Fishing News 20240701-20240707
Latest Fishing News 20240701-20240707 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
Mekong Dolphin Population Shows Signs of Recovery (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 1, 2024
(source: france24.com – by ???)
The number of Mekong dolphins in Cambodia has shown a positive trend, rising to over 100, according to the country’s agriculture minister. This increase provides a ray of hope for the endangered species, which has faced a decline in recent years.
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Irrawaddy dolphins, known for their distinctive domed foreheads and short beaks, once thrived in the Mekong River, stretching all the way to the delta in Vietnam. However, their population has been significantly impacted by various factors, including illegal fishing, habitat loss, and plastic pollution.
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The recent increase in dolphin numbers follows a period of decline. In 1997, the first census recorded a population of 200, but this dwindled to 89 in 2020. While the past year saw five dolphin deaths, the birth of eight calves in 2022 and an additional eight in the first half of 2023 have contributed to the population rebound.
Conservation Efforts Drive Dolphin Population Growth (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
The Cambodian government has actively implemented measures to protect the dolphins, cracking down on fishing offenses and banning destructive fishing practices. This commitment to conservation has played a crucial role in the recent population increase.
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However, challenges remain. The Irrawaddy dolphin is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with around 70 percent of the population considered too old to reproduce.
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Furthermore, the dolphins’ habitat has been negatively impacted by upstream dams in Laos and China, as well as climate change, leading to significant fluctuations in water levels.
Future Challenges and Hope for the Mekong Dolphins
Despite these challenges, the increase in dolphin numbers in Cambodia offers a glimmer of hope. Continued conservation efforts, coupled with addressing the threats to their habitat and ensuring sustainable fishing practices, are essential to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Fishing Vessel Safety (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 2, 2024
(source: miragenews.com – by ???)
Indonesia is actively pursuing accession to the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA), a crucial treaty establishing minimum safety standards for fishing vessels. This commitment reflects Indonesia’s recognition of the vital role that fishing plays in the country’s economy and the importance of protecting the lives of those who work in this sector.
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As the world’s largest archipelagic state with over 17,500 islands, Indonesia relies heavily on fishing. Approximately 40% of the population derives their livelihood from fisheries, underscoring the significance of the CTA for ensuring the safety of both Indonesian and foreign fishing vessels operating in their waters.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in collaboration with Indonesian government ministries and various stakeholders, recently conducted a consultation visit to Bali. This visit, aimed at supporting Indonesia’s accession process, provided expert legal and technical assistance.
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The consultation involved a detailed analysis of existing Indonesian legislation and safety regulations. Additionally, participants engaged in discussions about capacity-building needs to ensure effective implementation of the CTA’s provisions. The benefits of the agreement were thoroughly explained to public and private stakeholders within Indonesia’s fishing sector.
Regional Leadership and Global Impact (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
Indonesia has already initiated the accession process through a Presential Decree. Following its completion, Indonesia intends to host a regional workshop in partnership with the IMO. This workshop aims to share Indonesia’s experiences and insights to guide other Asia-Pacific countries considering accession to the CTA.
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The Cape Town Agreement, once in force, will establish a global framework for regulating safety standards for large industrial fishing vessels. In October 2023, a significant milestone was reached when the number of parties to the CTA reached 22, fulfilling one of the two entry into force criteria.
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The second criterion, requiring signatory states to possess a combined fleet of at least 3,600 fishing vessels over 24 meters authorized to operate on the high seas, is yet to be met. Once both conditions are met, the agreement will enter into force 12 months later.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
The consultation visit in Indonesia involved a wide range of participants, including representatives from various ministries, port authorities, fishing industries, associations, and training institutions. This broad-based participation reflects the commitment of various stakeholders in Indonesia to ensure the safety and sustainability of the country’s fishing industry.
Whistleblower Exposes Alleged Foreign Supertrawler Misconduct in Irish Waters (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 3, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
The issue of foreign supertrawler activity in Irish waters has resurfaced, with a whistleblower alleging that Dutch-registered vessels are illegally fishing vast quantities of fish without facing consequences. This claim, published in the Irish Mail on Sunday, suggests significant discrepancies in how fisheries regulations are enforced across different national fleets.
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The whistleblower specifically highlighted the case of the MFV Afrika, a 126-meter Dutch supertrawler, claiming it has been operating without adequate oversight. These allegations, however, have been disputed by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), who maintain that the situation has been misrepresented.
SFPA Disputes Allegations, Emphasizing European Collaboration
The SFPA has clarified that the inspection of the MFV Afrika was conducted by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), and the SFPA officer involved in the incident was seconded to the operation. The SFPA further emphasizes that they apply consistent enforcement procedures to both Irish and foreign vessels fishing in Irish waters.
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The whistleblower’s claims contrast with the SFPA’s position, alleging that Irish fishermen face stricter enforcement measures compared to non-Irish vessels. They claim that foreign vessels, particularly those registered in the Netherlands, operate with minimal oversight from their flag authorities.
Alleged Breaches and Insufficient Evidence
During an EFCA inspection on March 14, the MFV Afrika was found with suspected prohibited equipment onboard while fishing in Irish waters. The SFPA officer documented these suspected breaches but ultimately concluded that the evidence was insufficient to warrant penalties.
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The SFPA maintains that the suspected breaches of fishery regulations were not definitively proven and therefore did not meet the threshold for enforcement action. This has raised further questions about the effectiveness of enforcement measures and the potential for loopholes in regulating foreign fishing vessels in Irish waters.
Newfoundland Fishermen Demand Return of Stewardship Fishery (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 4, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
On the 32nd anniversary of the Northern cod moratorium, fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador are demanding the immediate reinstatement of the Northern Cod Stewardship Fishery. This call to action comes in response to the federal government’s recent announcement of plans to return the species to commercial status and allow offshore draggers to access the stock.
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The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), representing over 10,000 fishermen in the province, strongly opposes this decision. They argue that the government’s action contradicts a 2015 campaign promise to protect the first 115,000 tonnes of the cod quota for inshore fishermen as the stock rebuilds. The union emphasizes that the northern cod resource is not yet sustainable enough to support both inshore and offshore fishing operations.
Calls for Protecting the Fishery and Coastal Communities
The FFAW-Unifor is demanding the return of the stewardship fishery, a commitment to banning offshore draggers until the 115,000-tonne threshold is reached, and the reimplementation of all 2023 fishery rules. They argue that allowing offshore draggers back into the fishery before the stock has sufficiently recovered will cause irreparable harm to the resource, coastal communities, and the province as a whole.
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Fishermen maintain that the stewardship fishery should remain in place until the 115,000-tonne threshold is met. At that point, the offshore dragger group could be permitted access to the fishery. Until then, the inshore, owner-operator fishery and Indigenous groups should be the sole beneficiaries of this crucial fishery.
Public Support and Political Pressure
The FFAW-Unifor is urging concerned citizens to sign a House of Commons e-petition calling for the return of the stewardship fishery and the reaffirmation of the 115,000-tonne commitment. They also highlight the potential negative impact on fishermen’s jobs, coastal communities, and the long-term sustainability of the northern cod species if the federal government does not reverse its decision.
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The union emphasizes the importance of protecting the northern cod resource for future generations and expresses their commitment to fighting for the interests of Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal communities.
Japanese Authorities Intercept Taiwanese Fishing Vessel (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 5, 2024
(source: english.kyodonews.net – by KYODO NEWS)
On Friday morning, Japanese authorities apprehended a Taiwanese fishing vessel operating in waters near Amami-Oshima Island. The vessel, named Fu Yang No. 266, was flagged in the Taiwanese port city of Keelung and was apprehended approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Amami-Oshima. According to Taiwan’s coast guard, the Japanese Fisheries Agency intercepted the vessel.
Captain Arrested, Later Released
The Kyushu regional office of the Japanese Fisheries Agency subsequently arrested the 71-year-old captain of the vessel. The captain was detained on suspicion of engaging in unauthorized fishing within Japan’s exclusive economic zone. However, the captain was later released after the vessel’s owner paid bail.
Crew and Vessel Returned to Taiwan
The Fu Yang No. 266 had a crew of eight, including the captain, one other Taiwanese crew member, and six Indonesian crew members. Following the release of the captain and payment of bail, the vessel and its crew were permitted to return to Taiwan.
A Clash of Interests: Fishing and Renewable Energy (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 6, 2024
(source: afloat.ie – by Afloat.ie Team)
A leading figure in the Irish fishing industry, Aodh O Donnell, has voiced concerns about potential conflict between the fishing industry and the ‘blue economy’ strategists. Despite supporting the need for climate change solutions, the fishing industry feels it is being marginalized, losing access to traditional fishing grounds. They believe that the government, offshore renewable energy developers, and environmentalists are overlooking the industry’s critical role as a food supplier.
A Warning of Spatial Squeeze
Mr. O Donnell, Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation, warns of a potential for conflict due to the commercial motives of exporting power outside Ireland, which could significantly impact fishing operations and practices. He emphasizes the need for “better joined-up thinking” to address this issue.
A Growing Concern
The recent rejection of four proposed offshore renewable energy (ORE) development areas on the South Coast by eight fishing organizations, organized into the Seafood Industry Representative Forum, highlights the growing concern. This rejection represents a shift from the earlier consensus-building approach, where stakeholders sought agreement on how energy development could coexist with the industry.
The Need for Balanced Development (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
Mr. O Donnell emphasizes the “impending serious ‘spatial squeeze’ on Ireland’s fishing industry” caused by the current implementation of the national offshore renewable energy strategy. This strategy, he argues, fails to adequately consider the need to protect the fishing industry while rolling out ORE and biodiversity strategies. He advocates for a balanced approach, recognizing the fishing sector’s crucial role in food security.
Concerns about Developer-Led Initiatives
Mr. O Donnell highlights concerns about the “developer-led” nature of the first phase of ORE projects. He argues that this approach, characterized by a commercial motive, is causing alarm within the fishing sector as these projects overlap with valuable fishing grounds. He points to the national target of 30 Gigawatts by 2050, emphasizing that this goal is not solely focused on meeting Irish energy needs, but also on exporting power to other countries. This, he argues, underscores the need for a more balanced approach that considers the impact on the fishing industry and its vital role in food security.
A Hidden Appetite: Brazil’s Demand for Shark Meat (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
July 7, 2024
(source: theguardian.com – by Constance Malleret in São Paulo state)
Brazil, a major player in the global shark meat market estimated at £2 billion, is fueling an unsustainable demand for this once-traditional food source. While most Brazilians are unaware of their consumption of shark meat, the widespread appetite is causing alarm among conservationists.
A Growing Market
Despite the serene appearance of the Cananéia harbor, a bustling trade in shark meat is quietly flourishing. Helgo Muller, manager of a local fish processing company, explains the appeal of shark as a source of cheap and readily available protein. His company processes an average of 10 tonnes of shark meat monthly, primarily imported from countries like Costa Rica, Uruguay, China, and Spain.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Communities along Brazil’s extensive coastline have a long history of consuming shark. Lucas Gabriel Jesus Silva, whose family has fished for sharks for generations, acknowledges the tradition of eating shark as a staple in their diet.
A Growing Threat to Shark Populations (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
The increasing demand for shark meat, however, is raising serious concerns among scientists and conservationists. Professor Aaron MacNeil, a shark conservation expert, warns of the vulnerability of shark populations due to their slow reproduction rates and the resulting impact of overfishing.
Unsustainable Practices
Research published in April highlighted that 83% of shark and ray species sold in Brazil are categorized as threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This underscores the critical need for sustainable fishing practices to protect these vulnerable species.
The Evolution of Shark Consumption
Shark finning, a practice that involved removing fins and discarding the rest of the shark, garnered significant attention in conservation efforts. However, recent research reveals that the shark meat trade, which has largely been overlooked, has surpassed the value of the fin trade.
A Shift in Consumption Patterns (Fishing News 20240701-20240707)
While shark was once traditionally consumed in moqueca, a seafood stew, it has become a more mainstream food source in Brazil. Its affordability, boneless nature, and ease of preparation have contributed to its inclusion in school and hospital canteens. The lack of awareness about the specific type of fish being consumed has likely fueled this widespread acceptance.
A Generic Label, A Growing Threat
Despite the subtle differences in flavor and texture between various shark species, they are often sold under the generic term “cação,” a label that encompasses both shark and ray meat. This lack of distinction contributes to the increasing consumption of shark, making it difficult to gauge the true impact on vulnerable populations.