process of photographing and literally counting the scallops on the ocean floor. They were abundant almost beyond belief. Read the rest here 11:48
Massachusetts Fishing Partnership – Safety training for SouthCoast fishermen an eye-opener
Thirty-three fishermen and SMAST students and staff tried out, for the first time for many of them, fire extinguishers, flares, bailout pumps, life rafts and survival suits — all at no charge to them. With thanks to the Massachusetts Fishing Partnership. Read more here 09:17
Fisheries Survival Fund takes aim at yellowtail flounder stock assessments that are “deeply flawed” and unsuitable for use as a regulatory tool.
The Fisheries Survival Fund wrote to NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Director Dr. Bill Karp. It said the uncertainty factor in the assessments is so great that they are effectively useless. more@southcoasttoday 20:27
‘Those who are up top are the ones who are winning’
NEW BEDFORD — While not yet feeling the force of new regulations, fishermen in Southern New England are worried about the effects the new regulations will have on their livelihoods this year. For those working the high seas, the new rules are causing problems.“The problem is that for fishermen it’s a black and white issue,” said Dr. Brian Rothschild, former Dean of the UMass School for Marine Science and Technology. “The regulations are grayer than fishermen need them to be.” continued@ojournal
Somethin’ just ain’t right! Fisheries institute revamp removes Rothschild
DARTMOUTH — A revamp of the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute will mean that acclaimed marine scientist Dr. Brian Rothschild at UMass Dartmouth will be out as co-director after 10 years. UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman on Wednesday announced the changes, which were proposed by the UMass President’s Office. It will consolidate the institute at the UMass School for Marine Science and Technology in New Bedford. It is now part of the president’s office…..The new arrangement would place the SMAST dean, Dr. Steve Lohrenz, as co-director along with Paul Diodati from Marine Fisheries. Lohrenz will be the conduit between the state and the UMass campuses.
Rothschild would be out, and that has some of his colleagues angry.
“I don’t understand the argument,” said Dr. Dan Georgianna, a professor of economics who has worked closely with Rothschild at UMass Dartmouth. “The MFI has published 200 review publications. The MFI has been very successful in the scallop fishery and in groundfish. It’s been very successful.” Now, “the person who caused the success is being replaced. I think it’s going to result in a decline in fisheries science. It’s going to affect the fishing community. Brian’s got a zillion awards.”……. When contacted, Rothschild said he would not comment for now.
Rothschild has been especially high-profile in public in recent years. He serves as chairman of the mayor’s Fishery Advisory Council, and was deeply involved in the fight against the switch to catch shares and sector management in the Northeast fishery.
He has also been highly critical of government-sponsored fishery research methods.
He has published five books and more than 100 papers and has affiliations with researchers at institutions around the world.
In addition, he has been suggested as a replacement for outgoing NOAA administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121214/NEWS/212140357/-1/NEWS
