Fishing News 20230918-20230924
Fishing News 20230918-20230924 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
BFAR encourages productive fisheries for boosting the economy. (Fishing News 20230918-20230924)
September 18, 2023
(source: pna.gov.ph by Ferdinand Patinio)
In Manila, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced on Monday its renewed commitment to enhancing the fisheries sector in the Philippines, with the aim of contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. This endeavor is a collaborative effort, as BFAR joins forces with various government agencies, fisherfolk, fish farmers, and other key stakeholders within the industry.
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Together, they stand united in their determination to advance the cause of protecting, conserving, and effectively managing the nation’s precious fisheries and aquatic resources. It is an ongoing and unceasing mission, as highlighted by BFAR director Demosthenes Escoto during the launch of the 60th Fish Conservation Week held at the agency’s central office in Quezon City.
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Director Escoto emphasized that this year’s commemoration revolves around the theme of “Masaganang Pangisdaan, Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” closely aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visionary call for safeguarding and preserving the nation’s natural resources. The ultimate goal is to secure food sustainability and ensure the long-term well-being of both the environment and the populace.
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Moreover, the head of BFAR introduced a series of strategic activities designed to bolster the productivity of the fisheries sector. Among these initiatives, Escoto highlighted the Bantay-Dagat Insurance Program. This innovative program is tailored to provide crucial medical assistance and death benefits to eligible City and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (C/MFARMC) law enforcement officers.
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The program, conceived and launched in collaboration with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, represents a gesture of recognition for the dedicated individuals who serve as Bantay Dagat. These brave men and women put their safety and lives on the line as they vigilantly protect coastal communities from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, thus safeguarding the ecological balance and economic interests of the Philippines.
Richmond River Needs Volunteers to Help with Cleanup
September 19, 2023
(source: miragenews.com by ???)
OzFish Unlimited, renowned as Australia’s dedicated fishing conservation charity, has joined hands with NSW DPI Fisheries to spearhead the Fish for Life program. Together, they are calling upon recreational fishers to partake in a crucial environmental initiative aimed at tidying up their cherished fishing spots nestled within the idyllic landscape in and around the Richmond River. This significant cleanup effort is slated for this Saturday, September 23rd.
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The fundamental motivation behind this endeavor is clear – the last thing any angler desires is to reel in a plastic bag while out on the pristine waters. Recognizing the need to preserve the sanctity of these natural habitats and enhance the overall fishing experience, the call for participation in cleanup initiatives like this resounds with urgency.
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Notably, this marks the third installment in a series of 30 ambitious cleanup projects that are poised to unfold along the New South Wales (NSW) coastline over the course of the next 18 months. The initiative gained early momentum with successful cleanup events held in Yamba and Batemans Bay during the preceding two weekends.
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Volunteers who are eager to lend their support are encouraged to converge at Missingham Beach in Ballina at 10am this Saturday. This gathering serves as an assembly point for those who share a common passion for fishing and a profound commitment to safeguarding the environment. In these collective actions, it’s not merely about the removal of litter; it’s about establishing connections that amplify the impact of every individual’s contribution.
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The significance of dedicating one’s time to cleaning up shorelines and riverbanks cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate benefit of preventing plastic and debris from imperiling marine life, each cleanup event acts as a catalyst for change and an inspiration for others to follow suit. The ripple effect of such initiatives has the potential to foster a deeper sense of responsibility towards our natural surroundings.
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Furthermore, this particular event holds an additional dimension—it serves as a Yabby Trap Drop Spot. Attendees are encouraged to bring along any old and unwanted opera house yabby traps, which can then be exchanged for an Oar-Gee Plow lure. This dual-purpose approach not only encourages sustainable fishing practices but also exemplifies the holistic approach to conservation and stewardship being championed by OzFish Unlimited and NSW DPI Fisheries.
On October 12, a 22-day ban on hilsa fishing will begin. (Fishing News 20230918-20230924)
September 20, 2023
(source: bssnews.net by ???)
On September 20, 2023, the National Task Force Committee on Hilsa Resource Development, convened in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, to make a crucial decision regarding the conservation of hilsa, a renowned geographical indication (GI) product of the country. Recognizing the significance of preserving this prized fish species during its primary breeding season, the committee resolved to impose a ban on hilsa fishing for a duration of 22 days, commencing from October 12 and concluding on November 2.
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The meeting took place at the conference room of the Fisheries Department, situated within the Matsya Bhaban complex. In a press release issued following the meeting, it was highlighted that the decision to institute this temporary ban aligns with the overarching goal of safeguarding the hilsa population and ensuring its sustainable reproduction.
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The honorable Fisheries and Livestock Minister, SM Rezaul Karim, chaired the meeting, underscoring the government’s commitment to the conservation and responsible management of this iconic fish species. This decision entails a comprehensive prohibition encompassing various aspects of hilsa-related activities, including procurement, marketing, buying, selling, transportation, stocking, and exchange, throughout the entirety of the country during the specified period. The ban serves as a strategic measure to bolster the hilsa population and maintain the delicate ecological balance of Bangladesh’s aquatic resources.
Sealord requests authorization to purchase Independent Fisheries
September 21, 2023
(source: miragenews.com by ???)
The Commerce Commission has recently received a clearance application submitted by Sealord Group Limited (Sealord), seeking approval for their proposed acquisition of the fishing business currently operated by Independent Fisheries. The acquisition plan entails Sealord’s intent to secure complete ownership, encompassing 100% of the shares in Independent Fisheries Limited, inclusive of its annual catch entitlement. Additionally, Sealord seeks to acquire various other assets integral to the fishing operations, including quota, annual catch entitlement, premises, plant, and equipment, all of which are held by Independent Fisheries Holdings Limited and its affiliated entities.
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Sealord Group, a prominent entity in the seafood industry, ranks among the largest players in the Southern Hemisphere. With its headquarters situated in Nelson, New Zealand, Sealord boasts a substantial workforce exceeding 1000 individuals. It functions as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kura Limited, itself jointly owned by Nissui Corporation and Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, which operates under the trade name Moana New Zealand.
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In parallel, Independent Fisheries also occupies a significant position within the New Zealand deepwater fishing sector, boasting a workforce that comprises over 500 employees and vessel crew members. Both Sealord and Independent Fisheries share a common focus on the New Zealand market, where they engage extensively in activities related to the harvesting, processing, and distribution of various finfish species. It’s worth noting that a substantial portion of the fish caught by each company is subsequently processed and exported.
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To provide transparency and accessibility, the Commerce Commission intends to make a public version of the clearance application available on its official case register in the near future. This step will facilitate the dissemination of relevant information to stakeholders and interested parties, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the proposed acquisition and its potential implications.
Seized near Kodiyakkarai is a fishing boat from Sri Lanka. (Fishing News 20230918-20230924)
September 22, 2023
(source: thehindu.com by TAMIL NADU)
On Friday, September 22, the Vedaranyam Marine Police, part of the Coastal Security Group, undertook an operation resulting in the seizure of a Sri Lankan fibreglass fishing boat. The boat had been discovered capsized just a short distance from the shores of Kodiyakkarai in the Nagapattinam district. The quick response was initiated following an alert provided by local residents who had spotted the distressed vessel.
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A dedicated team of Marine Police officers from Vedaranyam, led by Inspector Jothi Muthuramalingam, promptly intervened to secure the boat and safely bring it ashore. According to information received from police sources, a significant portion of the fibreglass boat had succumbed to submersion in the sea, resting nearly 200 meters away from the Kodiyakkarai coast in the vicinity of Manal Voykkal.
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The boat bore the registration number OFRP-A-0454-KCH, a clear indication of its likely association with fishermen from the northern coast of Sri Lanka. Authorities suspect that this engineless vessel may have inadvertently drifted towards the Indian coast, possibly due to the unintended removal of its anchor.
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In response to this discovery, an official case has been registered at the Vedaranyam Marine Police Station. Subsequently, the seized boat is scheduled to be transferred into the custody of officials from the Revenue Department, in accordance with the standard protocols governing such incidents. This coordinated effort ensures that the appropriate authorities take charge of the situation, thereby upholding the rule of law and maritime safety in the region.
An initiative is being carried out to improve Fishing Creek’s business and environmental initiatives.
September 23, 2023
(source: lockhaven.com by ???)
Phase one of the Fishing Creek Project, which was initially announced in April, is now nearing its completion. This ambitious undertaking, known as the Fishing Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project, holds the dual purpose of revitalizing the habitat for the local trout population while simultaneously bolstering the regional economy.
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The successful execution of this project has been made possible through a collaborative effort involving several key stakeholders. Primarily funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the project is the result of a partnership between the Clinton County Conservation District, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and Mill Hall Borough.
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Crucially, the financial support for this endeavor stems from the Countywide Action Plan (CAP) grant program. Over the course of the project’s timeline spanning from 2021 to 2023, the conservation district secured a total funding allocation amounting to $506,000.
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In a recent development, the conservation district’s watershed specialist, Toby Boyer, successfully secured an additional grant in the amount of $15,000 through the Coldwater Heritage Grant program. This supplementary funding injection played a pivotal role in advancing the progress of phase one of the Fishing Creek Project.
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The success of this endeavor serves as a shining example of effective collaboration and partnership. The initial financial support provided by DEP, coupled with the valuable design input from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and construction oversight from the same entity, underscores the synergistic nature of this initiative.
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In essence, it embodies the ideal model of governmental cooperation, with the Clinton County Conservation District playing a pivotal role in orchestrating the convergence of various stakeholders and securing the necessary funding. Such successful partnerships not only yield tangible benefits for the environment and the economy but also exemplify the essence of efficient governance.
Chinese “Floating Barrier” in South China Sea Is Criticized by the Philippines (Fishing News 20230918-20230924)
September 24, 2023
(source: voanews.com by Reuters)
In Manila, Philippines, a recent development has stirred tensions as the Philippines accuses China’s coast guard of deploying what they describe as a “floating barrier” within a contentious region of the South China Sea. The barrier, according to reports, has allegedly hindered Filipino fishermen from entering and engaging in fishing activities within the vicinity.
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This situation prompted a swift response from the Philippines’ coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, both of which expressed strong condemnation for China’s actions. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the coast guard, took to the X social media platform (formerly Twitter) to articulate their concerns. He emphasized that the presence of this barrier effectively blocks Filipino fishing vessels from accessing the Scarborough Shoal, thereby depriving them of their livelihood and traditional fishing practices.
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It’s worth noting that China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea have long been a subject of contention. China asserts ownership over approximately 90% of this vast maritime territory, a claim that intersects with the exclusive economic zones of several neighboring nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The Scarborough Shoal, in particular, was seized by China in 2012, a move that significantly impacted Filipino fishermen, who were subsequently forced to venture farther into the sea to maintain their fishing activities and livelihoods.
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While there was a period during which China allowed Filipino fishermen to return to the uninhabited shoal, this issue has once again flared up in recent times. The change in dynamics can be attributed to shifting political leadership, as tension has risen since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency last year, succeeding Rodrigo Duterte.
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The discovery of the floating barrier was made during a routine patrol conducted by Philippine coast guard and fisheries bureau personnel. The barrier, estimated to be approximately 300 meters in length, was located near the Scarborough Shoal, locally referred to as Bajo de Masinloc. Reports suggest that the installation of this barrier involved the presence of three Chinese coast guard rigid-hull inflatable boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat, further exacerbating the concerns raised by Filipino fishermen.
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According to Tarriela, Filipino fishermen have noted that China often deploys such barriers when monitoring a significant number of fishermen in the area. This practice raises apprehensions about the impact on the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen who rely on these waters for sustenance and economic well-being. The situation remains sensitive, with the Philippines’ allegations fueling ongoing tensions in this disputed region of the South China Sea.