Fishing News 20240115-20240121
Fishing News 20240115-20240121 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
Historic Fishing Shacks Washed Away by Record High Tide (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 15, 2024
(source: cbsnews.com – by CBS/AP)
A recent storm in Maine resulted in the destruction of three historic fishing shacks that had stood for centuries. The shacks, which were located on Willard Beach in South Portland, were captured on video as they were swept away by the waves. Erskine, who witnessed the incident, said it was a sad day for the community and that the shacks were a beloved part of South Portland’s history.
Storm Surge Floods Homes and Uncovers 1911 Shipwreck
The storm, which brought a record-high tide of 14.57 feet, also caused flooding in several coastal communities in Maine and New Hampshire. In Hampton, New Hampshire, resident Susan McGee said she had never seen flooding like it in her 35 years of living there.
City and Historical Society Respond to Destruction of Fishing Shacks (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
The city of South Portland has expressed sadness over the loss of the shacks and has announced that it will be looking into rebuilding them. The South Portland Historical Society has also said that it will be working to create reproductions of the shacks.
Other Damage Caused by the Storm
In addition to the damage to the fishing shacks and flooding, the storm also caused a fishing boat to run aground in Cape Elizabeth. The Coast Guard rescued four people from the boat.
New Raystown Lake Fishing Tournament Safety Measures (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 16, 2024
(source: nab.usace.army.mil – by U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BALTIMORE DISTRICT)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the PA Fish and Boat Commission have announced new safety measures for fishing tournaments at Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania. These measures are aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and ensuring access for emergency vehicles.
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- Tournament directors are being asked to schedule their events outside of peak capacity weekend hours, which are between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For example, a tournament could begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., or begin at 4 p.m. and end at 1 a.m., or begin at 1 a.m. and end at 9 a.m., etc.
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- Tournament directors who must schedule their events during peak capacity hours will be required to follow established safety measures. This may include staggering launch times, providing extra parking, and using a designated weigh-in area.
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- Project staff will continue to evaluate permit applications on a case-by-case basis. They will also work with tournament directors to find alternative scheduling options if needed.
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- A 2018 boating capacity study found that Raystown Lake has “reached or exceeded” boating capacity. This means that there are too many boats on the lake at any given time, which can lead to congestion and safety hazards.
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- The safety of visitors is the top priority of the USACE and the PA Fish and Boat Commission. These new measures are designed to help ensure that all visitors to Raystown Lake have a safe and enjoyable experience.
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- Fishing tournament organizers must apply for a permit through the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The USACE has the authority to approve or disapprove these requests.
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- Raystown Lake is a popular destination for fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It is home to seven campgrounds, including the Seven Points Campground, which is one of the top earning campgrounds in the country.
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- The Raystown staff encourages all boaters to plan ahead by having all gear and equipment loaded before they approach the boat ramp. This will help to reduce traffic congestion and make the boating experience more enjoyable for everyone.
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For more information about Raystown Lake and fishing tournament safety measures, please visit the USACE website or contact the Raystown Lake Ranger Office at (814) 658-3405.
Eleven Men Fined for Illegal Fishing Practices in South and South West (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 17, 2024
(source: gov.uk – by Environment Agency)
On January 8, 2024, eleven men were sentenced at Swindon magistrates’ court for illegal fishing practices. They were ordered to pay a total of £4,135 in fines, costs, and victim surcharges.
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- Joshua Cooper (19), of Warren Avenue, Southampton, was found guilty in his absence of fishing without a licence at Highbridge, River Itchen, Eastleigh. He was fined £220, ordered to pay £135 in costs, and a £88 victim surcharge.
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- Hajri Karoshi (53), of Yeftly Drive, Littlemore in Oxford, pleaded guilty to two offences: fishing without a licence and fishing during the annual close season at Hockley, River Itchen, Winchester. He was fined £51 for the first offence and £54 for the second, ordered to pay £135 in costs, and a £43 victim surcharge.
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- William Manning (27), of Sleaford Road, Beckingham in Lincolnshire, was fined £95 for fishing without a licence at River Test, Southampton. He also paid £135 in costs and a £38 victim surcharge.
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- Oakley Bedford (23), of Beaufort Road, Havant, in Hampshire, was fined £128 for fishing without a licence at Sinah Warren, Havant. He also paid £135 in costs and a £51 victim surcharge.
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- Neculai Mocanu (53), of Hounslow Road, Feltham, Middlesex, was fined £40 for fishing during the close season at The Malms at the River Itchen, Winchester. He also paid £135 in costs and a £16 victim surcharge.
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- Petro Petrascu (47), of New Chapel Square, Feltham, pleaded guilty to fishing during the close season at The Malms at the River Itchen, Winchester. He was fined £330, paid £135 in costs, and a £132 victim surcharge.
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- Patrick Taylor (25), of Harlaxton Road, Grantham, in Lincolnshire, was found guilty in his absence of fishing without a licence at River Test, Totton, and was fined £220, ordered to pay £135 in costs, and a £88 victim surcharge.
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- Adam Taylor (27), of London Road, Ashford, Middlesex, was found guilty in his absence of fishing without a licence at River Farm, Fareham. He was fined £220, ordered to pay £135 in costs, and a £88 victim surcharge.
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- Astrit Veshi (49), of Rivermead Road, Oxford, was found guilty in his absence of two offences: fishing without a licence and fishing during the annual close season for freshwater fish at Hockley, River Itchen, Winchester. He was fined £440 for the two offences, ordered to pay £135 in costs, and a £176 victim surcharge.
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- Andon Xhika (36), of Cranmer Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to two offences: fishing without a licence and fishing during the annual close season at Hockley, River Itchen, Winchester. He was fined £90 for each offence, ordered to pay £72 in victim surcharge, and £135 in costs.
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- Harry Burston (30), of Hazelmere, Otterford, Chard, was found guilty in his absence of fishing without a licence at the Chard Reservoir. He was fined £220, ordered to pay £135 in costs, and a £88 victim surcharge.
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The Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement officer, James Allan, said:
- “Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.”
- “Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.”
- “Rod fishing byelaws are there to protect fish stocks and their habitats.”
- “Any angler who does not comply with these byelaws could face prosecution and be fined up to £2,500.”
French Government Takes Decisive Action to Protect Dolphins in Bay of Biscay (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 18, 2024
(source: phys.org – by ???)
Protecting Dolphin Populations from Accidental Capture
In response to growing concerns about the declining dolphin population in the Bay of Biscay, the French government has taken a bold step by imposing a temporary ban on all commercial fishing activities in the region. This groundbreaking decision, the first of its kind since the end of World War II, is expected to have a significant impact on around 450 French vessels, primarily those exceeding eight meters in length.
Government Acts to Safeguard Dolphins from Exploitation (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
The decision was prompted by a surge in dolphin deaths in the Bay of Biscay. A study by the scientific body CIEM revealed that approximately 9,000 dolphins perish annually along the French Atlantic coast as a result of being accidentally caught in fishing gear. This alarming trend has ignited a call for action from environmental activists and scientists, who advocate for stricter measures to protect these marine mammals.
Fishermen and Industry Groups Express Dismay
The ban has met with strong opposition from fishermen and industry groups, who argue that it will cause significant financial hardship and threaten their livelihoods. Raymond Millet, a fisherman from La Rochelle, expressed his frustration, stating, “Vessels nine to 11 meters long are not the kind of boats that fish for dolphins.” Franck Lalande, a boat owner from Arcachon, echoed similar sentiments, expressing fears that the ban could trigger “social problems.” He also criticized the compensation packages offered by the government as inadequate.
Government Promises to Support Fishing Industry (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
Despite the opposition, the French government has defended its decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting dolphins for the health of the marine ecosystem and the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry. The government has pledged to provide financial support to the fishing industry during the ban, including partial unemployment benefits and other forms of aid.
Environmentalists Urge Cooperation from Fishermen
Environmentalists have welcomed the government’s decision and urged fishermen to comply with the ban, arguing that it is essential to protect dolphins and ensure the long-term health of the Bay of Biscay ecosystem. They have also called for continued collaboration between fishermen, scientists, and policymakers to develop sustainable fishing practices that minimize the risk of dolphin deaths.
Impact of Ban on Fishing and Dolphin Conservation (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
The ban is expected to have a significant impact on the fishing industry in the Bay of Biscay, causing disruptions to fishing schedules and potentially affecting market prices. However, environmentalists believe that the long-term benefits of protecting dolphins outweigh the short-term economic costs. They hope that the ban will serve as a catalyst for implementing more sustainable fishing practices and preventing future dolphin deaths.
Tackling Blast Fishing in Tanzania: A Multi-pronged Approach (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 19, 2024
(source: hakaimagazine.com- by Scarlett Buckley)
Amidst the pristine waters of Tanzania lies a hidden threat to its marine ecosystem – blast fishing, a destructive practice that uses explosives to stun or kill fish. This illegal and harmful method, despite being outlawed in Tanzania, has caused widespread damage to coral reefs, decimated fish populations, and disrupted the delicate balance of the marine environment.
Heshimu Bahari: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Blast Fishing
In response to the pressing need to address blast fishing, the Tanzanian government, in partnership with community members, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations, has launched the Heshimu Bahari project, meaning “Respect the Ocean.” This ambitious undertaking aims to strengthen the country’s marine protected areas, enhance climate resilience, and combat illegal fishing practices, including blast fishing.
Disrupting the Supply of Explosives: A Key Strategy
At the heart of the Heshimu Bahari project lies a critical strategy – disrupting the supply of explosives used for blast fishing. This approach has proven effective in curbing the practice in neighboring countries like Kenya and Mozambique. By imposing stricter controls on explosives and levying severe penalties for unlicensed possession, the government aims to deter individuals from engaging in blast fishing.
Monitoring and Community Engagement: Essential Components
In addition to restricting the availability of explosives, the Heshimu Bahari project emphasizes the importance of monitoring blast fishing activity. By tracking where and when blast fishing occurs, the government can effectively target enforcement efforts and allocate resources more strategically. This information is crucial for developing long-term strategies to combat the problem.
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Community engagement is also a vital aspect of the project. Educating community members about the detrimental effects of blast fishing and empowering them to report illegal activities creates a strong deterrent against this destructive practice. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among coastal communities, the project aims to create a collective commitment to protecting the marine environment.
A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future
The Heshimu Bahari project represents a promising step forward in Tanzania’s fight against blast fishing. By combining government action, community engagement, and innovative approaches, the project has the potential to significantly reduce the practice and restore the health of Tanzania’s marine ecosystems. With continued collaboration and unwavering commitment, Tanzania can reclaim its pristine waters and pave the way for a more sustainable future for its fisheries and marine biodiversity.
Winter Fishing Festival at Ulungur Lake: A Fusion of Nature, Culture, and Culinary Delights (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 20, 2024
(source: news.cgtn.com – by Shen Shiwei)
A Winter Spectacle: The Annual Gathering at Ulungur Lake
In the heart of the Altay region, nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and crystalline lakes, Fuhai County hosts the annual Winter Fishing Festival, a vibrant celebration of nature’s bounty and cultural heritage. The frozen expanse of Ulungur Lake, dubbed the “sea in the Gobi,” transforms into a spectacle as anglers gather to practice their traditional method of catching fish through holes drilled in the ice.
Harvesting Nature’s Treasure: A Testament to Time-Honored Techniques
Ulungur Lake, a reservoir of life teeming with cold-water fish, particularly carp, holds a special place in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. During the festival, the first carp caught is auctioned off, echoing the region’s deep connection to the lake and its precious resources.
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For generations, fishermen have perfected the art of winter fishing, using hand-operated nets to navigate the icy surface, meticulously creating holes to extract the elusive fish. This age-old practice reflects the harmonious coexistence of communities and the natural world, ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource.
A Gastronomic Symphony: Fish-Mutton Soup, a Fusion of Local Flavors (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
The Winter Fishing Festival is not merely a spectacle; it’s an invitation to indulge in the region’s culinary delights. The signature dish, fish-mutton soup, stands as a culinary masterpiece, blending the freshest ingredients from the lake and local pastures. Delicate freshwater fish, simmered with tender mutton from grazing herdsmen, tantalizes the palate, showcasing the region’s culinary prowess.
A Tapestry of Culture: Experiencing the Altay Region’s Rich Heritage
Beyond the captivating spectacle of winter fishing, the festival unveils the rich tapestry of Altay’s cultural heritage. Ice fishing performances, winter sports competitions, and cultural exhibitions showcase the region’s vibrant traditions, captivating visitors with their blend of artistry and athleticism.
A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Exploring the Beauty of the Altay Landscape
The Altay region, home to the majestic Altai Mountains, serene river valleys, and pristine lakes, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Majestic peaks, dotted with ancient rock paintings and carvings, offer breathtaking vistas, while the abundance of natural beauty, including lush grasslands and crystal-clear water, provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
A Celebration of Connection: Where Tradition Meets Modernity (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
As the aroma of steaming fish-mutton soup fills the air and the vibrant hues of the festival illuminate the snow-covered landscape, the Winter Fishing Festival at Ulungur Lake emerges as a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. It’s a celebration of the enduring connection between people and their environment, where the preservation of cultural heritage seamlessly coexists with the embrace of contemporary experiences.
Remembering Paul Pezalla: A Chicago Icon in Carp Fishing and Life (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
January 21, 2024
(source: chicago.suntimes.com – by Dale Bowman)
Renaissance man Paul Pezalla, a luminary in Chicago life and carp fishing, passed away on January 17 at the age of 76 after bravely confronting cancer. His legacy is deeply embedded in the Chicago Carp Classic, an event that captivated international anglers in the 1990s and bore his indelible mark.
A Pictorial Pause: The Impact of Paul Pezalla on Wildlife Photography
In 1998, world-renowned wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg found himself halted by the sight of Paul Pezalla prayerfully releasing a carp along the Chicago River. Pezalla’s unique presence left an enduring impression, showcasing his profound connection to the art of carp fishing and reverence for nature.
A Multifaceted Maestro: Paul Pezalla’s Diverse Talents (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
Todd Carlander, a long-time friend, and fellow angler, eloquently described Paul Pezalla as a Renaissance figure. His unparalleled talent spanned various domains—from carp fishing, family life, and invention to computer wizardry, photography, woodworking, and environmental activism. This multifaceted individual embodied a rare combination of skills and passions.
Steadying Force Behind the Chicago Carp Classic
Paul Pezalla played a pivotal role in steering the success of the Chicago Carp Classic, attracting top international anglers during its heyday in the 1990s. Holding the record for a 38-pound, 2-ounce carp on the Chicago River, Pezalla’s prowess and dedication left an indelible mark on the sport.
Academic Beginnings to Carp-Fishing Legacy: A Unique Journey
Pezalla’s journey began with academic achievements—a degree and doctorate from the University of Minnesota, followed by a post-doctorate at the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal. Transitioning from biology professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he embraced a diverse career, from radiator covers at Prairie Woodworking to the founding of Wacker Bait & Tackle LLC.
Intellectualizing Carp Fishing: Paul Pezalla’s Enduring Legacy (Fishing News 20240115-20240121)
In the words of Todd Carlander, Pezalla brought a new intellectualism to carp fishing in America. His influence resonates today, evident in the sport’s popularity. Whether casually designing a houseboat or crafting carp baits, Paul Pezalla’s diverse contributions reflect a life lived to the fullest—a true Renaissance man whose legacy extends beyond Chicago’s shores.