Fishing News 20240617-20240623
Latest Fishing News 20240617-20240623 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
New Regulations for Fishing Logbook Tolerances (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 17, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
Introduction of New Regulations
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has recently released a new Fisheries Information Notice (FIN) to inform industry members about changes to the margin of tolerance rules for recording fish in logbooks. These changes, set to come into effect on July 10, 2024, are detailed in the FIN accessible on sfpa.ie.
Changes to Margin of Tolerance
This FIN outlines updates to the margin of tolerance under Regulation (EU) 2023/2842, which amends the existing Control Regulation (Regulation No 1224/2009). The margin of tolerance refers to the allowable difference between the estimated live-weight recorded by the vessel master in the logbook and the actual live-weight equivalent of the catch. Currently, the Control Regulation sets this margin at 10% for all species. However, starting on July 10, 2024, this margin will increase to 20% for species with a live-weight equivalent (LWE) of 100kg or less.
Specific Derogations for Certain Fisheries (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
Additionally, specific derogations will be introduced for certain fisheries, including small pelagic fisheries, tropical tuna purse seine fisheries, and fisheries for industrial purposes. The margin of tolerance for these fisheries will depend on whether the catch is landed in a listed or non-listed port. The requirements for ports to become listed are outlined in Implementing Regulation 2024/1474, but no European Union ports have been listed to date. Further information will be provided regarding potential listing of ports within the jurisdiction of the Irish State, pending approval by the European Commission.
Impact on Electronic Logbooks and Support for Compliance
Ireland’s electronic logbooks (ieCatch) will be updated to reflect these new regulations following their implementation on July 10. The SFPA will inform all electronic logbook users about these updates when they occur. All vessel operators should familiarize themselves with the new margin of tolerance rules in advance of the implementation date. The SFPA remains dedicated to supporting compliance with both new and existing legislation and is available to provide guidance. For assistance or further details regarding the FIN, please contact sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie.
Urgent Call for Action: Protecting the Baltic Sea Ecosystem (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 18, 2024
(source: wwfbaltic.org – by ???)
The Baltic Sea in Crisis
The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recently released its scientific advice on sustainable fishing levels for the Baltic Sea in 2025. Environmental NGOs from across the Baltic region are urging the European Commission to propose, and fisheries ministers to adopt, fishing opportunities far below the ICES recommendations. This action is crucial to safeguard the ecosystem’s health and allow for the recovery of declining fish populations.
Declining Fish Populations and Ecosystem Distress
The Baltic Sea ecosystem has been experiencing a severe decline in fish populations for decades, a trend that has escalated in recent years. Several fish populations are collapsing, and the effects of the climate crisis are becoming increasingly apparent. Despite past policy interventions, the negative trends have not been reversed.
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The third HELCOM Holistic Assessment of the State of the Baltic Sea (HOLAS 3), published in December, concluded that the ecosystem is in dire straits, with species extraction identified as a major threat to biodiversity. This year’s ICES assessment further reinforces the precarious state of commercially harvested stocks.
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Cod populations remain in a state of collapse, the status of herring populations is uncertain, salmon stocks are declining, and sprat recruitment has been low for four consecutive years. Of the fish populations with catch advice, only plaice spawning stock biomass appears healthy, but alarmingly, high numbers of small and skinny fish indicate a high level of discards.
Recommendations for Sustainable Fishing (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
To effectively rebuild fish populations and ensure the long-term health and productivity of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, the following recommendations are made for 2025 catch limits:
- Setting Catch Limits Below ICES Advice: To facilitate rapid recovery and ensure long-term sustainability, catch limits should be set well below the best available scientific advice provided by ICES. This means adhering to a fishing mortality level below the FMSY point value for stocks with available MSY reference points and below ICES headline advice for data-limited stocks.
- Precautionary Approach to TAC Setting: In the absence of specific catch scenarios in ICES advice explicitly addressing ecosystem needs and rapid stock recovery, an additional level of precaution should be incorporated into TAC setting. This means setting all TACs well below the respective ICES headline advice, taking into account stock-specific uncertainties, low recruitment trends, inter-species dynamics, mixed fisheries interactions, and other pressures on the Baltic Sea ecosystem such as pollution, eutrophication, and climate change. A precautionary safeguard amount or percentage could be deducted from the headline advice catch level, depending on population status.
- Fully Utilizing the Precautionary Approach: To safeguard depleted and vulnerable populations and mitigate the risk of genetic depletion, areas with high mixing, where the impact on individual (sub-)populations is poorly understood, should be closed. Substantial quota reductions should be implemented for these areas.
- Addressing the Lack of Landing Obligation Implementation: Recognizing the widespread non-compliance with the Landing Obligation, TACs should be set sufficiently below ICES catch advice to ensure that illegal, unreported discarding does not result in actual catches exceeding ICES advice.
- Transparency in TAC Calculations: Transparent calculations for TACs should be provided, based on the ICES advice on fishing opportunities.
A Call for Action (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
To safeguard the Baltic Sea ecosystem and allow for the recovery of fish populations, the European Commission must propose, and fisheries ministers must adopt, fishing opportunities well below the ICES headline advice (and below the FMSY point value where available). This proactive approach is crucial to protect the future of this vital ecosystem.
The Octopus Guardians of Portugal’s Reef (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 19, 2024
(source: bbc.com – by Frankie Adkins)
Protecting Portugal’s Octopus Fishery
On the sun-drenched coastlines of Portugal, communities are actively engaged in preserving marine life, particularly octopus populations, to ensure the sustainability of this vital food source for generations to come. In Armação de Pêra, a charming former fishing village transformed into a bustling resort town, a quiet lull descends during winter.
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The vast sandy bay lies empty, cobbled streets are peaceful, and restaurants cater to a steady stream of locals. However, the arrival of summer brings a surge of activity as tour operators and fishermen flock to the area, seeking one of the region’s most prized delicacies: octopus.
Octopus: A Culinary Staple and Economic Lifeline
While sardines are widely recognized as a Portuguese culinary staple, the country consumes an impressive 15,000 tonnes of octopus annually, exceeding any other European nation. In fact, octopus is Portugal’s most valuable seafood product, with the Algarve region accounting for over half of the nation’s octopus landings.
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Mafalda Rangel, a fisheries researcher at the University of Algarve, emphasizes the importance of this species to the region’s small-scale fishing communities: “Octopus is the most important source of income for small-scale fishing communities in the Algarve.” Over 90% of Algarve fishers utilize traps and pots to catch octopus, a lucrative endeavor that can yield €6.05 ($6.49, £5.11) per kg.
Threats to the Octopus Fishery (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
Despite its economic significance, the octopus fishery faces growing pressures from commercial fishing and tourism activities. While the octopus trade is not officially considered endangered, concerns are rising that continued exploitation could lead to a decline in catches, similar to the situation with sardines and tuna in recent decades.
Fishermen Observe Declining Populations
Throughout the Algarve, fishermen are witnessing a decline in the abundance of marine life, including octopus. As their livelihoods are threatened, they are taking steps to protect their valuable resources. Miguel Rodrigues, former president of Armação de Pêra’s Fishermen’s Association, vividly recalls his childhood experiences: “As a 10-year-old, I would go to the water in shorts with a speargun and I would easily catch fish to eat – spider crabs, congers, moray eels, we had everything here.”
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However, at 45 years old, those days are a distant memory. While modern fishing techniques have evolved, utilizing more sophisticated traps and motorized boats, catches have dwindled significantly. “They have more fishing nets and more ways to catch fish, but there are no more fish,” laments Rodrigues.
Traditional Fishing Practices and Sustainable Management
Rodrigues is one of the few fishermen who still employs the traditional method of catching octopus, using clay pots known as “alcatruz”. These pots, lowered into the sea, provide shelter for octopuses, which are then hauled back to the surface.
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While most modern fishermen have transitioned to plastic cylindrical pots due to their affordability and mass production, clay pots offer a unique benefit: they act as a natural weather gauge, shattering in stormy weather, alerting fishermen to potentially dangerous conditions. Rangel explains, “Some fishers say it can be a way to manage the fishery, by helping people to understand when they should go or not to the sea.”
Monitoring Octopus Populations and the Challenges Ahead (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
Data on declining octopus populations in Portugal is limited, unlike the well-documented declines in other species like sardines. Octopus populations are not subject to the same regulations as other seafood, including European Union quotas, making them more difficult to monitor. Rangel emphasizes the challenges in managing this species: “The octopus is a very particular species because it dies after breeding, so it has a very short lifespan.” The majority of octopus only live for one to two years and are highly susceptible to environmental changes during their larval stage.
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The future of Portugal’s octopus fishery hinges on a collective effort to ensure the sustainability of this valuable resource. By combining traditional fishing practices with modern conservation strategies, communities can work towards protecting this vital part of their marine ecosystem and preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.
A Collaborative Approach to Saving Sea Turtles (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 20, 2024
(source: fisheries.noaa.gov – by ‘Dive In with NOAA Fisheries’)
The Threat of Bycatch
Sea turtles around the globe face a significant and ongoing threat: bycatch. This unintentional capture of sea turtles by fishers, often in nets or on hooks, can result in death. Fishers are not intentionally harming these protected animals; they want to be part of the solution. However, they haven’t always had the opportunity to actively participate in conservation efforts—until now.
Community-Based Solutions
A new international program is taking a community-based approach to reducing bycatch of North Pacific loggerheads and East Pacific leatherbacks along the Pacific coast of Mexico. The program actively engages rural fishing communities, conducting assessments to understand their bycatch challenges and collaborating with them to develop effective solutions.
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These solutions can encompass a variety of approaches, including alternative fishing gear, techniques to help turtles survive entanglement, and even new job opportunities outside of the fishing industry. The program has already conducted nearly 600 assessments, implemented gear trials, and seen several communities adopt alternative gear types.
Collaboration for Sea Turtle Conservation (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
Dr. Jeff Seminoff, leader of the Marine Turtle Ecology and Assessment Program at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, and Dr. Mike Liles, International Sea Turtle Coordinator for NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, are leading NOAA’s involvement in this vital initiative.
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Their collaboration with fishing communities is proving crucial to the success of sea turtle conservation efforts. By empowering local communities to actively participate in finding solutions, this program is making a tangible difference in the lives of both sea turtles and the fishing communities that depend on the ocean.
A United Voice for Danish Aquaculture (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 21, 2024
(source: worldfishing.net – by ???)
A Powerful Alliance for Growth
To bolster the voice of Danish aquaculture and ensure its continued success, two prominent industry organizations, Danish Export Association and AquaCircle, have merged to form Danish Export – Fish Tech. This powerful alliance brings together all stakeholders in the aquaculture sector under one umbrella, creating a unified force for export promotion, commercial activities, and political advocacy.
A Stronger Voice for the Industry
“It is important that we can ensure the best possible conditions for industry players by creating a stronger voice together,” emphasized Martin Winkel Lilleøre, head of Fish Tech at Danish Export Association. This merger signifies a strategic move to strengthen the industry’s influence and advocate for favorable conditions.
Expanding the Network and Political Impact (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
Danish Export – Fish Tech unites a diverse range of aquaculture players, including turnkey system suppliers, manufacturers of small components, feed producers, and processors. The merger with AquaCircle further empowers the Danish Export Association to play a more prominent role in political advocacy, amplifying the industry’s voice on key issues. The combined organization will leverage its expanded network and expertise to shape a more supportive policy landscape for Danish aquaculture.
A Vision for Growth and Prosperity
“Our members in Danish Export – Fish Tech are dependent on a strong aquaculture industry in Denmark to be able to develop in the export markets,” noted Lilleøre. This merger represents a strategic step toward creating a thriving aquaculture industry in Denmark, poised to flourish both domestically and internationally. By uniting diverse stakeholders, Danish Export – Fish Tech is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global aquaculture market with a unified and powerful voice.
Australian Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Fishing (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 22, 2024
(source: english.news.cn – by Xinhua)
Indonesian Vessels Apprehended
Australian authorities have apprehended two Indonesian vessels and arrested 15 foreign fishers for alleged illegal fishing activity off the country’s northern coast. The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) detected the vessels on Tuesday in the vicinity of Deliverance Island, located in the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Investigation and Detention
The crews were transported to Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory (NT), and placed in detention while authorities investigate the matter and consider potential prosecution. Both vessels, equipped with a substantial quantity of fishing equipment, will be disposed of by the AFMA.
Strict Penalties for Illegal Fishing (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
Under Australian law, individuals found guilty of illegally fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) face a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment. Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Commander of the ABF’s Maritime Border Command (MBC), issued a stern warning to any crews engaging in illegal fishing activities within Australian waters. “If you fish illegally, you will lose your vessel, your equipment and you will be placed in immigration detention to face potential prosecution in Australian courts,” he stated.
Deterrent Measures and Enforcement
The ABF’s Maritime Border Command is actively deploying multiple assets and utilizing all available resources to deter, detect, and enforce action against illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters. In April, 15 illegal fishers apprehended on three Indonesian vessels in separate incidents in March were fined a total of 31,300 Australian dollars (20,868.9 U.S. dollars) after pleading guilty to offenses against the Fisheries Management Act in the Darwin Local Court. This recent apprehension serves as a strong message that Australian authorities are committed to safeguarding their fishing zones and upholding the law.
Workington RNLI Rescues Fishing Boat in Distress (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
June 23, 2024
(source: rnli.org – by ???)
Emergency Response
The volunteer crew of Workington RNLI was called into action on Sunday, June 23rd, at 1:18 pm, after a fishing boat was reported in distress off the coast of Allonby. The all-weather lifeboat Dorothy May White was swiftly launched to assist the vessel in trouble.
Engine Failure and Rescue Operation
The 24-foot fishing boat, with two individuals on board, experienced engine failure. Due to unsafe conditions, transferring the individuals to the lifeboat was deemed unsafe. Therefore, the lifeboat crew towed the disabled fishing vessel to the nearest available port, Maryport Harbour, ensuring the safety of those on board.
The RNLI: A Vital Lifeline at Sea (Fishing News 20240617-20240623)
The RNLI, a charitable organization, dedicates itself to saving lives at sea. Its dedicated volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service along the coastlines of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The RNLI operates a vast network of 238 lifeboat stations throughout the UK and Ireland, along with over 240 lifeguard units stationed on beaches across the UK and Channel Islands.
Independent and Supported by Donations
The RNLI operates independently of the Coastguard and government, relying entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to sustain its vital rescue service. Since its founding in 1824, the RNLI’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards have courageously saved over 142,700 lives. The organization’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety makes it a vital lifeline for those in need at sea.