Fishing News 20240408-20240414
Fishing News 20240408-20240414 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
Invasive But Appetizing: Blue Catfish in Maryland (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 8, 2024
(source: news.maryland.gov – by ???)
(Tim Edison, INHS large river ecologist, holds a blue catfish captured during LTEF sampling on the Ohio River – photo by Stephanie Liss, University of Illinois graduate student)
Blue catfish are plentiful in Maryland’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay itself. While this may seem like a nuisance for the ecosystem, it’s actually good news for anglers. These fish are readily available, grow to impressive sizes, and put up a fight when reeled in.
Easy to Catch, Delicious to Eat
Blue catfish are a desirable target for recreational fishing because they are both easy to find and challenging to catch. They readily take bait and can be caught using light tackle from a boat or even from the shore. Additionally, there’s no closed season or catch limit for blue catfish, making them a year-round option for anglers. Perhaps the best part? They’re known to be delicious table fare.
Unexpected Guests in the Chesapeake Bay
Blue catfish are not native to Maryland. They were originally introduced in Virginia in the 1970s to create a new sport fishery. Unfortunately, these fish can thrive in both freshwater and brackish environments, allowing them to migrate across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This has disrupted the native ecosystem, making blue catfish an invasive species.
Finding Blue Catfish in Maryland (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
According to Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Keith Lockwood, blue catfish can now be found in nearly every tidal river that feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. Charter fishing trips are becoming increasingly popular, offering a fun and affordable way to target these fish. Captain Marcus Wilson of Hot Licks Charters recommends brackish waters as prime locations, especially during the cooler months. As the water warms, blue catfish tend to move towards shallower areas.
Prime Locations for Blue Catfish
Blue catfish exhibit seasonal movement patterns. In the spring and fall, they tend to be found along channel edges. During the summer, they move downriver, while winter finds them seeking out deeper waters in the middle and upper sections of the tidal rivers. A depth finder can be a valuable tool for locating these areas, especially when fishing from a small boat.
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Some of the best locations for blue catfish in Maryland include the Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace, the lower Susquehanna River, Middle River, Magothy River, Chester River, the tidal Potomac River, Patuxent River, Choptank River, Nanticoke River, and Wicomico River. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides an updated list of hotspots on their website and in the weekly Maryland Fishing Report.
Fishing Ban in Puducherry to Protect Marine Life (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 9, 2024
(source: thehindu.com – by THE HINDU BUREAU)
An annual fishing ban will be implemented across the Union Territory of Puducherry to safeguard marine resources. The ban will be in effect for varying durations depending on the specific region.
Focus on Conservation
The Central Ministry of Fisheries has imposed the ban as a fisheries management strategy. This 61-day restriction aims to allow fish populations to replenish during their breeding season. This practice is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the health of the marine ecosystem.
Impact on Puducherry’s Fishing Communities (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
Puducherry boasts a coastline of 45 kilometers and a rich fishing heritage with around 29,000 active fishers. The ban will impact all fishing vessels except for traditional catamarans, country boats, and canoes. These exemptions aim to minimize disruption to the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.
Specific Dates and Areas
The ban applies from April 15 to June 14 in Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam. Mahe will observe the restriction from June 1 to July 31. The specific areas under the ban include the traditional fishing zones stretching from Kanachettikulam to Murthikuppam-Pudukuppam villages in Puducherry, and Mandapathur to Vanjur in Karaikal, along with the fishing zone in Yanam.
Additional Considerations
A Supreme Court order from January 24, 2023, prohibits the use of purse seine nets during the ban period in both the East Coast (Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam) and the West Coast (Mahe) regions under Puducherry’s jurisdiction.
Victoria Reels in a Record: 10 Million Fish Stocked (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 10, 2024
(source: miragenews.com – by VIC Premier)
The Victorian Government is celebrating a major milestone for recreational fishing with a record-breaking 10 million fish stocked across the state this year. This initiative is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to improving fishing experiences and attracting more Victorians to the outdoors.
Stocking Success for All Victorians
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced this achievement while stocking brown trout at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. Victoria boasts the highest fish stocking rates in all of Australia, offering a diverse range of species for anglers to enjoy. This includes Murray cod, golden perch, trout, threatened Macquarie perch, dusky flathead, and Australian bass.
Investing in the Future of Fishing (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
The record-breaking stocking program is part of the Labor Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan. Since 2021, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has stocked over 26 million fish in Victorian waterways. This year alone saw the introduction of over 1.4 million trout, 7.4 million native Murray cod and golden perch fingerlings, alongside 460,000 Australian bass and 300,000 silver perch.
Restoring a Native Treasure
Special attention is being paid to the recovery of the endangered Macquarie perch. Nearly 80,000 fingerlings have been stocked to re-establish wild populations across the state. Upgrading VFA hatcheries plays a crucial role in these efforts. A $15 million investment has brought world-class infrastructure to Snobs Creek, including a new captive breeding center utilizing cutting-edge aquaculture technology.
Empowering Victorians to Enhance Fish Habitat
The Labor Government’s commitment to fishing extends beyond stocking. The Fish Habitat Improvement Fund program empowers recreational fishing groups and organizations to create better fish habitats in freshwater, marine, and estuarine environments. This collaborative approach ensures a healthier and more sustainable future for Victoria’s fish populations.
Quotes
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos: “Our fish stocking program continues to deliver record-breaking results for Victorian anglers. This year’s 10 million fish will ensure great fishing for future generations and attract more families and friends to enjoy this wonderful activity across Victoria.”
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Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison: “The fish stocking program creates more opportunities for people to enjoy fishing, while also ensuring iconic locations like Lake Wendouree remain premier fisheries and major attractions for anglers seeking trophy-sized trout.”
California Salmon Season Cancelled Again: Devastating Blow to Fishing Industry (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 11, 2024
(source: cbsnews.com – by Chris Spinder)
California’s commercial and recreational fishing industry has been dealt another severe blow. The Pacific Fishery Management Council, the federal agency regulating fishing along the West Coast, has recommended canceling the state’s ocean salmon season for the second year in a row.
Low River Levels and Declining Salmon Stocks
The council’s decision stems from ongoing concerns about the health of California’s salmon population. Persistently low water levels and high temperatures in rivers where salmon spawn have created poor conditions for these iconic fish. Scientists report historically low population numbers as a result.
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The Sacramento River watershed, the most significant source of salmon on the West Coast, exemplifies the crisis. Historically, this river supported millions of fish annually. However, in 2023, a mere 134,000 adult fall-run Chinook salmon returned to spawn, a fraction of past numbers.
Economic Impact and Industry Fears (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
The economic repercussions of this decision are severe for communities dependent on fishing revenues. Estimates suggest last year’s cancellation amounted to $45-$65 million in lost revenue for California. While the federal government allocated some disaster relief funds, many fishers haven’t received any aid.
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Industry groups fear this second cancellation will be the final blow for many Pacific Coast fishing vessels. The council reports the fleet has already dwindled from nearly 5,000 vessels in the early 1980s to just 464 in 2022.
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Sportfishing guides, whose businesses rely heavily on the salmon season, also face significant hardship. Many report losing over 80% of their annual income after last year’s closure.
Uncertain Future for California Salmon
The California salmon season typically runs from May to October. The council’s recommendation will now be reviewed by the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by mid-May. This decision will significantly impact California’s fishing industry and the future of its iconic salmon population.
Catch Invasive Fish, Help Maryland! (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 12, 2024
(source: fox5dc.com – by Sam Kosmas)
Maryland is calling on anglers to help control the spread of invasive catfish and snakehead in its waterways. These voracious fish threaten native species like blue crabs and can quickly multiply.
Why Remove Invasive Fish?
Blue catfish, flathead catfish, and northern snakehead are not native to Maryland’s ecosystems. They prey on important native species and disrupt the natural balance. Last year, Maryland’s attempt to secure federal disaster relief to address the issue was unsuccessful.
Taking Action: How Anglers Can Help (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is taking proactive steps to combat the invasive fish problem. Here’s how anglers can contribute:
- Catch and Remove: Maryland has no restrictions on catching invasive fish. Anglers are encouraged to catch and remove any blue catfish, flathead catfish, or northern snakehead they encounter.
- Multiple Uses: There are several ways to dispose of invasive fish after catching them. They can be used as bait, composted, or donated to wildlife rehabilitation centers.
- Report Sightings: Anglers can contribute to tracking the spread of invasive fish by reporting their catches on Maryland’s Invasive Species Tracker.
By working together, anglers can play a vital role in protecting Maryland’s waterways and native species.
Uncertainty Threatens Nova Scotia’s Fight Against Ghost Gear (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 13, 2024
(source: cbc.ca – by CBC News)
Environmental groups in Nova Scotia are worried about the future of their efforts to remove abandoned fishing gear, also known as ghost gear, from the province’s coastline.
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These groups rely on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Ghost Gear Fund, but haven’t received any confirmation on its renewal for the upcoming season. This lack of information is making it difficult for them to plan and budget for their critical work.
Impact of Lost Funding
Zora McGinnis, from Coastal Action, highlights the challenges posed by the funding uncertainty. Their organization, working across three provinces, received $725,000 last year for ghost gear retrieval. Without renewed funding, hiring seasonal staff and planning operations become impossible.
Ghost Gear: A Threat to Marine Life and Ecosystems
McGinnis emphasizes the dangers of ghost gear beyond environmental clutter. It can entangle marine life, including whales, and negatively impact fish stocks. Additionally, with forecasts predicting an above-average hurricane season, the ability to respond to potential storms would also be hampered by funding cuts.
Cleaning Up the Coast (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
Another environmental group, Scotian Shores, specializes in cleaning up Nova Scotia’s islands. Angela Riley, from the group, highlights the significant amount of debris they remove, including roughly 200 lobster traps every weekend. The continuation of these efforts hinges entirely on receiving renewed funding.
Hope for Continued Support
Both McGinnis and Riley acknowledge the critical role they play in protecting the marine environment. They remain hopeful that the DFO Ghost Gear Fund will be renewed, allowing them to continue their essential work.
DFO’s Response
While acknowledging the program’s past success in removing over 2,124 tonnes of gear and 857 kilometers of rope since 2020, DFO provided no update on the future of the Ghost Gear Fund.
Rainbow Trout for Everyone: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Stocks Local Waters (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
April 14, 2024
(source: cbc.ca – by CBC News)
Excitement filled the air at the Swanton Waterworks Reservoir as the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s fish hatchery truck arrived. Over 30 eager anglers, young and old, awaited the arrival of their quarry – rainbow trout!
A Fun Day for All Ages
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officially began the process of releasing over 600 rainbow trout into the reservoir. Anticipation hung heavy in the air as anglers watched the fish being unloaded and released. Soon, the water teemed with activity as lines were cast and fish were reeled in.
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Thirteen-year-old Isaiah Monaghan of Toledo had a close call, nearly landing a fish before it escaped into the rocks. Success soon followed for others, with Richard Snyder, 68, of McClure, proudly holding aloft his catch. Young Isaac Saunders, 12, also of Toledo, reeled in a whopper with the help of his friend Isaiah’s dad, Josh.
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The reservoir transformed into a scene of bustling activity, with laughter and cheers filling the crisp spring air. Every angler, regardless of age or experience, seemed to be having a fantastic time.
Encouraging a Love of Fishing (Fishing News 20240408-20240414)
Luke Sheperd, from the DNR, explained the purpose behind the trout stocking program. The DNR aims to spark an interest in fishing among people of all ages, creating lasting memories that will keep them coming back for more.
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“We want to get young people involved in this fishery,” Sheperd said. “We stock these trout so people can take them home, clean them, and enjoy a delicious meal. I’ve noticed that young people especially enjoy this whole process, from catching the fish to preparing it for the table.”
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This event marked just one of many trout stocking events planned for Ohio. With nine more stockings scheduled in northwest Ohio and dozens more across the state throughout May, there are plenty of opportunities to grab your gear, head outdoors, and experience the joy of fishing.