Fishing News 20240513-20240519
Fishing News 20240513-20240519 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
The Genetic Blueprint for Sustainable Fishing (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 13, 2024
(source: earth.com – by Sanjana Gajbhiye)
The global fishing industry faces an urgent crisis. Overfishing, climate change, and other environmental pressures threaten fish populations, jeopardizing food security and ocean ecosystems. A team of researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Dr. Leif Andersson, is pioneering a novel approach to fisheries management that harnesses the power of population genomics.
Unlocking the Secrets of Fish DNA
This cutting-edge field analyzes the genetic makeup of entire fish populations, providing unprecedented insights into their biology, ecology, and vulnerabilities. The foundation of this innovative method is the reference genome, a genetic blueprint that maps each gene’s function. By comparing the DNA of different fish populations to the reference genome, scientists can uncover genetic variations that reveal unique adaptations and migration patterns. This information is crucial for understanding the connections between fish populations, their spawning locations, and their responses to environmental changes.
Preserving Genetic Diversity for a Healthy Future (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
Population genomics offers a unique window into the genetic health of fish populations, allowing scientists to assess the degree of genetic variation within a species. A diverse gene pool equips a fish population with a wide array of genetic traits, including variations in disease resistance, temperature tolerance, growth rates, and reproductive capabilities. This genetic diversity is essential for a species’ ability to thrive and adapt to changing environmental conditions. In contrast, populations with low genetic diversity are more susceptible to environmental stressors and diseases, potentially leading to population declines or even extinction.
Tailoring Strategies for Sustainable Fishing
By using population genomics, scientists can identify fish populations with low genetic diversity, allowing fishery managers to act proactively. These managers can enforce stricter fishing rules, establish marine protected areas, or initiate breeding programs to bolster genetic diversity and protect vulnerable fish populations. This wealth of genetic data empowers fishery managers to develop targeted and effective management plans for each distinct fish population, potentially including measures like adjusting fishing quotas, establishing marine protected areas, and implementing habitat restoration projects.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
The integration of population genomics into fisheries management marks a significant advancement in sustainable ocean use. This approach, utilizing genetic information, allows for more informed decisions regarding fishing practices and conservation efforts. As we strive for a more sustainable future, collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and fishing communities is essential for realizing the full potential of population genomics.
A Looming Crisis: Chinese Trawlers Devastate Angolan Fisheries (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 14, 2024
(source: adf-magazine.com – by ADF)
Fishermen in Benguela, Angola, are facing a stark reality: their once-abundant fishing grounds are depleted. Artisanal canoes, once brimming with catches, now return nearly empty. This alarming situation is directly attributed to the presence of Chinese trawlers, according to local fishermen.
A Story of Depletion and Desperation
Jose Caterca, a local fisherman, laments the dwindling fish stocks, claiming that Chinese trawlers have driven fish further out to sea, making it increasingly difficult for artisanal fishermen to find their catch. His sentiment is echoed by Tito Catumbela, who owns several fishing boats and is a member of the Ondjalay Fishing Cooperative. He accuses the Chinese trawlers of encroaching on their fishing grounds, destroying their nets, and ignoring their pleas for a more sustainable approach.
The Price of Depletion: Rising Costs and Hunger
The lack of fish has driven up prices, doubling the cost of fish for consumers, as reported by fish trader Pachi Sabino. Angolans are forced to pay exorbitant prices for fish like Caribbean red snapper, sardines, and mackerel, making a staple food increasingly inaccessible for many.
China’s Role in the Crisis: A Global Issue (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
China’s vast distant-water fishing fleet, notorious for its illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, has been identified as a major contributor to the global depletion of fish stocks. Chinese trawlers in West Africa are known for employing destructive tactics, including using explosives, fishing with artificial lights, and encroaching on artisanal fishing areas. They are also notorious for engaging in “saiko,” the illegal transshipment of fish at sea.
The Devastation of Bottom Trawling
The most destructive practice employed by Chinese trawlers is bottom trawling. This method involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed, destroying ecosystems essential for fish survival and indiscriminately catching all forms of marine life. In Africa, China’s bottom trawl fleet catches an estimated 2.35 million tons of fish annually, a figure worth over $5 billion, according to the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF).
Threatening Endangered Species and Local Livelihoods
Chinese trawlers also target endangered and vulnerable marine life, including sharks and rays in Angola. This practice, coupled with the operations of other industrial fishing companies from countries like Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Korea, and Taiwan, poses a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of Angolan fisheries. Steve Trent, CEO of the EJF, emphasizes the dire consequences of this unchecked exploitation, stating that Chinese trawlers are depleting fish stocks for international sale, leaving coastal communities in Sub-Saharan Africa struggling to feed themselves.
Angolan Authorities Respond to the Crisis (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
Angolan authorities face a daunting challenge in combating illegal fishing. The country’s limited patrol boat fleet struggles to adequately monitor its expansive coastline. However, there are signs of progress. In February, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched a training program for Angolan monitoring, control, and surveillance officers. In March, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a workshop in Angola to develop a plan for implementing the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures. These initiatives represent a step toward improved policy, legal, and institutional frameworks aimed at strengthening Angola’s ability to combat illegal fishing.
A Call for Collaboration and Action
The crisis in Angolan fisheries highlights the urgent need for collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities. Addressing the destructive practices of Chinese trawlers, implementing effective monitoring and enforcement measures, and promoting sustainable fishing practices are crucial to ensuring the long-term health of Angolan fisheries and the livelihoods of the people who depend on them.
A Clash of Interests: UK and EU Dispute Over Sandeel Fishing Ban (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 15, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
The UK’s recent ban on sandeel fishing in the North Sea has ignited a contentious dispute with the European Union (EU). Brussels has demanded the ban’s reversal, citing violations of the UK’s post-Brexit agreements, and has set a deadline of Thursday for a resolution. The UK, however, maintains its right to safeguard its marine wildlife within its territorial waters.
The First Test of Post-Brexit Agreements
This dispute marks the first instance of the EU activating the dispute mechanism outlined in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the post-Brexit deal between the UK and the EU. While environmental activists and Brexit supporters have welcomed the ban, the EU considers it a breach of the UK’s commitments under the Agreement.
Sandeels: A Vital Link in the Marine Ecosystem (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
Sandeels, small, silvery fish abundant in the North Sea, are a vital food source for numerous endangered seabirds and marine species, including seals and dolphins. Danish fishing fleets, which annually harvest around 250,000 tonnes of sandeels in UK waters, face the brunt of the ban’s impact.
A Balancing Act: Conservation vs. Livelihoods
The RSPB, a leading conservation group, has advocated for the ban for over two decades, highlighting the critical role of sandeels in sustaining marine ecosystems and seabird populations. However, the EU argues that the ban disproportionately favors conservation over the livelihoods of fishing communities. They maintain that the existing quotas and protective measures adequately manage the sandeel fishery and claim the ban infringes on fishing opportunities for EU vessels.
Scientific Debate and Economic Concerns
Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, president of the EU Association of Fish Producers, challenges the scientific basis for the ban, suggesting that Danish fishermen have sustainably harvested sandeels for decades. He argues that the ban is unnecessary and will have a detrimental impact on the fishing industry.
A Looming Deadline and Potential Consequences (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
If a resolution is not reached by Thursday, the dispute will be escalated to an arbitration panel. Failure to comply with the panel’s decision could trigger retaliatory measures from Brussels, potentially including tariffs. This escalation could further strain UK-EU relations and have significant economic repercussions.
Eight Anglers Fined for Illegal Fishing in Norfolk (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 16, 2024
(source: gov.uk – by Environment Agency)
A recent crackdown on illegal fishing in Norfolk has resulted in eight anglers being fined a total of £3,094. Cases were heard in Hastings Magistrates Court, with fines ranging from £191 to £443, including a victim surcharge and court costs.
Multiple Offences, Multiple Fines
The offences included fishing without a license and removing bream contrary to local byelaws. The individuals charged included: Gary Auger, Stuart Lawn, Aurimas Tazius, David Denison, Lewis Buxton, Adrian Crowe, Matthew Grant, and Damien Howard. Each angler was found guilty, either by pleading guilty or being found guilty in their absence.
Environment Agency Stresses Importance of Licences
Lesley Robertson, Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency, emphasized the agency’s commitment to pursuing offenders who break fishing rules. Robertson highlighted the importance of holding a valid Environment Agency fishing licence, noting that the cost of an adult 12-month trout and coarse 3-rod fishing licence is only £53.70. The agency carries out intelligence-led enforcement work year-round, utilizing information from the public and working in conjunction with police forces and the Angling Trust.
Information and Resources for Anglers (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
The Environment Agency encourages individuals with information about illegal fishing activities to contact them via their incident hotline or Crimestoppers. Anglers can purchase licenses through the GOV.UK website or by calling the Environment Agency. Licences are available for various durations and fishing types, with concessions and free junior licenses for 13- to 16-year-olds.
Combating Illegal Fishing: A Joint Effort
The Environment Agency’s efforts to combat illegal fishing are ongoing, encompassing proactive enforcement measures and collaborative partnerships with law enforcement agencies. The agency emphasizes the importance of public participation and encourages individuals to report any suspicious activities to help protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of fishing resources.
Brexit’s Bitter Aftertaste: Cornish Fishermen Feel “Sold Down the River” (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 17, 2024
(source: bbc.com – by David Dixon)
Cornish fishermen, many of whom voted for Brexit, are expressing growing disillusionment with the current state of fishing rights in UK waters. They argue that foreign vessels continue to dominate the fishing grounds, despite promises of regaining control over UK waters following the UK’s departure from the European Union.
A Declining Fleet and Unfulfilled Expectations
Cornish MP Steve Double has raised concerns in Parliament about the decline of the under-10m (33ft) fishing fleet, which has lost over 100 vessels annually. He contends that while the UK has gained more control over its waters, it has not achieved the desired level of control over fishing quotas.
Foreign Vessels Dominate Fishing Grounds (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
Jerry Percy, former director of the New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association (NUTFA), which recently disbanded due to concerns about the industry’s future, argues that foreign vessels are able to “scoop up all the fish” in areas just six to 12 miles from the UK coast. He criticizes the lack of effective catch limits for these vessels, which allows them to operate in an uncontrolled manner, to the detriment of UK fishermen.
Frustration Among Cornish Fishermen
Fisherman Martin Gilbert, a Brexit supporter, expresses frustration at the current situation, stating that the deal has “sold us down the river.” He points to the fact that French, Belgian, and Spanish vessels still hold the majority of fishing quotas, forcing UK fishermen to navigate past them to fish in their own waters. His son, Dan, who also fishes out of Newquay, has gained a significant online following for his videos about life at sea and echoes these concerns, highlighting the disparity in resources and regulations between UK and foreign vessels.
Government Promises to Listen, but Actions Are Needed
In response to these concerns, the UK government has stated that they are “listening” to fishermen and are working to address the perceived imbalance. However, fishermen are calling for more concrete action, including renegotiation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The agreement currently allows for both UK and EU vessels to fish in specific areas between six and 12 nautical miles from the coast, but the fishermen argue that this needs to be re-evaluated to ensure a fairer distribution of fishing quotas and resources.
Shrimping with Dignitaries: Taiwan’s President-Elect Hosts Inauguration Eve Fishing Trip (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 18, 2024
(source: france24.com – by ???)
In an unconventional pre-inauguration event, Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te and his deputy Hsiao Bi-khim hosted a shrimp fishing trip for visiting foreign dignitaries, including presidents and a king. The event took place at the Zhishan Shrimp Fishing Farm in Taipei, a popular spot for families to enjoy the pastime of catching and barbecuing crustaceans.
A Relaxing Moment Before the Presidency
The group, clad in casual attire, sat around an indoor pond while assistants helped them bait their lines. They patiently waited for the shrimp to bite, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and camaraderie. Lai, dressed in an open-neck striped shirt, took the opportunity to welcome the visitors, emphasizing Taiwan’s strong relationships with its democratic allies.
A Lesson in Patience and Success (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
Lai, drawing on his own experience, provided tips to the guests, advising them to wait for the shrimp to fully swallow the bait before reeling in their catch. The first shrimp was soon pulled from the water, and the assistants were on hand to unhook and net the catches. Lai, despite a slow start, eventually managed to catch several large shrimp, garnering cheers and applause from the observers.
King Mswati III Takes the Crown
However, the king of Eswatini, wearing a tracksuit, proved to be the most successful angler, pulling in numerous shrimp. He was ultimately declared the winner, receiving a fishing rod as his prize. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine came in second, also receiving a fishing rod.
A Lighthearted Moment Before a Serious Task
As Lai prepares for the complexities of the presidency, including managing the ongoing tension with China, the shrimp fishing trip provided a lighthearted respite. Despite the seemingly simple task, Lai’s success in catching several shrimp may have been symbolic of his willingness to tackle the more challenging issues that lie ahead. The event served as a reminder of Taiwan’s diplomatic ties and its commitment to international collaboration.
A Thousand Fish Dead: Pollution Incident Devastates County Antrim River (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
May 19, 2024
(source: ca.news.yahoo.com – by Louise Cullen – BBC NI Agriculture and Environment Correspondent)
A major fish kill has been confirmed in the Four Mile Burn, a tributary of the Six Mile Water River in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) reports that over 1,109 brown trout of various ages have died, likely due to slurry pollution.
Anglers Report Extensive Fish Kill
The incident, believed to be farm-related, was reported to the Antrim and District Angling Association (ADAA) by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The ADAA, through a social media video, described the devastating scene, reporting hundreds of dead fish from last year’s catch and potentially thousands from this season. The group called for action from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, and the NIEA, expressing concerns over the repeated pollution incidents affecting the Lough Neagh system.
Calls for Increased Fines and Stronger Action (Fishing News 20240513-20240519)
Alliance environment spokesperson John Blair MLA echoed the concerns, calling for increased fines and penalties for polluters. He argued that stiffer penalties are necessary to deter future incidents that endanger the environment and its biodiversity.
Investigation Underway to Address Pollution Source
In response to the incident, Daera deployed water quality inspectors to assess the environmental impact. The NIEA worked with the property owner throughout the afternoon to identify the source of the pollution and prevent further discharge into the river. A joint investigation with Daera Inland Fisheries is ongoing.
Fear for Salmon and Environmental Consequences
Anglers are concerned that the pollution incident may have also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of young salmon. This incident highlights the ongoing threat to water quality and the devastating consequences of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.