Fishing News 20231120-20231126
Fishing News 20231120-20231126 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
A Fishing Boat’s Fate on the Jersey Shore (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 20, 2023
(source: themessenger.com by Ben Kesslen)
Rescuers’ Efforts Fall Short
On Sunday, a 77-foot fishing boat named Susan Rose, which had run aground on the Jersey Shore early Friday morning, met an unfortunate end. Despite valiant efforts to save the vessel, it succumbed to the unforgiving waves of the Atlantic coastline and sank about half a mile offshore.
A Race Against Time
The crew members onboard the Susan Rose, along with a team from Northstar Marine Services, a salvaging company, had been working tirelessly since the boat’s grounding to refloat it. Initial efforts seemed promising, with fuel removed, pumps installed, and the boat successfully turned around.
Sudden Turn of Events (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
However, as the salvage crew towed the Susan Rose away from the coast on Sunday, disaster struck. Waves began flooding the boat, leading to a catastrophic failure that left the crew with no time to react. They were forced to abandon the sinking vessel, towing it further into the ocean to avoid interfering with maritime traffic.
Unanswered Questions
The cause of the Susan Rose’s sinking remains a mystery. The boat’s home port was Rhode Island, and authorities are still investigating the incident to determine whether it will be salvaged, refloated, or removed.
A Challenging Situation
Phillip Risko, the owner of Northstar Marine Services, acknowledged the complexities involved in dealing with the sunken vessel. “It’s a bit of a challenge,” he remarked. “We have to figure out whether it’s going to be picked up and moved, or refloated or exactly what’s going to happen, and figure out why it sank, of course, and then come up with a plan.”
Reef Net Fishing: A Legacy in Limbo (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 21, 2023
(source: news.mongabay.com by Liz Kimbrough)
A Silent Sentinel
On the shores of Lummi Nation, Ellie Kinley gazes upon her reef net rig, a silent sentinel standing guard against the backdrop of the Salish Sea. As the sun’s rays dance upon its weathered frame, Kinley, a member of the Lummi (Lhaq’temish) Nation and the last Indigenous permit holder of this ancient fishing practice, can’t help but feel a sense of connection, a deep resonance with the legacy it represents. “Some mornings,” she muses, “the sun’s hitting that reef net just right and it’s like I know it’s talking to me.” In her ears, it whispers tales of a once-thriving Indigenous fishing tradition, a vital link to the Lummi people’s cultural identity.
A Legacy Disconnected
For centuries, the Indigenous people of the Salish Sea, a vast inland sea encompassing parts of Washington state and British Columbia, relied on reef netting as a sustainable salmon-fishing technique. Their lives were intricately woven with the rhythm of the salmon runs, the ebb and flow of the tides, and the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. Reef netting wasn’t just a means of sustenance; it was an integral part of their spirituality, a cornerstone of their social structure, and a testament to their profound understanding of the natural world.
A Balancing Act (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
However, the arrival of European colonizers brought about a wave of displacement and dispossession, severing the Lummi people’s connection to their ancestral practices, including reef net fishing. Today, Kinley and other Lummi community members find themselves grappling with a complex reality. They face the harsh economic realities of the modern world while simultaneously yearning to revive reef net fishing, to restore this vital link to their cultural heritage.
A Sustainable and Selective Technique
Reef net fishing, a testament to the ingenuity of the Salish Sea’s Indigenous communities, involves a net strategically positioned between two anchored boats. Long ropes extending from the boats create an artificial reef, guiding the migrating salmon into the net. Upon reaching the net, lookouts signal the crew, who swiftly haul in the catch. Traditionally, the Lummi constructed these rigs from cedarwood and fiber ropes, anchoring them along the salmons’ migratory routes using large boulders.
A Legacy of Respect
A defining feature of reef net fishing is its remarkable selectivity. Nontarget fish are gently released back into the water, minimizing bycatch. Moreover, the traditional practice incorporated a circular opening in the net, allowing some salmon to pass through, ensuring the continuation of their genetic line. This ultra-selective and small-batch harvesting method has been lauded as the most sustainable commercial salmon fishing practice.
Beyond Sustenance: A Cultural Keystone (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
For the Indigenous communities of the Salish Sea, reef net fishing was far more than a means of procuring food or generating income. It was a cultural cornerstone, deeply embedded in their spiritual beliefs and social structures. The reef net served as a gathering place, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. The rhythmic cadence of hauling in the nets, the collaborative effort of the crew, and the abundance of the catch-all contributed to a deep sense of cultural identity and connection to the land and sea.
A Legacy Awaiting Revival
Today, Kinley and her fellow Lummi community members stand at a crossroads. They face the daunting task of navigating the complexities of modern society while upholding their cultural heritage. The revival of reef net fishing, a practice that holds such deep cultural and ecological significance, presents itself as a beacon of hope, a pathway towards restoring balance and revitalizing their connection to the legacy of their ancestors.
Victoria’s native fish populations are thriving. (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 22, 2023
(source: fishingworld.com.au by ‘Fishing World’)
Native Fish Populations Thrive in Victoria
Victoria’s native fish populations are flourishing, despite challenges posed by flooding and blackwater events in some regions. The 2023 Native Fish Report Card Program, a collaborative effort between recreational anglers, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), and DEECA provides encouraging data on the health of nine key native fish species across 10 priority Victorian rivers.
Record-breaking Numbers Across Rivers (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
The Goulburn River boasts record-high numbers of golden perch and trout cod, with Murray cod reaching an impressive 123 cm and 36 kg. Gunbower Creek’s golden perch and Murray cod populations have remained resilient despite the blackwater impacts of 2022. The Ovens River continues to support the state’s strongest Murray cod population, while also showcasing record-high golden perch abundance and excellent Macquarie perch numbers.
Further highlights include:
- Wimmera River: Record-high golden perch numbers
- Yarra River: Record-high Macquarie perch and Murray cod numbers, along with healthy grayling populations
- Glenelg River: Record-high estuary perch numbers
- Mitchell River: Record-high Australian bass numbers, complemented by healthy grayling populations
- Thomson-Macalister: Record-high Australian bass numbers
Collaborative Efforts Driving Success
These impressive results can be attributed to a combination of factors, including fish stocking, effective regulations, habitat restoration efforts, responsible angler practices, and favorable environmental conditions. The VFA’s commitment to flood recovery is evident in their plans to stock over 1.26 million native fish into nine of the most flood-affected systems this summer, a threefold increase from the usual stocking numbers.
A Shared Responsibility (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
The partnership between recreational fishers and government agencies has proven instrumental in rebuilding native fish populations and enhancing fishing opportunities for the community. Together, they continue to work towards a future where Victoria’s rivers teem with thriving native fish populations.
Two Decades of Transformative Progress in Australian Fisheries (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 23, 2023
(source: azocleantech.com by Megan Craig, M.Sc.)
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), an international non-profit dedicated to ending overfishing through sustainable fishing standards and supply chain assurance, has released the Fishing for the Future Report, marking two decades of transformative progress in Australian fisheries since 2000.
A Collective Endeavor Driving Sustainable Fishing
The report highlights the collective efforts of fisheries, governments, environmental NGOs, and other industry bodies in driving more than 116 improvements related to bycatch, ecosystem impact, and effective management. This comprehensive engagement sets a precedent for responsible practices worldwide, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving sustainable fishing goals.
Australian Fisheries: Leading the Way (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
In Australia, 28 MSC-certified fisheries, encompassing 38 species, account for an impressive 52% of the total volume of wild-caught seafood. This achievement surpasses the MSC’s global target of over a third of global marine catch (by volume) to be MSC certified or engaged by 2030. Australia’s commitment to sustainable fishing is further exemplified by the WA Rock Lobster fishery, the world’s first and longest MSC-certified fishery.
The Urgency of Sustainable Fishing Practices
The ocean, home to 80% of the planet’s biodiversity, has been under increasing pressure from fishing activities over the past fifty years. Ensuring sustainable fishing practices is crucial for meeting the protein dietary needs of a growing global population while minimizing the environmental impact. Stakeholder participation in MSC fishery assessments contributes to more robust fishery performance, particularly at a time when fishing impacts are compounded by pollution and climate change.
A Call for Continuous Improvement
MSC Program Director of Oceania and Singapore, Anne Gabriel, emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices: “As the third largest marine jurisdiction in the world, Australians have a responsibility to ensure our ocean is conserved and managed with care. Sustainable fishing is paramount in maintaining healthy fish populations, preserving ocean and freshwater wildlife, supporting livelihoods, and securing nourishment for a growing population.”
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Ms. Gabriel further highlights the significance of the 2023 Future of Fishing report: “I hope the report showcases the tangible, positive outcomes of sustainable fishing in Australia while emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and collaboration towards continuous improvement.”
Encouraging Greater Stakeholder Participation (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
While MSC’s results show a positive trend in continuous improvement, Ms. Gabriel urges more stakeholders to contribute and participate: “While businesses and consumers in Australia are showing growing interest and commitment by choosing sustainable seafood, I would like to encourage steadier momentum from seafood brands, suppliers, retailers, caterers, restaurants, airlines industry, cruise/shipping companies, pet food brands, and any organization that deals with seafood in one way or another. I hope this report shows the business community what is possible when fisheries commit towards an international science-based benchmark for sustainable fishing.”
Independent Assessment and Certification
Fisheries volunteers are to be assessed by a third-party Conformity Assessment Body against the MSC Fisheries Standard. By maintaining independence from the certification process, the MSC meets best practice guidelines set forth by ISEAL and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Making Sustainable Seafood Choices
Shopping for sustainable seafood is made easy by looking for the MSC blue fish tick label on over 370 products in Australia. By choosing MSC-certified seafood, consumers can play a vital role in supporting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the health of our oceans for future generations.
Wind and fishing may coexist on the water. (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 24, 2023
(source: bangordailynews.com by Opinion Contributor)
John Williamson: A Veteran Fisherman’s Perspective
John Williamson, a commercial fisherman with nearly five decades of experience, has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Maine’s fisheries. He has represented Maine’s interests on the New England Fishery Management Council and has been actively involved in ocean planning and offshore wind development since 2010.
Offshore Wind: A New Industry on the Horizon
The vast expanse of the United States’ outer continental shelf is rapidly changing as the federal government leases or soon will lease thousands of square nautical miles for offshore wind energy generation. This massive undertaking is already underway, with the construction of the first large turbine arrays commencing in southern New England waters last summer.
Balancing Offshore Wind and Lobster Fishing (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
Meanwhile, the process of identifying suitable areas for offshore wind generation in the Gulf of Maine is progressing, with the goal of awarding the first lease contracts in late 2024. While some view this as a promising opportunity for Maine, others perceive it as a regrettable loss. Regardless of one’s perspective, it is undeniable that substantial industrial activity will soon be introduced into this previously unfettered marine ecosystem. Mitigating the environmental impact of these activities poses a significant planning challenge for state and federal agencies responsible for coastal and ocean environments.
The Lobster Fishery: A Vital Economic Pillar
The American lobster fishery is one of the most valuable nationwide, and Maine is responsible for 82% of the American lobster catch. These waters, encompassing lobster, herring, tuna, scallop, and groundfish fisheries, are arguably the most productive and valuable fishing grounds in the United States, if not the world. In 2022, a state working group, including leaders of Maine fishing organizations, recommended to the Mills administration that offshore wind development proceed, provided it is excluded from the lobster management area.
BOEM’s Draft Wind Energy Area: A Compromise
This compromise was a difficult pill to swallow for the fishing community. Fishing grounds throughout the Gulf of Maine are essential to New England fishermen of all types.
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The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the federal agency responsible for leasing and permitting offshore wind development, has been gathering data from various stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, scientists, wind companies, and the fishing industry. Through a gradual public process, the bureau has sought to identify areas of the Gulf of Maine suitable for wind energy development while excluding those deemed ecologically and economically significant.
The Path Forward: Coexistence and Collaboration (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
In October, BOEM released its latest draft of a potential “Wind Energy Area” where leasing would occur. Most of Lobster Management Area 1 has been excluded from the lease process, not only due to its value to fisheries but also because of its unique ecological characteristics and diversity.
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This decision by BOEM is a significant step forward. As offshore wind development expands, it will occupy thousands of square nautical miles of ocean, and the fishing and wind industries will coexist in both marine and waterfront environments. Collaboration and cooperation between these industries would be mutually beneficial. BOEM’s decision significantly reduces the potential for conflict and could pave the way for future collaboration between industry leaders.
Maintaining Industry Engagement: A Crucial Step
While this decision represents a positive step, the process is ongoing, and fishery leaders must remain actively involved to shape the outcome. Two secondary areas within Lobster Management Area 1 are being reconsidered for wind leases, which could potentially undermine the progress made toward coexistence between the wind and fishing industries. Further input and analysis should persuade policymakers to remove these two areas from consideration.
Offshore Wind: A Neighbor, Not a Threat (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
Offshore wind is a relatively new industry, and fishermen have traditionally viewed it as a threat. However, with open communication, collaboration, and trust, it could also be welcomed as a neighbor. BOEM has opened the door for this collaboration, and its continued support is essential.
Opening the Door for Collaboration: A Role for BOEM
BOEM’s decision to exclude most of Lobster Management Area 1 from the wind lease process is a significant step towards coexistence between the fishing and wind industries. However, continued industry engagement and collaboration are crucial to ensure a sustainable future for both sectors.
Changes in our weather cause changes in our fishing, so pay attention to the forecast. (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 25, 2023
(source: islandernews.com by Capt. Alan Sherman / Special to Islander News)
The Ever-Changing Fishing Scene in South Florida
South Florida’s weather is known for its unpredictability, and this variability often translates into changes in fishing conditions. One weather pattern can bring bountiful catches, while another can push the fish further south. Last week’s sub-tropical low, with its gale-force winds, was an unexpected twist that stirred up the bay and ocean bottoms.
Topwater Bonanza for Blackfin Tuna
As if on cue, the late fall storm triggered an excellent topwater bite for blackfin tuna. Schools of medium-sized ballyhoos became a magnet for these feisty fish, attracting other predators like sailfish, dolphin fish, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cero mackerel, wahoos, bonitos, sharks, and barracudas.
Gearing Up for Offshore Fishing (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
If you’re planning an offshore fishing adventure this weekend, stock up on fresh or frozen ballyhoos and a block of frozen chum. As you venture out, keep an eye out for swirling ballyhoos on the surface. If you spot these commotion-causing fish, grab a fresh dead ballyhoo, hook it through the lips, and cast it as close to the action as possible.
Chumming Up the Baitfish
If the ballyhoos are congregating near the boat, deploy the chum bag and release a generous amount of chum into the water. Remember to bring a designated chum box on board and dispose of it properly at the end of your fishing trip. Too many of these boxes end up littering our oceans.
Catching Ballyhoos for Bait
Once the ballyhoos are drawn to the chum line, you can catch them using a small hook and a piece of shrimp or cast a Humpback cast net. Keep in mind that the fish feeding on the ballyhoos are fixated on their natural prey and might be hesitant to take anything else. Savage Gear produces a realistic soft plastic ballyhoo that has proven effective in luring these predators.
Bottom Fishing for Snappers and Groupers (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
On the deeper reefs, ranging from 40 to 240 feet of water, bottom-dwellers like mutton snappers (up to 20 pounds), yellowtail snappers, groupers, and amberjacks are eagerly awaiting a meal of live or fresh dead ballyhoo. Larger mutton snappers prefer these baits presented on 20-foot leaders. Fluro-carbon leader material in the 30- to 50-pound test range tends to attract more strikes. For hooks, choose strong and compact ones like the Mustad Ultra Point Big Gun 1/0 short shank hook. Use just enough weight to reach the bottom.
Targeting Vermillion Snappers on Wrecks
Some of the deeper wrecks offshore are home to sizeable vermillion snappers that relish strips of squid or bonito attached to a two- or three-hook chicken rig. Present these baits on the bottom.
Nighttime Yellowtail Snapper Fishing
As the sun sets, the yellowtail snapper action continues to thrive over the reefs in depths between 40 and 90 feet. Small baits paired with light weights are the preferred offerings for these fish.
El Niño and Its Impact on Gulf Fishing (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
November 26, 2023
(source: bradenton.com by JON CHAPMAN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD)
Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto predicts a strong and persistent El Niño pattern, potentially bringing stormy weather and unusual fishing conditions to the Gulf of Mexico. This winter, Florida is expected to receive above-normal rainfall, increasing the likelihood of severe weather events.
A Serendipitous Encounter with Tarpon
During a pre-Thanksgiving offshore fishing trip, I stumbled upon an unexpected sight – a massive school of tarpon, estimated to be around 1,000 strong. These silver kings were reminiscent of the late May crab flush in Tampa Bay. Despite our efforts to entice them with bait, they remained uninterested.
Hogfish and Persistent Shark Encounters (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
Our initial fishing spot yielded a few porgies and a small hogfish. However, catching hogfish proved to be a challenge due to the presence of multiple sharks. No less than seven times, sharks intercepted our hooked hogfish, cutting off our lines, even after we switched to heavier tackle.
Mahi-Mahi: An Unexpected Catch
Despite the shark encounters, we managed to catch eight keeper-sized hogfish. The most intriguing catch, however, came from a flatline whitebait. A decent-sized mahi, with the line from our rod in its mouth, was swimming freely. After a brief struggle, we landed the fast-growing fish. While mahi are found worldwide, they are not typically encountered in the shallow Gulf beyond summer.
Title: Prospects of an Interesting Winter Fishing Season
The El Niño-induced stormy weather pattern could lead to an unusual winter fishing season in the Gulf. The constant movement of fish due to these storms could increase their feeding activity.
Kingfishing and Shallow-Water Tuna Opportunities (Fishing News 20231120-20231126)
Kingfishing can be particularly rewarding during this time, with the possibility of encountering shallow-water tuna if water temperatures remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The biggest challenge may be finding suitable weather conditions for fishing, as calm days may be scarce.