Fishing News 20240708-20240714
Latest Fishing News 20240708-20240714 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
The Global Gathering of Fisheries Experts: Addressing Key Issues (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 8, 2024
(source: fao.org – by ???)
COFI36: A Vital Platform for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
The 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) commenced today at the FAO headquarters in Rome. This gathering brings together a diverse group of policymakers, experts, and partners from the fisheries and aquaculture sector, making it the world’s largest conference on aquatic food systems. This year’s meeting, held from July 8th to 12th, places a strong emphasis on the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture in addressing global food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty.
Sustainable Aquaculture: A Crucial Tool for Combating Hunger
FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, emphasized the importance of sustainable aquaculture in his opening message. He highlighted the significant growth of the global aquaculture sector, which surpassed capture fisheries in 2022 as the primary supplier of aquatic animals. Mr. Dongyu stressed the need for continued sustainable growth in aquaculture, particularly in regions facing food shortages, to effectively combat hunger and malnutrition.
Challenges and Solutions in Aquatic Food Systems (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
The COFI36 agenda includes a comprehensive examination of aquatic foods’ role in addressing global food security and nutrition, their potential as a climate change solution, and their contribution to achieving long-term biodiversity goals. The conference will also delve into solutions for pressing challenges facing aquatic food systems, such as climate change and plastic pollution.
Data-Driven Management and Biodiversity Conservation
Central to the discussions are efforts to enhance data collection and stock assessment systems, promoting evidence-based policymaking in fisheries management. The meeting will feature the initial results of FishMIP 2.0, a groundbreaking global initiative that forecasts the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and fisheries.
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Biodiversity conservation is another key topic, with a call for delegates to explore the implications of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework for fisheries and aquaculture, particularly in large marine ecosystems and areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Norway Tightens Restrictions on Russian Fishing Vessels (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 9, 2024
(source: seafoodsource.com – by Chris Chase)
Increased Scrutiny at Designated Ports
Norway has implemented new regulations restricting the activities of Russian fishing vessels operating within its borders. These restrictions, announced in October 2022, initially limited Russian vessels to three designated ports: Kirkenes and Båtsfjord in the Barents Sea, and Tromsø in the Norwegian Sea. This action followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aimed to enhance scrutiny of Russian vessels operating in Norwegian waters.
Strengthening Controls and Security Measures
The Norwegian government has now expanded these restrictions, imposing further limits on the duration and location of Russian vessel docking. These new regulations also include a significant increase in police activity at the designated ports. The government emphasizes the importance of maintaining sustainable fish stock management while enhancing port security.
Increased Police Presence and Enhanced Inspections (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
The most significant increase in police activity will occur at the port of Båtsfjord. Norway is also strengthening collaboration between customs and police agencies to share information more effectively. Inspections of Russian vessels in port have been intensified, with stricter requirements for vessel activity.
Time Limits and Restricted Dockage
The new regulations introduce time limits for Russian vessels docking in Norway. Previously, vessels could remain at a berth for an unlimited duration. Now, they are limited to a maximum of five working days at any port, with a minimum three-day interval between stays. Additionally, Russian vessels will be restricted to specific quay facilities, ensuring greater oversight of their activities.
Heightened Security and International Cooperation
Norway’s increased scrutiny of Russian fishing vessels follows the Netherlands’ decision to ban Russian vessels from its ports. This action was prompted by media investigations suggesting that Russian vessels were engaged in espionage activities. The new Norwegian restrictions also come in the wake of reports indicating that some Norwegian vessels were facilitating Russian efforts to circumvent bans in other European ports.
Alignment with EU Sanctions (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
Norway’s new port restrictions coincide with its adoption of new European Union sanctions targeting Russia’s energy, finance, and trade sectors. These sanctions include restrictions on 116 individuals and entities. The Norwegian government emphasizes that supporting Ukraine is crucial to deterring Russia’s aggression.
The Murder of a Fisheries Leader: A Sign of Unchecked Cartel Power (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 10, 2024
(source: abcnews.go.com – by FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ)
A Targeted Killing in the Heart of the Fishing Industry
A chilling incident took place in Baja California, Mexico, where Minerva Pérez, the head of the state’s fishing industry chamber, was fatally shot in a targeted attack. Pérez, a prominent voice within the industry, had openly denounced both illegal fishing practices and extortion by drug cartels. The murder, carried out by unidentified gunmen in Ensenada, underscores the pervasive influence of criminal organizations in Mexico’s seafood sector.
Extortion and Illegal Fishing: A Deadly Combination
Pérez’s killing occurred shortly after she raised concerns about widespread illegal fishing activities, which undermine fair competition and damage marine ecosystems. However, her earlier and more significant complaints focused on the escalating demands for protection payments from drug cartels. These cartels are demanding money from fishing boats, distributors, truck drivers, and even restaurants, creating a climate of fear and intimidation within the industry.
The Government’s Failure to Respond (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
The Mexican government’s lack of response to these concerns has been stark. While authorities acknowledge the complaints about illegal fishing activities, they have been reluctant to address the cartel’s extortion racket. This lack of action, according to experts like Vanda Felbab-Brown of the Brookings Institution, demonstrates a consistent pattern of indifference toward the seafood industry’s pleas for protection from cartel influence.
A Climate of Fear and Intimidation
The murder of Minerva Pérez serves as a stark warning of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against cartel activities. Employees within the seafood distribution industry, fearing reprisals, confirm that extortion demands are commonplace and extend from small fishing operations to large companies. This widespread fear discourages individuals from reporting cartel activities, creating a climate of impunity for these criminal groups.
A Widespread Problem Beyond Seafood
The extortion of the seafood industry is not an isolated incident. Mexican cartels have expanded their operations to include various sectors, targeting avocado production, for instance. This pattern highlights the cartels’ growing influence and the government’s struggle to contain their activities.
The “Hugs Not Bullets” Policy: A Failure to Address the Root Cause (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” policy, which prioritizes social programs over a confrontational approach, has failed to effectively combat cartel activity. Despite the government’s efforts, violence continues to plague Mexico, with June 2023 seeing nearly as many homicides as the month before López Obrador took office in 2018. The murder of Minerva Pérez serves as a grim reminder that the cartels remain a powerful and dangerous force in Mexico, and a more effective strategy is urgently needed to address this growing threat.
A New Path for Fish Farming: Replacing Antibiotics with Medicated Fish Fodder (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 11, 2024
(source: msn.com – Story by ANI)
Research and Innovation at the College of Fisheries Tripura
The College of Fisheries Tripura is actively engaged in research aimed at improving fish farming practices within the state. One major initiative involves developing medicated fish fodder as a sustainable alternative to the use of antibiotics in fish farming. This research, along with the college’s extensive fish museum, showcases the institution’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of fisheries.
A Diverse Fish Museum and a Focus on Sustainable Practices
The College of Fisheries Tripura boasts a unique fish museum showcasing over 303 varieties of fish found across the eight districts of Tripura. This collection serves as a valuable resource for research and education. The college is also actively promoting sustainable fish farming practices, recognizing the need for responsible management of fish stocks and the ecosystem.
Blue Transformation: A Workshop for Fish Farmers and Stakeholders (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
The college recently hosted a workshop focused on “blue transformation,” bringing together fish farmers, entrepreneurs, financiers, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the industry. The workshop aims to enhance collaboration, address key issues, and ultimately promote the development of a more sustainable and profitable fish farming sector in Tripura.
Addressing Key Challenges: Feed Costs and Traditional Practices
The college is addressing several challenges faced by fish farmers, particularly the high cost of traditional fish feed. Researchers are exploring alternative feed sources, including mustard oil cakes, maize, and wheat, as well as more readily available crops like Colocasia and Tapioca. The college is also working to improve traditional methods of preparing fermented fish (Shidol), reducing processing time and enhancing hygiene standards.
Introducing New Varieties and Promoting Quality Seed
In addition to alternative feed sources, the college is actively promoting the introduction of new fish varieties to improve the profitability of fish farming in Tripura. Researchers are also working to ensure the availability of quality fish seed, essential for successful and sustainable fish farming operations.
Randy Santel Takes on Dublin’s Giant Fish and Chips Challenge (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 12, 2024
(source: independent.ie – Amy Donohoe)
A Culinary Challenge in the Heart of Dublin
Randy Santel, a professional food challenge enthusiast with a global following, ventured into Dublin, Ireland, for his latest culinary conquest. Santel, renowned for his impressive feats of eating, has conquered restaurant challenges in all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries worldwide. His previous Irish triumphs include the World’s Largest Breakfast Challenge in Cavan and a breakfast roll challenge in Crumlin.
A Massive Meal at Davy Byrne’s Pub
Santel’s latest target was Davy Byrne’s pub and restaurant on Duke Street, where he faced the daunting task of consuming a 3kg (6.5 pounds) plate of fish and chips within one hour. This massive meal included a 1.5kg piece of cod, chips, mushy peas, tartar sauce, and 10 deep-fried gorgonzola cheese bites.
A Prize Worth Fighting For (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
Santel’s determination was fueled by the enticing reward for completing the challenge: a free meal, a commemorative t-shirt, and the prestigious honor of having his name and photo displayed on the pub’s Wall of Fame. Failure, however, came with a €75 price tag.
A Triumphant Finish
Amidst cheers from enthusiastic Irish fans, Santel tackled the challenge with gusto, devouring the 3kg feast in a remarkable 19 minutes and 18 seconds. He finished the challenge with a celebratory Guinness, raising a glass with a hearty “Sláinte.”
A Delicious and Fresh Feast
Santel expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the food, particularly praising the freshness of the cod, which is caught locally and delivered daily. His successful completion of this challenging feat further solidifies his reputation as a formidable force in the world of competitive eating.
Moroccan Coastal and Artisanal Fishing Faces Decline in First Half of 2024 (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 13, 2024
(source: moroccoworldnews.com – Asmae Daoudi)
A Notable Drop in Landings and Value
The National Fisheries Office (ONP) has reported a significant decline in the value and volume of products from coastal and artisanal fishing in Morocco during the first six months of 2024. The total value of these products dropped by 4%, reaching 4.8 billion dirhams, while landings decreased by 10%, settling at 469,715 tons.
Declines in Key Species
The report highlights significant declines in the landings of several key species. Shellfish landings experienced a dramatic 82% plunge, with only 24 tons recorded. Landings of seaweed, crustaceans, and pelagic fish also saw substantial drops, decreasing by 39%, 25%, and 12%, respectively.
Varied Impact Across Species (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
Despite the overall decline, not all species were affected equally. Landings of white fish and cephalopods bucked the trend, increasing by 6% and 5%, respectively. These increases suggest a shift in the composition of catches, potentially due to changing fishing patterns or market demands.
Regional Differences in Landings
The geographical breakdown reveals a more pronounced decline in landings at Mediterranean ports, with a 20% decrease in tonnage and a corresponding drop in value. Atlantic ports, while experiencing a 10% decrease in landings, fared slightly better in terms of value.
A Shift in Trends
These findings contrast with the report released in March 2024, which indicated a 2% growth in the value of coastal and artisanal fishing products despite a decline in landings during the first quarter of the year. This suggests a potential shift in the trends influencing the fishing sector in Morocco.
Shark Awareness Day: A Call to Action for Protecting Ocean Guardians (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
July 14, 2024
(source: environewsnigeria.com – Assaf Levy, BioDB
Celebrating the Ocean’s Apex Predators
Every year on July 14, the world celebrates Shark Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Sharks have thrived in the oceans for over 450 million years, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. However, these apex predators are facing increasing threats, with many species teetering on the brink of extinction.
More Than Just Jaws: Understanding Sharks
Often portrayed as mindless killing machines in popular culture, sharks are incredibly diverse and possess remarkable adaptations. From the enormous filter-feeding whale shark to the sleek blue shark, sharks exhibit a wide range of sizes and shapes. They possess advanced senses, such as electroreception, allowing them to detect electrical fields emitted by prey.
Sharks as Ecosystem Guardians (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
As apex predators, sharks play a critical role in regulating the populations of species lower in the food chain. They help maintain balance and diversity within marine ecosystems by controlling mid-level predators and ensuring the health of smaller fish and invertebrate populations. Their feeding habits contribute to the overall health of marine ecosystems by preventing disease outbreaks and promoting healthy gene pools within prey populations.
A Growing Threat: Why Sharks Are Endangered
Despite their vital role, many shark species are facing alarmingly high extinction rates. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that over one-third of shark species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Overfishing, driven by demand for shark fins and meat, is a primary threat, often employing unsustainable practices such as finning.
Habitat Loss and the Impact of Human Activities
Another significant threat to shark populations is habitat loss. Sharks rely on healthy coral reefs and mangroves for breeding and feeding, yet these vital ecosystems are being degraded by pollution, climate change, and coastal development.
Conservation Efforts Offer Hope (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
While the situation for sharks is serious, there is a growing movement to protect these magnificent creatures. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations are working together to address the threats facing sharks:
Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being established to provide safe havens for sharks, limiting or prohibiting fishing activities within these designated areas. Examples include the Chagos Marine Reserve in the Indian Ocean and the Jardines de la Reina National Park in Cuba, which have been successful in conserving shark populations.
Regulations and Bans on Shark Finning
Efforts to combat shark finning, the practice of removing fins and discarding the body, have resulted in stricter regulations and increased international cooperation. Many countries now require sharks to be landed with fins attached, promoting sustainable fishing practices. International agreements, such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), play a vital role in regulating the trade of endangered shark species.
Sustainable Fishing Practices (Fishing News 20240708-20240714)
Minimizing bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target species, is crucial for conserving marine biodiversity, including sharks. Sustainable practices, such as gear modification, time and area closures, and bycatch reduction devices, can significantly reduce unintended catches. Regulations requiring fisheries to use circle hooks and turtle excluder devices help prevent the capture of non-target species.
Promoting Consumer Awareness and Sustainable Seafood
Real-time fisheries management and promoting consumer awareness through eco-labeling, such as that provided by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), can drive demand for sustainably harvested seafood. These initiatives help conserve marine species and support the economic stability of fishing-dependent communities.
A Collective Effort for a Vibrant Future
On Shark Awareness Day, it is imperative to move beyond admiration and take decisive action to protect these magnificent creatures. Saving sharks is not just about saving individual species; it is about safeguarding the entire marine ecosystem. By protecting sharks, we are investing in the health and sustainability of our oceans. We can all play a role in this critical mission by educating ourselves, advocating for change, and participating in conservation efforts. Together, we can ensure a vibrant future for sharks and our blue planet.