Fishing News 20231211-20231217
Fishing News 20231211-20231217 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
The Lucrative Clam Fishing Industry of New Jersey Faces a Double Threat (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 11, 2023
(source: njspotlightnews.org by Michael Sol Warren, John Upton, Climate Central)
The bustling clam fishing industry of New Jersey is facing a dual threat from climate change and the wind farms meant to combat it.
Warming Seas Drive Clams Offshore
The warming waters of the Atlantic Ocean have forced clams to migrate further offshore, putting a strain on the industry. Tom Dameron, a government affairs representative at clam company Surfside Foods, describes how New Jersey’s once-vibrant inshore fishery has been decimated by climate change.
Wind Farms Bring New Hazards
As if the impact of climate change wasn’t enough, the industry is now facing the prospect of wind farms being constructed in their fishing grounds. These massive turbines, connected to the coast by underwater cables, pose a significant risk to clammers.
The Threat of Collisions and Cables (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
The close proximity of the turbines could lead to collisions between fishing vessels and the structures, while the cables could entangle clam dredges. Both scenarios could pose significant safety and legal challenges for the fishing industry.
A Double Bind for the Surfclam Industry
The surfclam industry is caught in a double bind, facing the wrath of climate change and the potential disruptions caused by wind farms. While wind energy is crucial in tackling climate change, its impacts on the fishing industry cannot be ignored.
Resilience and Adaptation: The Path Forward
Despite these challenges, shellfish researchers at Rutgers University and other institutions are working to find solutions that can help both the clams and the fishermen adapt to changing conditions. Their research aims to improve clam survival and resilience, while also exploring ways to minimize conflicts with wind farms.
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The surfclam industry of New Jersey is a vital part of the state’s economy and culture. As the industry faces these unprecedented threats, it is imperative to find solutions that balance the need for renewable energy with the preservation of fishing livelihoods.
Harris Chain Open House: A Day to Connect with Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 12, 2023
(source: myfwc.com by Michelle Kerr)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites the public to an open house at The Venetian Center in Leesburg on January 24, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event will provide a great opportunity to learn more about the fish, wildlife, and habitat in the Harris Chain of Lakes, as well as the work being done to manage and protect these resources.
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Attendees can expect to interact with FWC biologists, who will be on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge about the Harris Chain. There will also be displays and exhibits on a variety of topics, including fisheries management, invasive species, and water quality.
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If you’re interested in learning more about the Harris Chain or the FWC’s work in the region, this open house is the perfect opportunity to visit and connect with experts.
State Board of Fisheries Implements New Regulations for Lower Cook Inlet (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 13, 2023
(source: homernews.com by Jacob Dye)
The State Board of Fisheries met in Homer last month and adopted a series of proposals that will impact sport fishing regulation for Lower Cook Inlet. These changes aim to safeguard king salmon populations, reduce the bag limit for rockfish, and expand opportunities for surf casting and China Poot dipnetting.
Protecting King Salmon
To bolster the resilience of king salmon populations, the board reduced the bag limit for rockfish in Cook Inlet and the North Gulf Coast to three per day and six in possession. This measure aims to enhance the abundance of salmon prey, which is crucial for king salmon survival.
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In addition, the board implemented a guideline harvest level of 5,500 for the Cook Inlet Winter Salt Water King Salmon Sport Fishery. This limit aims to ensure that king salmon populations remain at healthy levels, preventing overfishing and ensuring their long-term viability.
Reducing the Bag Limit for Rockfish (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
The board lowered the bag limit for lingcod in Cook Inlet to one per day and two in possession, reflecting the need to protect this important predator species. This reduction aligns with the overall goal of safeguarding the ecological balance of the marine ecosystem.
Enhancing Opportunities for Surf Casting and Dipnetting
Surf casting enthusiasts will welcome the board’s decision to allow fishing from shore for species other than king salmon in the conservation zones surrounding the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside stream mouths. This change will provide recreational anglers with greater access to fishing opportunities.
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The China Poot personal use dipnet fishery has been extended to begin on June 15 and conclude on August 14. This expanded season will provide greater opportunities for subsistence anglers to gather sustenance from the abundant salmon runs in Lower Cook Inlet.
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These new regulations reflect the State Board of Fisheries’ commitment to sustainable fisheries management in Lower Cook Inlet. By protecting king salmon populations, reducing the harvest of rockfish, and expanding opportunities for recreational and subsistence fishing, the board aims to ensure the long-term health of the marine ecosystem and the sustainable enjoyment of these valuable resources.
Northland Fishing Tackle is now shipping Smeltinator Jigs. (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 14, 2023
(source: fishingtackleretailer.com by FTR Industry Wire)
Northland Licenses and Distributes Winning Smeltinator Jig
Northland Tackle has announced that it will be licensing, branding, and distributing the Smeltinator jig, a popular bait used by Bassmaster Classic winner Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson. The partnership will allow Northland to expand the reach of the Smeltinator jig and make it more accessible to anglers worldwide.
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The Smeltinator jig is a unique bait that is designed to mimic the movement of baitfish like shiners, smelt, and shad. It features a wide, flat head that allows it to hang perfectly horizontally in the water, making it ideal for targeting suspended bass. The jig is also available in a variety of colors and sizes to suit different fishing conditions.
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“The Smeltinator jig is a proven winner, and we are excited to partner with Jeff and Bass Tactics to bring it to a wider audience,” said Northland CEO John Peterson. “We believe that this partnership will help us to grow our brand and become the leader in finesse fishing products.”
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Gustafson is thrilled to be working with Northland on this project. “I’ve been using the Smeltinator jig for years, and I’ve caught a lot of big bass on it,” he said. “I’m confident that Northland is the right partner to help me take this bait to the next level.”
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The Smeltinator jig is now available in 13 colors and four sizes. It comes three per card for $7.99 (MSRP). The “Moping” Technique
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The “moping” technique is a specialized fishing method that is used to target suspended bass. It involves fishing a fluke or minnow-style plastic on the Smeltinator jig or the Smeltinator Underspin Jig over the top of deep suspending bass. The design of the jig allows it to hang perfectly horizontal like a real shiner, smelt, or shad. Suspending bass “feed up” on these schools of baitfish. Hanging the Smeltinator above actively feeding fish has proven to yield serious bites and big tournament weights.
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“The moping technique is a very effective way to catch big bass,” said Gustafson. “It’s a great option for anglers who are looking for a challenge and a chance to catch some of the biggest fish in the lake.”
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With its proven track record and innovative design, the Smeltinator jig is sure to become a popular choice for anglers worldwide. The partnership between Northland and Bass Tactics will help to introduce this exciting bait to a wider audience and further solidify Northland’s position as a leader in finesse fishing products.
Some lobster fishermen in Nova Scotia report a significant decrease in catches. (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 15, 2023
(source: atlantic.ctvnews.ca by Sean Mott)
Lobster Fishermen Report Major Catches Decline, Call for Increased Enforcement
Lobster fishers in Southwest Nova Scotia are reporting a major decline in catches this year, and they’re calling on the provincial government to take action.
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Heather Mulock, executive director of the Coldwater Lobster Association, said this is one of the worst seasons for catches in the region since the 1990s.
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“We saw millions of pounds of lobster that came out illegally,” Mulock said. “Unauthorized fishing in the summer and fall affected us.”
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Mulock is advocating for hefty fines for the sale and purchase of illegal lobster in the province.
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“A one million dollar fine is one thing, but we need it implemented,” she said. “We also need a minimum fine as a deterrent.”
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In a written statement, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Kent Smith said he has been in communication with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans about the need for increased enforcement to counteract illegal activity.
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Smith said he is committed to raising fines from $100,000 to $1 million.
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In a news release, Millbrook First Nation said the reported decline in catches “unfairly falls on Mi’kmaw livelihood fishers.”
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“Contrary to misconceptions, lower lobster landings in Southwestern Nova Scotia are not the result of Mi’kmaw overfishing,” the release states. “A staggering 94 per cent of Nova Scotia lobsters are still harvested by the non-Indigenous commercial industry.”
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Fisherman Lex Brukovskiy said his catches are about half of what they were last year.
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“I’m not sure why to be honest,” Brukovskiy said. “The water temperature is slightly cooler, but not enough to make a difference. St Mary’s Bay is being fished in the summer, so that could cause some problem.”
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Smith said he is hopeful that the various conditions that impact lobster landings will improve and that catches will increase as the season progresses.
Father and Daughter Discover Century-Old Shipwreck While Fishing (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 16, 2023
(source: edition.cnn.com by Zoe Sottile and Sara Smart, CNN)
On a routine fishing trip, a father and his daughter made a remarkable discovery that has captured the attention of maritime enthusiasts around the world.
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While casting their lines off Wisconsin’s Green Island, Tim Wollak and his 6-year-old daughter Henley stumbled upon the wreck of a ship that sank centuries ago.
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Henley, who was initially intrigued by what she thought was a “rare” Green Bay Octopus, quickly realized that she and her father had stumbled upon something much more significant.
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Her father, Tim, immediately recognized the object as a shipwreck and began to investigate. After doing some research, he contacted the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program to help him identify the vessel.
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On December 4, 2023, crews working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Mike Neal used a remote-operated vehicle to investigate the shipwreck.
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The team was able to confirm that the wreck is indeed a ship, and they believe it is the barkentine George L. Newman, which sank in 1871 during the Great Peshtigo Fire.
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The George L. Newman was a 122-foot-long sailing ship that was built in Ohio in 1855. The ship was carrying a cargo of lumber when it encountered heavy smoke from the Peshtigo Fire. The crew was rescued by a lighthouse keeper, and they stayed at the lighthouse for a week while salvaging what they could from the wreck.
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The vessel was abandoned, became covered with sand, and was largely forgotten until the Wollaks spotted it.
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The Wisconsin Historical Society will survey the wreck in the spring and assess it for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
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This is not the first time that a shipwreck has been discovered in Lake Michigan in recent months. In September 2023, the historical society announced the discovery of another long-lost shipwreck, the schooner Trinidad, which was built in 1867 and wrecked in 1881.
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The Wollaks’ discovery is a reminder of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan. The lake is home to hundreds of shipwrecks, many of which have never been found.
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As more and more people enjoy the lake for fishing and recreation, it is likely that more of these hidden treasures will be discovered.
Recycling Fishing Waste: A Collaborative Effort (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
December 17, 2023
(source: bbc.com by ???)
Jersey Prisoners Take the Lead
Jersey Prison Service has taken a groundbreaking approach to reducing fishing waste by engaging inmates in a recycling project.
A Successful Pilot Scheme
Since the scheme’s inception, it has diverted a significant amount of fishing waste from landfills, including 14 tonnes of rope, 68 fishing pots, and 2,000 meters of netting.
Collaboration for a Common Goal (Fishing News 20231211-20231217)
The project has brought together Marine Resources, Ports of Jersey, Solid Waste, Jersey Fishermen’s Association, and Jersey Prison Service for a common cause.
Positive Impact on the Environment and Society
The project has not only addressed environmental concerns but also provided inmates with valuable job training.
A Testament to Collaboration
As the project continues to thrive, it stands as a shining example of the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling environmental challenges.