Fishing News 20230828-20230903
Fishing News 20230828-20230903 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
Retired fishing boats will be used to create artificial reefs.
August 28, 2023
(source: wlox.com by Leslie Rojas)
In Biloxi, Mississippi, a noteworthy event unfolded this week as Omega Protein undertook a unique initiative. The company, well-known for its involvement in the fishing industry, took the remarkable step of repurposing two retired menhaden fishing vessels, the Mermentau, and the G.P. Chauvin, to serve as artificial reefs within Mississippi’s waters.
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These vessels had previously played active roles in the fishing trade, spending years navigating the Gulf waters and hauling in sizable catches of menhaden. However, their retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter in their life cycles, as they were chosen to be transformed into vital components of the marine ecosystem in a different capacity – as artificial reefs.
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Ralph Humphrey, a knowledgeable voice in the realm of marine biology, highlighted the critical importance of this venture. He pointed out that the coastal areas of Mississippi are predominantly characterized by mud bottoms, which, while beneficial for certain types of aquatic life, do not particularly cater to Fin Fish. This limitation prompted the need for introducing structured elements into these waters, regardless of their nature. When any form of structure is introduced, whether it be a vessel or any other object, it initiates the creation of an entirely new ecosystem in the vicinity.
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To bring this visionary project to fruition, Omega Protein collaborated closely with two significant entities: the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks and the Department of Marine Resources. Their combined efforts culminated in the deliberate placement of these retired fishing vessels within Mississippi’s aquatic environment, thereby kickstarting the development of thriving ecosystems that will undoubtedly contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological health of these waters.
The EU is preparing a ban on herring fishing in Finland. (Fishing News 20230828-20230903)
August 29, 2023
(source: yle.fi by ???)
The declining Baltic herring stocks in Finland have prompted the European Commission to propose a ban on directed herring fishing, a move that has taken the Finnish fishing industry by surprise. Instead, the Commission’s proposal offers only a limited quota for Baltic herring, allowing it to be caught as by-catches alongside sprat fishing activities.
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This proposal represents a significant departure from the recommendations put forth by scientists associated with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The ICES scientists had suggested a reduction in the herring quota ranging from 20 to 40 percent, but the Commission’s decision appears to be far more stringent.
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Finnish fishermen are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this proposal. They argue that if these measures are implemented, it could lead to the elimination of herring from Finnish tables, impacting both their livelihoods and the availability of this important staple in their diets.
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To provide some context, in the year 2022 alone, Finland managed to capture a substantial 68 million kilograms of herring, valued at 15.5 million euros. The Federation of Finnish Fisheries Associations has criticized the Commission’s proposal as excessive, particularly because it appears to be based on outdated data, which they believe does not accurately reflect the current state of herring stocks.
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The repercussions of these proposed measures extend beyond just herring fishing; they also affect salmon fishing in the region. Restrictions are being considered for the Gulf of Bothnia, including a 15 percent reduction in the salmon quota. However, there’s a potential increase in the salmon quota for fishing in the Gulf of Finland.
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These measures collectively pose a significant challenge for professional fishermen in Finland, as they could potentially affect the various species that they depend on for their livelihoods and could bring about far-reaching consequences for the fishing industry in the region.
The fishing museum is planning a farewell weekend event.
August 30, 2023
(source: dailypress.net by ???)
Located in Cedar River, the West Shore Fishing Museum is ushering in its final weekend of the summer season, welcoming visitors on September 2 and 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. Central Time. During this concluding weekend, the museum offers an array of engaging activities for the public to enjoy.
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One highlight of this weekend’s festivities is a cash raffle scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m., promising an exciting chance to win. Additionally, visitors can explore the gift shop and the plant sale area, providing an opportunity to discover unique items and gifts. To add an element of surprise and anticipation, door prizes will be offered to lucky attendees. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, a cash scavenger hunt awaits on the enchanting nature trails surrounding the museum. To keep everyone refreshed, delightful ice cream treats and sodas are readily available.
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Beyond the immediate attractions, the West Shore Fishing Museum is deeply committed to preserving the rich history of commercial fishing in the region. To this end, the museum actively collects commercial fishing pictures, stories, and artifacts. In an exciting development, the museum is working on a new display dedicated to the Fish Net and Twine Company, a prominent contributor to the area’s fishing heritage.
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Families who possess such items are warmly invited to bring them to the museum on Sunday. A dedicated scanner will be set up to digitize and preserve these valuable historical pictures for future generations to appreciate. Furthermore, the museum places great emphasis on gathering information and oral histories, making it a valuable repository of local knowledge. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the pavilion and engage in enlightening conversations with the passionate archive team.
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Notably, admission to the West Shore Fishing Museum is entirely free, ensuring that the experience is accessible to all. Moreover, the museum has made significant efforts to ensure accessibility by making most of its facilities handicapped accessible. In a warm and inclusive gesture, the museum also extends a dog-friendly policy, allowing beloved canine companions to join in the exploration and discovery alongside their human companions.
Mozambique’s fishing swings between good and bad. (Fishing News 20230828-20230903)
August 31, 2023
(source: freightnews.co.za by Staff reporter)
During the initial quarter of the year, Mozambique witnessed a notable expansion in the quantity of industrial and semi-industrial fishing, which increased by 10.5% when compared to the same period in 2022, reaching a total of 3,219 tonnes, as reported by the Lusa news agency. However, it’s essential to note that this figure accounts for only 13.7% of the complete projection set for the sector in 2023.
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This lackluster performance in the fishing sector can be attributed to several factors, with one of the most significant being the limited operational effectiveness of fishing fleets in January. This period was marked by disruptions in the procurement of essential seafood products such as shrimp, fish, and lobster. These interruptions had a noticeable impact on the overall output.
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Interestingly, the fishing season in Mozambique had a different commencement date in the current year compared to previous ones. Instead of starting on April 1, as was the norm, the fishing campaign began on March 15. This change resulted in the capture of 410 tonnes of shrimp within the reviewed timeframe.
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In addition to industrial fishing, the artisanal fishing domain also played a significant role in Mozambique’s fishing landscape during the first trimester of the year. It generated a substantial total of 81,648 tonnes of various types of fish. This included 43,636 tonnes of marine fish and 30,679 tonnes of freshwater fish. However, this output marked a decline of 4.2% compared to the figures from 2022. Remarkably, this output represents 18.4% of the comprehensive projection for the entire year of 2023.
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Notably, aquaculture, conducted on both industrial and minor scales, saw a remarkable surge of 19.4%. This sector contributed 1,279 tonnes of seafood over the three-month span.
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When considering the fishing enterprise as a whole in Mozambique during the initial quarter, it amounted to 86,146 tonnes. However, this figure represented a decrease of 3.4% when compared to the equivalent interval in 2022. Importantly, this total corresponds to only 18.2% of the overall estimation delineated by the government for the current year, a figure set at 474,576 tonnes.
Australian Bass and Estuary Perch Seasons Begin
Sep 1, 2023
(source: miragenews.com by ???)
As of September 1st, fishers throughout the state of New South Wales (NSW) are now permitted to target Australian Bass and Estuary Perch in the local waters, marking the end of the annual three-month closed season. Deputy Director General of NSW DPI Fisheries, Sean Sloan, emphasized the significance of this closure, noting its role in safeguarding these native species for future generations.
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The rationale behind this seasonal closure is closely tied to the natural breeding and migration patterns of these iconic sportfish. Australian Bass and Estuary Perch undertake their annual spawning and migration activities during late autumn and early winter. During this critical period, from June 1st to August 31st, a zero-bag limit is enforced in estuaries and rivers below impoundments. This restriction allows the fish to form schools and migrate to specific parts of estuaries characterized by the correct salinity levels, which are essential triggers for their spawning activities.
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With the arrival of September, anglers are now granted the opportunity to target both Australian Bass and Estuary Perch. However, it’s essential to note that stringent bag limits apply to ensure responsible fishing practices. Specifically, there is a bag limit of two and a possession limit of four for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch. These limits apply to individual species or a combination of both, underscoring the importance of responsible and sustainable fishing practices in preserving these valuable native fish populations.
Unveiling Canada’s Position on St. Marys Bay Lobster Fishing (Fishing News 20230828-20230903)
Sep 2, 2023
(source: miragenews.com by ???)
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is dedicated to fostering a renewed and strengthened relationship with Indigenous communities, rooted in the principles of recognizing rights, mutual respect, collaboration, and meaningful partnership. Within this commitment, we are actively engaged in working alongside First Nations harvesters, facilitating their exercise of the Supreme Court-affirmed Treaty right to fish through various DFO-authorized fisheries. These encompass a range of fisheries, including food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fisheries, as well as communal commercial fisheries, which may include interim agreements enabling fishing activities aimed at securing a moderate livelihood.
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One particular focus of our efforts involves supporting First Nations harvesters who are exercising their right to engage in FSC lobster fishing in St. Marys Bay, situated in the southwestern region of Nova Scotia. Our fishery officers work closely with these communities to safeguard the rights of First Nations harvesters who participate in this fishery. A crucial aspect of this protection involves ensuring that all fishing activities align with the requirements of the Fisheries Act and other relevant regulations.
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In line with our standard practice across all fisheries, our dedicated fishery officers meticulously inspect fishing gear to ascertain compliance, monitor activities both on and off the water, and, when deemed necessary, take measures such as seizing gear and catch, and initiating legal proceedings for violations of the Fisheries Act. Any fishing activity conducted without the requisite license or failing to adhere to the stipulated license conditions is subject to enforcement actions.
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Recognizing the significance of the St. Marys Bay region, we have allocated substantial enforcement resources to this area. Since July 17, our fishery officers have executed seizures of 464 traps within LFAs 33 and 34 due to non-compliance with the Fisheries Act and its associated regulations. Moreover, on August 30, our vigilant fishery officers apprehended two individuals in Moncton, New Brunswick, and successfully seized over 8,000 lobsters originating from southwest Nova Scotia. These lobsters were subsequently returned to the ocean, reinforcing our commitment to upholding the integrity of the fisheries and the protection of critical resources.
The season for red snow crabs has begun in Japan’s Toyama Bay.
Sep 3, 2023
(source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp by The Yomiuri Shimbun)
In Toyama Bay, the highly anticipated Red snow crab season has commenced, marking the arrival of this delectable seafood to the Shinminato Fishing Port in Imizu, Toyama Prefecture. On a recent Saturday, the first haul of approximately 2,100 crabs was proudly presented at the port, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation among both fishermen and seafood enthusiasts alike.
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These freshly caught crabs, known for their vibrant red hue, were meticulously lined up at the port and subsequently auctioned off one after another, signifying the beginning of a bustling season for the local fishing industry. The crabs were sourced from traps that had been strategically set roughly 20 kilometers offshore, at an impressive depth of about 800 meters. These traps had been deployed on the preceding Friday, which marked the official commencement of the Red snow crab season.
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As reported by the Shinminato Fisheries Cooperative Association, the crabs caught on this initial day were notably substantial in size and boasted a generous amount of succulent meat. This exceptional quality didn’t go unnoticed, as the price per crab soared to twice the average value during the first day of the auction. The unexpected bounty delighted Hisao Shiotani, the 62-year-old owner of one of the fishing vessels involved in the haul. He expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We caught more than we expected today. I’ll be happy if people can enjoy the taste of the crabs.”
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It’s worth noting that the Red snow crab season is just beginning, with its peak expected during the winter months, extending through to May. This seasonal cycle provides ample opportunities for seafood enthusiasts to savor the delicious taste of these prized crabs as the season unfolds, promising a delectable experience for all who indulge in this culinary delight.