
Fishing News 20230821-20230827

Fishing News 20230821-20230827 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
The Game and Fish Commission says that fishing will be free on August 23. (Fishing News 20230821-20230827)
August 21, 2023
(source: eldoradonews.com by ???)
During a regularly scheduled meeting at the AGFC Headquarters on Thursday, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) reached a unanimous decision that holds significant importance for fishing enthusiasts and the community at large. They have granted approval for a special occasion known as the “Free Fishing Day,” which is set to take place on August 23. On this designated day, a noteworthy change will be implemented in the fishing regulations of Arkansas – anyone interested will be permitted to engage in fishing activities without the requirement of possessing a fishing license or a trout permit.
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The origin of this exceptional opportunity can be traced back to a recent update made to the AGFC’s licensing system. Recognizing the need to enhance the experience of license procurement for individuals partaking in hunting and angling in Arkansas, the AGFC embarked on a collaborative effort with their license system vendor, PayIt Outdoors (formerly known as Sovereign Sportsman Solutions). This joint undertaking aimed to revamp the process through which licenses are obtained, ensuring greater convenience and accessibility for the state’s hunters and anglers.
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A significant aspect of this enhancement initiative involves a temporary alteration in the license purchasing procedure. Specifically, on the aforementioned date of August 23, the license-purchase system will undergo modifications that necessitate a brief period of unavailability. This short-lived interruption is imperative for the seamless transfer of essential data. As a result, individuals seeking to purchase or renew their licenses on this particular day will encounter a temporary hindrance.
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It is important to note that while the licensing system is undergoing its transitional phase on August 23, all other existing fishing regulations will remain fully intact. This means that the usual rules and guidelines governing fishing activities, aside from the necessity of a license or permit on this specific day, will continue to be in effect.
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In summation, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s unanimous endorsement of the special free fishing day on August 23 represents a significant step toward promoting engagement in outdoor recreational activities. This decision, stemming from the collaborative efforts between AGFC and PayIt Outdoors, aims to streamline the license procurement process for hunters and anglers in Arkansas.
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While this innovative enhancement may briefly interrupt the license-purchase system, it is ultimately geared towards facilitating a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all those who appreciate the state’s natural resources and the joys of fishing.
Norway makes new rules about how industrial fishers should take samples of their catches.
August 22, 2023
(source: seafoodsource.com by Chris Chase)
The sampling of industrial catches upon landing has undergone a significant transformation, courtesy of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries. Through the adoption of novel regulations, a fresh approach to managing this crucial aspect of the fishing industry has been introduced.
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These regulations, scheduled to take effect on the 1st of January in the year 2024, bear the primary objective of instilling a heightened level of oversight concerning the harvesting and landing of raw materials designated for the production of fishmeal and fish oil. This strategic move by the ministry is aimed at enhancing the control mechanisms surrounding these essential processes.
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A key feature of this regulatory overhaul is the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries’ commitment to fostering an environment of close collaboration and constructive communication. As the implementation of the new rules commences, there exists a provision for adaptive enforcement.
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This essentially implies that the application of these regulations during the initial phase will remain adaptable, with adjustments being made in accordance with the needs and circumstances identified through ongoing dialogues with stakeholders in the fishing industry. This flexibility underscores the ministry’s recognition of the dynamic nature of the fishing sector and its determination to strike a harmonious balance between regulations and industry realities.
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The scope of these innovative rules is primarily directed at industrial fisheries with a distinct focus on fish oil and fishmeal production. This category encompasses species that are typically characterized by high volume but are not conventionally consumed directly by humans. Notably, species such as blue whiting and North Sea herring are instrumental components of Norway’s fishmeal and fish oil production landscape. These species have historically played a vital role in supporting the production processes that underpin the industry’s operations.
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Nevertheless, the context within which these regulations emerge is underscored by concerns relating to the sustainability of certain species engaged in industrial reduction fisheries. Recent years have witnessed sustainability challenges faced by some of these species, thereby necessitating a proactive response from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.
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The ministry’s proactive stance is aligned with a larger mission to ensure that the quantification of the country’s catch is conducted with accuracy and integrity. By placing emphasis on precise measurement, the ministry endeavors to promote responsible practices within the fishing sector, safeguarding the marine ecosystem while maintaining the vitality of a crucial industry for Norway.
The fishing sector applauds the WA government’s decision to put planned legislation on hold. (Fishing News 20230821-20230827)
August 23, 2023
(source: abc.net.au by Joanna Prendergast)
After an extensive and meticulous process spanning a decade, the Western Australian government has made a surprising decision to postpone the implementation of newly formulated fishing regulations. This unexpected delay comes merely a few months before these regulations were slated to take effect, casting uncertainty over the future landscape of fishing in the region.
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The cornerstone of this regulatory framework is the Aquatic Resources Management Act (ARMA), a comprehensive piece of legislation that was primed to assume authority over both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors. Designed to supersede the existing regulatory structures of the 1994 Fish Resources Management Act and the Pearling Act 1990, ARMA was positioned to usher in a new era of governance for fishing activities.
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Originally earmarked for activation on the 1st of November, the anticipated enforcement of ARMA has experienced an abrupt shift in trajectory. In a notable turn of events occurring in the middle of the previous month, the government made an announcement to industry stakeholders, informing them of an indefinite suspension of the planned implementation. This unforeseen postponement has engendered a climate of speculation and anticipation, as the affected sectors grapple with the evolving regulatory landscape.
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Central to the goals of ARMA is the commitment to ensuring the ecological longevity of Western Australia’s invaluable aquatic resources and interconnected ecosystems. The legislative framework envisions a harmonious coexistence where these resources are both nurtured and harnessed, with careful consideration of their economic and social implications. By aligning management, development, and utilization practices with these sustainable principles, ARMA aims to lay the foundation for responsible and forward-looking governance within the fishing domain.
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Furthermore, ARMA aspired to institute a higher degree of security concerning resource access for participants within the commercial fishing industry. This objective was poised to bolster the industry’s stability and confidence, as well as to reinforce the intricate balance between conservation imperatives and economic viability. The regulatory provisions were crafted to address longstanding concerns related to resource availability and equitable utilization, fostering an environment of transparency and equitable opportunity.
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In conclusion, the Western Australian government’s eleventh-hour decision to defer the enactment of the Aquatic Resources Management Act (ARMA) has introduced an element of unpredictability into the impending changes within the fishing sector. The culmination of a decade-long endeavor, ARMA was poised to redefine the regulatory landscape for both recreational and commercial fishing activities.
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Anchored in the principles of ecological sustainability and balanced utilization, ARMA’s objectives were as diverse as they were transformative, aiming to safeguard the state’s aquatic resources while fostering the growth of a responsible and vibrant fishing industry.
FIS debuts net-zero concept fishing vessels in the United Kingdom.
August 24, 2023
(source: seafoodsource.com by Chris Chase)
Fisheries Innovation and Sustainability (FIS), an esteemed coalition comprising a consortium of experts within the United Kingdom, has embarked on a pioneering mission centered around the advancement of innovative technologies tailored for the fishing sector. Their overarching objective is to pave the way for the transformation of the U.K.’s fishing industry into a domain characterized by net-zero environmental impact.
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At the heart of this visionary endeavor lies a collection of concept vessel designs that have the potential to revolutionize the trajectory of the entire fishing industry. The culmination of this ambitious project is a comprehensive report, meticulously crafted through seamless collaboration between three key entities: Macduff Ship Designs, the University of Exeter’s Center for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM), and the driving force of FIS.
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This tripartite partnership has harnessed their combined expertise to manifest six distinct vessel designs, each possessing a “first-of-its-kind” distinction. These designs have been strategically conceptualized to harness alternative sources of power, thereby exhibiting the capacity to propel the industry toward the paramount goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
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The impetus behind the report and the conceptual vessel designs can be traced back to a pivotal moment in April of 2022. During this time, FIS orchestrated a transformative workshop under the banner of “Vessels of the Future.” This gathering served as a forum for deep exploration into the realm of net-zero fishing vessel possibilities that were already prevalent within the market landscape. Armed with insights and inspirations gleaned from this workshop, FIS promptly set the wheels in motion for an extensive research initiative.
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This subsequent phase saw FIS collaboratively commissioning Macduff Ship Designs and the esteemed Center for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM) at the University of Exeter. Their mandate was to identify and illuminate the barriers that impede the widespread adoption of these innovative vessel concepts. The endeavor represented a crucial stride towards the realization of a sustainable future for the fishing industry.
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However, the collaborative ambitions did not cease there; bolstered by the support of the Marine Fund Scotland, the partnership embarked on a second stage of the project. This phase encompassed a dedicated and intensive effort to breathe life into the meticulously crafted concepts, metamorphosing them from abstract ideas into tangible vessels that could potentially redefine the landscape of fishing practices.
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In summation, the concerted efforts of Fisheries Innovation and Sustainability (FIS), Macduff Ship Designs, the University of Exeter’s Center for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM), and the backing of Marine Fund Scotland have converged to shape a groundbreaking narrative.
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This narrative revolves around the creation of revolutionary vessel designs that transcend convention and stand as promising beacons on the path toward a net-zero fishing industry. This collaboration serves as a testament to the potential inherent in interdisciplinary partnerships and underscores the collective commitment to steering the fishing industry onto a trajectory of environmental stewardship and innovation.
The recreational fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico ends in 2023. (Fishing News 20230821-20230827)
August 25, 2023
(source: foxnews.com by Associated Press)
As the calendar edges closer to the conclusion of the year 2023, a significant chapter in the recreational fishing domain is coming to an end within the expansive waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This particular chapter pertains to the pursuit of the formidable greater amberjack species, a sought-after catch for fishing enthusiasts. According to the latest announcement by federal regulators on Thursday, this year’s recreational fishing season for the greater amberjack has reached its denouement. This announcement marks the culmination of a season that has been marked by angling adventures and piscatorial pursuits.
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The curtain falls on this fishing season with the fulfillment of catch limits established for the greater amberjack fishery. These regulatory thresholds, put in place to ensure the preservation of marine resources, have been successfully met. In response to this achievement, a measure of consequence has been instituted. Commencing promptly at 12:01 a.m. on the upcoming Friday, a comprehensive closure will be implemented.
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This moratorium on recreational harvest and possession of greater amberjack is set to extend its dominion until the advent of the following August. This duration, encompassing the span of several months, will see a cessation of fishing activities targeting this particular species in both state and federal waters alike.
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Central to the decision to enforce this temporary prohibition is the paramount concern for the ecological well-being of the greater amberjack population. The announcement is accompanied by a news release from the esteemed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency at the forefront of marine resource management. In their articulation of the rationale behind this closure, the NOAA highlights the critical status of the greater amberjack species within the Gulf of Mexico. With a characterization as “overfished,” the species faces vulnerabilities that necessitate rigorous protective measures.
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The oversight and governance of catch limits, a pivotal aspect of fisheries management, are vested in the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council. This authoritative body is entrusted with the task of formulating and implementing strategies that align fishing practices with the principles of sustainability and preservation. The strategic establishment of catch limits, tailored to the unique dynamics of the Gulf’s marine ecosystem, seeks to strike a harmonious equilibrium between the human pursuit of leisure and the imperative of conserving marine life for generations to come.
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In summation, the year 2023 bids adieu to the recreational fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. The confluence of fulfilled catch limits and a commitment to safeguard the species’ viability has led to a pronounced and temporary cessation of recreational harvest and possession.
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This hiatus, extending from the onset of Friday to the following August, underscores the dedication to responsible fishing practices that are underpinned by a nuanced understanding of marine conservation. Through the stewardship of bodies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, the trajectory of fishing endeavors is navigated with a keen awareness of ecological imperatives and a collective resolve to ensure the oceans’ enduring vitality.
The body recovered from the sea was identified as a recent high school graduate who was lobster fishing. (Fishing News 20230821-20230827)
August 26, 2023
(source: hawaiinewsnow.com by The Associated Press)
In Augusta, Maine, a poignant tragedy has gripped the community, unraveling a heart-wrenching narrative that culminated in the sorrowful discovery of a young life lost at sea. The somber sequence of events began with the unsettling revelation of an unmanned lobster boat, a vessel that belonged to Tylar Michaud, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Sumner Memorial High School hailing from Steuben.
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The unsettling episode unfolded on July 21, when Michaud embarked on what should have been a routine endeavor – tending to his lobster traps in the vicinity of Petit Manan Island. However, as the hours elapsed, an ominous void emerged – Michaud was reported missing, and his boat was found deserted. This sobering development jolted the community, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation aimed at unraveling the enigma shrouding his disappearance.
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The unsettling uncertainty that shrouded this episode reached its solemn conclusion earlier this week. A body, retrieved from the depths of the ocean, was tenderly brought ashore, ushering in a profound sense of closure for Michaud’s loved ones. With poignant clarity, the state medical examiner’s office officially confirmed the identity of the retrieved body as that of Tylar Michaud. This confirmation, provided by Patrick Keliher, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, put to rest the agonizing uncertainty that had lingered since Michaud’s initial disappearance.
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Amidst the veil of grief and loss, Commissioner Keliher expressed gratitude for the boundless support that enveloped the search and rescue efforts. The collaboration, spanning numerous agencies and individuals, was a testament to the power of community unity during moments of adversity. The tireless dedication of those who devoted countless hours to the search underscored the profound impact that a young life’s disappearance can wield, resonating far beyond the boundaries of the immediate circle.
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Tragically, the unfolding of these events carried with it the weight of youthful potential unfulfilled. Tylar Michaud had recently basked in the triumph of high school graduation, a beacon of hope for a future awaiting him. His aspirations were anchored in the endeavor to support his educational journey, with the proceeds from his lobster fishing pursuits earmarked for financing his forthcoming classes at Maine Maritime Academy.
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The narrative reached its heartrending zenith when a fellow lobsterman made a solemn discovery in the waters off Addison on a somber Monday. This poignant moment, arriving on the heels of a memorial service attended by hundreds at the high school, was a poignant coda to a narrative marked by collective grief, community resilience, and the fragile yet enduring connection that binds a community to the vast expanse of the ocean.
Shark fishing derbies in Nova Scotia will be discontinued due to new regulations. (Fishing News 20230821-20230827)
August 27, 2023
(source: deeperblue.com by Sam Helmy)
A significant era in Nova Scotia’s fishing culture is reaching its conclusion as the curtain falls on the longstanding tradition of shark fishing derbies. This decision arrives on the heels of a transformative shift catalyzed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which has introduced a fresh set of rules and regulations. These changes have precipitated a reevaluation of the practices that have defined shark fishing derbies for the past three decades.
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A pivotal aspect of the historical framework was the issuance of scientific licenses by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a mechanism that facilitated the capture and study of the caught sharks. This approach, rooted in the pursuit of scientific understanding, aimed to glean insights into the intricate lives of these marine creatures once they were reeled in.
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However, the landscape has evolved, prompting a recalibration of the criteria for obtaining licenses. The prevailing condition to secure a license now hinges upon the ability of the organizers to demonstrate two distinct outcomes. Firstly, they must provide evidence that all the harvested meat from the captured sharks will be allocated for human consumption. Alternatively, they can showcase a compelling intention to harness the caught specimens for research purposes, driven by an organizational interest. The formidable nature of these criteria, coupled with their feasibility challenges, casts a shadow of uncertainty over the continuation of shark fishing derbies in Nova Scotia.
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An instrumental factor driving this transformative course of action is the paramount consideration for conservation. This imperative has manifested in a pivotal transformation in the types of sharks that participants have been permitted to catch. Since the year 2018, participants have been restricted to targeting blue sharks, a decision born out of the commitment to safeguarding the delicate ecological equilibrium. In contrast to the historical context where a broader spectrum of species like porbeagle, common thresher, and shortfin Mako were permissible catches, the recent trajectory underscores a heightened emphasis on preserving the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem.
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Reflecting on the historical sweep of these tournaments, which were inaugurated in 1993, a staggering tally of 4,266 sharks has been hauled from the waters enveloping Nova Scotia. This numerical representation underscores the extent of human engagement with the marine world and stands as a testament to the rich maritime heritage of the region.
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In summation, the termination of the Nova Scotia shark fishing derbies marks a watershed moment in the realm of recreational fishing. The nexus between tradition, regulation, and conservation has led to this juncture. While the stringent requisites for obtaining licenses signal a potential cessation of these derbies, the transformation also mirrors an evolving consciousness regarding marine preservation. As this chapter draws to a close, it invites contemplation about the complex interplay between human activities and the delicate balance of nature’s intricacies.