Fishing News 20240610-20240616
Latest Fishing News 20240610-20240616 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
EU Fisheries: Progress Made, But More Action Needed for Sustainability (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 10, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
A Positive Trend Emerges
The European Commission has released a report indicating a positive trend in the sustainability of EU fisheries. The EU’s “Sustainable Fishing” report highlights a reduction in overfished stocks. This progress underscores the effectiveness of recent efforts to manage fisheries sustainably. However, the report urges continued action for sustainable fisheries.
Key Findings and Recommendations for the Future
The report outlines the Commission’s proposed fishing opportunities for 2025. These proposals, due after summer, aim to maintain current fish stocks and facilitate the recovery of others. Scientific assessments, focusing on responsible fishing practices, ground these recommendations. The Commission has initiated a public consultation process to gather input from stakeholders on these proposed fishing opportunities.
Regional Stock Health: A Mixed Picture (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
North-East Atlantic: A Success Story
In the North-East Atlantic, fish stocks are generally in healthy ranges, demonstrating the success of EU sustainable fisheries management. The Commission recognizes the positive impact of fishers’ efforts to adhere to sustainable practices. Despite this progress, the report identifies several species crucial for both ecosystem balance and commercial fishing that continue to struggle.
Mediterranean and Black Seas: Gradual Improvement
The Mediterranean and Black Seas are showing signs of gradual improvement in stock health, although fishing mortality remains too high. While fishing mortality rates are at their lowest recorded levels, they still exceed the recommended levels for sustainability. The Commission calls for renewed dedication and further action to allow key species and ecosystems to fully recover.
Baltic Sea: A Cause for Concern (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
The Baltic Sea presents a concerning situation, with fish stocks declining due to various pressures. Fishers no longer target four out of ten stocks, landing them only as by-catch. The Commission emphasizes the need for Member States to fully implement EU legislation to reverse this trend.
Impact of Climate Change and IUU Fishing
The report acknowledges the significant impact of climate change on fishing communities. Declining fish stocks create uncertainties that affect livelihoods. The report further highlights the detrimental effect of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing on resource availability. The Commission advocates for increased efforts to combat IUU fishing and enforce conservation measures, including those involving non-EU countries.
Moving Forward: Consultation and Action
The Commission encourages active participation from all stakeholders in shaping the future of fishing opportunities for 2025. The public consultation will remain open until August 31, 2024. The Commission will present three proposals for 2025 fishing opportunities, covering the Atlantic/North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean/Black Seas. These proposals will be based on multi-annual plans and scientific advice from ICES and STECF. They will also incorporate adjustments resulting from the implementation of the landing obligation.
Evaluating the Common Fisheries Policy (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
Concurrently, the Commission is conducting an evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy to assess its effectiveness over the past decade. This evaluation will also examine the dynamics of fishing relations with non-EU countries. Individuals can contribute to this evaluation through the “Have Your Say” portal.
A Regular Process of Reporting and Consultation
The Commission annually releases a Communication updating the status of EU fisheries and initiating a public consultation on fishing opportunities for the following year. The 2024 Communication analyzes progress in sustainable practices, assesses the balance between fishing capacity and opportunities, examines the sector’s socio-economic performance, and monitors the implementation of the landing obligation. The Communication uses data from 2022 for the North-East Atlantic and 2021 for the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Aquaculture Surpasses Fishing: A Global Shift in Food Production (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 11, 2024
(source: fishfarmermagazine.com – by Vince McDonagh)
A New Era of Aquaculture
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has released a groundbreaking report revealing a significant shift in global food production. For the first time, aquaculture production has surpassed traditional catch fishing, marking a new era in the aquatic food system. The 2024 FAO State of World Aquaculture and Fisheries Report (SOFIA) highlights the significant growth of fish and marine plant farming, reaching 139.9 million tonnes. This includes 94.4 million tonnes of aquatic animals, representing a substantial 51% of total aquatic animal production. The remaining production, exceeding 37 million tonnes, consists primarily of seaweed and algae.
A Growing Industry with Global Impact
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu acknowledges aquaculture’s impressive growth but emphasizes the need for continued efforts to enhance its efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. He stresses the critical role of aquaculture in addressing food insecurity, poverty alleviation, and sustainable governance. FAO Assistant Director-General Manuel Barange highlights aquaculture’s potential to meet global nutritional needs, citing its consistent growth as the fastest-growing food production system over the past five decades.
Asia Dominates, While Africa Lags Behind (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
Asia dominates global aquaculture production, with the top ten producers responsible for nearly 90% of the total output. These producers include China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, the Philippines, South Korea, Norway, Egypt, and Chile. The FAO stresses the need to promote aquaculture development in other regions, especially in Africa, which currently relies heavily on fish imports. While Latin America and the Caribbean represent the second largest region for aquaculture production, it remains significantly behind Asia.
Nutritional Significance and Livelihood Support
The report highlights the vital role of aquatic animal foods in providing high-quality proteins and essential nutrients. These foods contribute 15% of animal proteins and 6% of total proteins worldwide. Moreover, they supply crucial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. In 2021, aquatic animal foods provided at least 20% of the per capita protein supply from all animal sources to 3.2 billion people globally. The report also emphasizes the vital role of fisheries and aquaculture in generating livelihoods. The primary sector of fisheries and aquaculture employed an estimated 61.8 million people in 2022, highlighting its significant contribution to global employment.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
A Projected Increase in Aquaculture Production
The report projects a 10% increase in aquatic animal production by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes. Aquaculture expansion and a recovery in capture fisheries will drive this growth. SOFIA anticipates a 12% increase in apparent consumption by 2032, leading to an average per capita consumption of 21.3 kg. Rising incomes, urbanization, improved post-harvest practices and distribution, and evolving dietary trends are expected to drive this increase.
Concerns Regarding Sub-Saharan Africa (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
However, the report expresses concern about a potential decline in per capita apparent consumption in Africa, as production projections may not keep pace with population growth. This is particularly concerning for sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries rely on aquatic foods for crucial nutrients.
The Need for “Blue Transformation”
The report presents a scenario illustrating the impact of population dynamics on aquatic animal food supply through 2050. To maintain the 2022 estimated level of 20.7 kg per capita apparent consumption of aquatic animal foods, a 36 million tonne increase (22%) in total aquatic animal food supply would be necessary. The FAO emphasizes the critical need to accelerate “Blue Transformation” priority actions to address these challenges and ensure the role of aquatic foods in ending hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Semi-Pelagic Trawling Shows Promise for Sustainable Fishing (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 12, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
A New Approach to Demersal Fishing
A recent report by Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency (BIM) has explored the potential of semi-pelagic trawling as a sustainable method for capturing mixed demersal fish species in the Celtic Sea. The report, prepared by Matthew McHugh, highlights the operational feasibility of this approach, which could significantly reduce seabed interaction and fuel consumption – key environmental concerns facing the fishing industry.
Reducing Seabed Interaction and Fuel Consumption
Semi-pelagic trawling involves lifting some or all of the trawl configuration off the seabed, thereby reducing drag and minimizing seabed interaction. The proposed marine protected areas (MPAs) act, which aims to safeguard 30% of EU/Irish waters by 2030 through reduced seabed interaction, makes this method particularly relevant. The study focused on assessing the practicality of targeting mixed-demersal fish species with a semi-pelagic trawl in the Celtic Sea, specifically evaluating the gear’s operational performance to aid in the ongoing development of a customized off-bottom trawl for capturing mixed demersal species.
Enhancing Catch and Energy Efficiency with Lights (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
The report also explores the potential of artificial lights in enhancing catch and energy efficiency. The use of lights demonstrated an average increase in haddock (67%) and hake (80%) catches per haul. While the semi-pelagic trawl’s catches for hake and haddock were relatively low, the use of lights continues to show promise. The larger quantities of larger haddock retained with lights align with findings from previous studies.
Adapting Fishing Tactics for Success
Despite promising results, the report acknowledges the need for significant adjustments to fishing tactics to effectively capture demersal species with a semi-pelagic trawl, compared to traditional bottom trawling. BIM is actively collaborating with Swan Net Gundry-SNG to develop a new off-bottom trawl, refining the design used in this study to better suit demersal species. The new trawl is expected to be ready by the end of 2024, with testing scheduled for the first half of 2025.
Scallop Harvesting: Ensuring Food Safety and Sustainability
Strict Regulations for Live Bivalve Molluscs
Irish fishermen primarily harvest King Scallops, a Live Bivalve Mollusc (LBM) species, from offshore wild fisheries and inshore production areas. To ensure compliance with food safety standards, specific EU Regulations apply to Live Bivalve Molluscs, including scallops. All commercially harvested scallops must adhere to these regulations to be marketed for human consumption.
Biotoxin Testing and Classified Production Areas (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
Authorities restrict scallop harvesting to Classified Production Areas, which must maintain an ‘Open’ or ‘Harvest Restricted’ Biotoxin status to allow for market access. For areas with an ‘Open’ status, scallops can be marketed live and whole in the shell. In areas with a ‘Harvest Restricted’ status, only shucked product that has tested below regulatory limits for marine biotoxins can be placed on the market. No scallop harvesting is permitted from areas with a ‘Closed’ Biotoxin status.
Maintaining Biotoxin Status Through Regular Sampling
To maintain an ‘Open’ or ‘Harvest Restricted’ biotoxin status, a whole scallop must be submitted for testing each calendar month. Additionally, one sample of shucked product (edible parts) must be sent weekly per classified production area to maintain the scallop Biotoxin status.
Specific Regulations for Offshore Scallops
Whole scallops harvested from offshore sites are not allowed to be placed on the market as whole animals. They can only be marketed as adductor and gonad tissue. Offshore scallop grounds require one sample of whole scallops for biotoxin analysis per month. All whole scallops must be sent to approved processors, with weekly samples of processed product (adductor muscle and gonad) also undergoing testing.
Updated Code of Practice for Shellfish Monitoring (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
The “Code of Practice for the Irish Shellfish Monitoring Programme (Biotoxins)” has been updated and is available on the FSAI website.
Georgia Woman Sets New Record for Crevalle Jack Catch (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 13, 2024
(source: cbsnews.com – by Li Cohen)
A New Record for a Powerful Fish
A 21-year-old Georgia resident, Lauren Harden, has shattered a nearly half-century-old fishing record, setting a new benchmark for crevalle jack catches in the state. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced the remarkable feat on June 5th, highlighting Harden’s impressive catch. On May 24th, Harden successfully landed a crevalle jack weighing a staggering 33 pounds, 10.72 ounces, while fishing off Cumberland Island, the largest and southernmost of Georgia’s barrier islands.
A Powerful and Popular Fish
Crevalle jack are large, silvery fish, known for their strong, fast-swimming nature and spirited fight, making them popular among sport fishermen. The Georgia Aquarium describes these fish as often found in large schools in open water, usually over the continental shelf. They are also a significant food source.
A New Record and Recognition for a Determined Angler (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
While the crevalle jack Harden caught was impressive, it is still only about half the size these fish can reach. They are known for their prominent foreheads and tendency to “grunt or croak” when caught. These fish can grow up to 70 pounds, showcasing their impressive size.
The previous record for catching crevalle jack was set in 1981 by Ann Allen, with a fish weighing 30 pounds and 6 ounces. The current record for males is a 38-pound, 8-ounce crevalle jack caught by Lex Bazemore in August 2001.
A Celebration of Georgia’s Thriving Marine Life
Tyler Jones, the public information officer for the Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division, expressed excitement and congratulations for Harden’s exceptional achievement. Jones emphasized that this record serves as inspiration for other anglers and showcases the diverse and thriving marine life found in Georgia’s coastal waters.
Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement: A Delay in Exploratory Fishing (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 14, 2024
(source: arcticwwf.org – by WWF Global Arctic Programme)
A Stalemate on Exploratory Fishing Conditions
The third conference of parties (COP3) of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA) concluded without reaching an agreement on the conditions for exploratory fishing in the high seas. This decision is significant as the agreement currently prohibits commercial fishing until at least 2037, with exploratory fishing being the only permissible activity in the near future. The ten participating parties – Canada, China, Denmark (representing the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Iceland, Republic of Korea, Norway, Russia, the United States, and the European Union – were unable to find common ground on the necessary conditions for exploratory fishing.
A Focus on Conservation and Management
The primary focus of the COP3 meeting was the agreement on conservation and management measures, which are designed to regulate fishing activities in different seas and oceans. While there is no immediate urgency to begin fishing expeditions in the Arctic high seas, the changing climate, coupled with sea ice loss, the opening of new ocean waters, and the northward migration of marine species, makes this a potential future concern. The implementation of robust rules is crucial to safeguard the sensitive ocean ecosystems and species in the agreement area, preventing overexploitation, habitat degradation, and negative impacts on both target and non-target species.
A Delay and Continued Negotiations (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
The CAOFA, adopted in 2018, set a deadline of June 25, 2024, for agreeing on these conservation and management measures. However, due to the lack of a comprehensive set of rules, the parties have agreed to extend the deadline to the next conference, scheduled for June 2025 in Norway. Until these rules are finalized, no exploratory fishing can take place. Key areas still needing clarification include:
- The approval process for fishing plans by the Conference of Parties.
- Enforcement mechanisms for ensuring vessel compliance with established rules.
- The identification and protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Scientific Progress and Indigenous Knowledge
Despite the delay in establishing fishing regulations, the parties successfully completed the planning for a scientific research program. They adopted the Joint Program of Scientific Research and Monitoring (JPSRM) Implementation Plan, which will contribute to advancing scientific knowledge and collecting Indigenous Knowledge to establish baseline ecological information. This information will be essential for informing the development of exploratory fishing plans in the future.
WWF’s Perspective on the COP3 Outcome
Jan Dusik, who led the WWF delegation to the meeting, expressed their commitment to ensuring responsible management of the central Arctic Ocean. He emphasized two key points: the importance of defining sensitive areas where even exploratory fishing could pose risks, and the need for precautionary measures in implementing the regulations.
Dusik stated that WWF supports the decision to delay the adoption of the rules, hoping that the additional time will allow parties to designate areas where fishing is not permissible and strengthen the overall rules. They remain actively engaged in the ongoing negotiations, believing that the CAOFA has the potential to guarantee a precautionary approach to any future fishing in the central Arctic Ocean. They consider the CAOFA a model for Arctic marine governance.
The Rise of the Fish Maw: Threatening Nile Perch Populations in Lake Victoria (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 15, 2024
(source: africanews.com – by AP)
A Bustling Market and a Growing Demand
The shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu City are alive with the activity of fishermen selling their catch. Among the many fish on offer, Nile Perch stands out, drawing significant attention. The demand for this particular fish is not for its flesh, but for its swim bladder, known as “mondo” or “maw”. These organs, essential for buoyancy in fish, are highly sought after in Asian markets like China. They are considered a delicacy, believed to possess anti-aging properties, and are also used in the manufacture of surgical threads.
The Value of the Fish Maw Fuels Overfishing
The surging demand for fish maws has led to overfishing of Nile Perch in Lake Victoria, causing a decline in the species’ population. Fishmongers like Gladys Okumu witness this firsthand. She explains how catches have dwindled, and a full day of fishing may only yield five Nile Perch. Okumu extracts fish maws from the Nile Perch she receives, selling them to brokers who then connect with Chinese buyers. The maw fetches a high price, up to Ksh 5000 (approximately $38) per kilogram, in contrast to the Nile Perch flesh, which sells at Ksh 450 ($3.40) per kilogram.
Economic Implications and Unregulated Trade (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
A 2020 report published in Frontiers in Environmental Science highlighted the significant value of fish maws, ranging from USD 127 to USD 287 per kilogram. This inflated price likely reflects the involvement of middlemen in the trade, further pushing up the cost for Chinese buyers. Okumu describes the process, stating that she and other collectors sell the maws to brokers who then export them to China.
The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) reveals that only 2% of the Nile Perch byproduct comprises the swim bladder, highlighting the lucrative nature of this specific part of the fish. The high demand has incentivized clandestine harvesting methods targeting breeding and juvenile stocks.
A Desperate Catch and a Future in Peril
Fisherman Victor Ndonga shares his experience, describing how Nile Perch catches have become increasingly scarce, often resulting in only one fish in a full crate of Tilapia. Even dead, inedible Nile Perch are considered valuable because of their maws.
The Nile Perch, an invasive species introduced to Lake Victoria in the 1950s, has disrupted the lake’s ecosystem, but it remains a crucial source of income for local fishermen.
The Need for Sustainable Solutions (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
Chrispine Nyamweya, a research scientist at KMFRI, points out the challenges of monitoring the fish maw trade due to its lack of formalization. The high value of larger Nile Perch has led to the targeting of these fish, which puts significant pressure on the population, hindering its replenishment potential.
Nyamweya advocates for formalizing the fish maw trade to regulate harvesting and trading volumes. He stresses the importance of continuous stock monitoring, implementing sustainable fishing practices, and finding monetary value in other Nile Perch byproducts to create a more sustainable livelihood for fishermen and ensure the preservation of future fish populations.
The Heat is On: Anglers Battle Extreme Conditions at Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
June 16, 2024
(source: bassmaster.com – by Steve Wright)
Heat Takes Its Toll on Anglers
The third day of the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament on Wheeler Lake brought extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees and heat indexes topping 100. John Garrett, a rookie angler, found himself battling the heat, drawing upon past experience to cope. Three years ago, Garrett endured a heat stroke during a Bassmaster Open on the Red River. He recalled how the intense heat even melted his depth finder screen.
Finding Relief Through Fishing, but Not a Cure
Garrett found momentary relief from the heat as his fishing success soared during the hottest part of Saturday. He caught fish on nearly every cast, but the effects of the extreme heat caught up to him once his fishing slowed down. He felt compelled to end his day early, seeking refuge in the cool lobby of a nearby hotel.
A Shared Experience of Intense Heat (Fishing News 20240610-20240616)
Jay Przekurat, another angler, felt the impact of the sweltering heat on Wheeler Lake, even surpassing the challenging conditions he had previously faced at the Sabine River. He found the lack of breeze made the heat even more unbearable. Przekurat, concerned for his cameraman’s well-being, chose to check in early, prioritizing health over potential fishing gains.
Changing Conditions and Shifting Standings
Justin Hamner, the reigning Bassmaster Classic champion, found himself facing a challenge due to the changing water conditions. He had initially enjoyed success in a popular fishing spot below Guntersville Dam, but on Saturday, the fish had moved, leaving him with a meager catch. Hamner’s disappointing day dropped him from second to ninth place in the standings.