Fishing News 20240715-20240721
Latest Fishing News 20240715-20240721 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
Addressing Hake Management Concerns in the North-Western Waters (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 15, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
The EU Commission Responds to NWWAC’s Concerns
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has addressed concerns raised by the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) regarding the management of the northern hake stock. Following a workshop on hake management held in June 2023, the Commission responded to NWWAC’s concerns about the bycatch of juvenile hake and the application of the Technical Measures Regulation (TMR) in ICES area 7 fisheries.
Mesh Size and Juvenile Hake Bycatch
The NWWAC highlighted a concern about the use of different mesh sizes in hake-targeted gillnet fisheries. They observed that the 120 mm mesh size, while reducing overall catch rates across all length classes, captures a higher proportion of smaller hake compared to the 100 mm mesh size. This observation was corroborated by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), who noted the increased bycatch of juvenile hake with the larger mesh size.
Recommendations and Regional Collaboration (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
The NWWAC suggested that the Commission request the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to analyze the ecological and socio-economic impacts of the current mesh sizes. In response, the Commission proposed leveraging the regionalization process within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to discuss potential amendments to the TMR.
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The Commission encourages the NWWAC to engage with the NWW Member States Regional Group to gather further data. If the regional bodies possess sufficient information, they can submit a joint recommendation for an updated evaluation by the STECF. However, any proposal to reduce the mesh size must adhere to the TMR’s selectivity criteria and be backed by scientific evidence.
Considerations for UK Waters
The Commission clarified that any request for changes to the mesh size would apply only to EU waters. The UK’s agreement to a similar reduction in mesh size for hake fisheries within its own waters is not assumed.
Ongoing Collaboration and Commitment (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
Director-General Charlina Vitcheva assured continued cooperation and participation in technical meetings to facilitate discussions on hake management. The Commission remains dedicated to working with the NWWAC to ensure the sustainable management of hake fisheries.
A Shrimping Legacy Under Threat: Louisiana’s Seafood Industry Faces Uncertain Future (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 16, 2024
(source: nola.com – by SOPHIA BAILLY)
A Family Business Struggles
Alidore “Al” Marmande’s family has been involved in the shrimping business for over a century. For four generations, Al’s Shrimp Co. has thrived along Bayou Dularge in Terrebonne Parish, producing dried shrimp. However, Louisiana’s domestic seafood industry, a cornerstone of its economy, faces significant challenges, including climate change, foreign competition, and rising production costs.
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Marmande, who employs nine people who work tirelessly year-round, acknowledges the difficulties the industry faces. He describes a decline in the fishing industry, with fishermen struggling to make ends meet.
Legislative Solutions in the Works
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, federal legislation aims to address the concerns of Louisiana’s $2.4 billion seafood industry, the second largest in the country.
Addressing Climate Change Impacts (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
The Fisheries Improvement and Seafood Health Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, aims to understand and address the impact of climate change on the seafood industry. The legislation calls for the U.S. Comptroller General to prepare an annual report for Congress on the competitiveness of domestic seafood producers. It also tasks the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with developing a program to address climate change’s effects on fish populations through coordinated data collection.
Supporting a Collaborative Approach
Joanna Slaney of the Environmental Defense Fund emphasizes the need for greater attention to climate change impacts on fisheries management plans. She states that the bill will create a collaborative process with community input to gather real-time data about the challenges facing the industry.
Improving Data Accuracy and Bycatch Reduction
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, has introduced two bills to address concerns about fishing data and bycatch. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act would empower states to play a more significant role in gathering recreational fishing data, which is crucial for determining federal fishing limits.
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The Bycatch Reduction and Mitigation Act seeks to reduce bycatch, the unintentional capture of non-target species. The bill would fund a $10 million federal grant program to encourage fishing companies to adopt technologies that minimize bycatch, such as specialized camera systems and lights.
Navigating Legislative Challenges (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
While these bills hold promise, their path to becoming law remains uncertain. Congress, with a higher number of inland representatives than coastal representatives, may face challenges in understanding and supporting the needs of coastal communities.
Building Support for the Seafood Industry
To garner wider support for federal fishing legislation, Graves co-founded the American Seafood Caucus, a bipartisan group of coastal representatives. This initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for the interests of the seafood industry.
The Future of Louisiana’s Seafood Industry
The challenges facing Louisiana’s seafood industry are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach. While legislative solutions are being explored, the future of the industry remains uncertain.
A Family’s Hope for a Brighter Future (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
Al Marmande, who has witnessed the decline of fisheries in recent years, expresses caution regarding new regulations that may add burdens to businesses. However, he and his son, Eric, remain hopeful that the industry will receive the necessary support.
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Eric Marmande describes the challenges facing fishermen, who have seen better days. He acknowledges the emotional impact of the industry’s struggles and the uncertainty of the future.
Carrefour Takes a Stand for Sustainable Tuna (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 17, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
A Partnership for Change
European retail giant Carrefour has joined forces with the Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) to drive positive change within the tuna supply chain. This partnership signifies a commitment to a dual approach: enhancing tuna fishing regulations and management while simultaneously implementing best practices across all vessels supplying Carrefour.
Addressing Tuna Sustainability Challenges
Carrefour recognizes the significant environmental and social issues associated with tuna fishing. The company acknowledges the declining tuna populations and aims to lead collective action to address these concerns. By joining the GTA, Carrefour seeks to strengthen fisheries management practices and directly confront the social and environmental risks associated with tuna fishing. This collaboration emphasizes the retail sector’s urgent call for sustainable management to ensure the long-term health of tuna stocks.
Suspension of Indian Ocean Yellowfin Tuna (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
Carrefour demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by suspending the sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna for its own-brand canned products in several European countries. This decisive action underscores Carrefour’s commitment to responsible sourcing and its opposition to unsustainable tuna fishing practices.
Reducing Impacts of Fishing Gear
Carrefour recognizes the environmental challenges associated with fish aggregating devices (FADs) and is actively working with other brands to share and implement practices that reduce their negative impact. The company has committed to decreasing the proportion of tuna products sourced using FADs until these devices are managed more responsibly and sustainably.
Addressing Human Rights Issues in the Tuna Supply Chain
Beyond environmental concerns, Carrefour is collaborating with industry stakeholders to address human rights issues within the tuna fishing sector. This collective effort aims to promote fair labor practices and safeguard the rights of workers throughout the supply chain.
A Shared Vision for Change (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
Carrefour’s Chief Impact Officer, Carine Kraus, emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainable tuna management and its role in driving change. She highlights the need for robust regulations, compliance, and transparency to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks.
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Daniel Suddaby, Executive Director of GTA, applauds Carrefour’s commitment to supporting rigorous regulations and compliance measures. He acknowledges that this partnership signifies a significant shift towards promoting sustainable fishing practices and ensuring transparency and accountability within the tuna supply chain.
MSC Invests in Sustainable Fishing and Wildlife Protection (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 18, 2024
(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)
Investing in Ocean Stewardship
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has announced the allocation of 32 new grants through its Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF). These grants aim to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine biodiversity. The latest round of funding supports projects across various countries, including India, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, and Peru.
A Legacy of Support
Since its inception in 2018, the OSF has awarded over 140 grants, totaling US$6.6 million. These grants have played a vital role in improving fish stock health, managing harvest levels, and safeguarding the marine environment.
Supporting Research and Innovation (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
The 2024 OSF funding includes a significant portion dedicated to student research projects. These grants will assist non-MSC certified fisheries in making critical environmental improvements, such as reducing harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
Funding Sustainable Practices
A notable 5% of MSC’s annual royalties from the sales of MSC ecolabel products are directed towards the OSF. This commitment is further strengthened by increasing third-party philanthropic donations and business contributions, accelerating global progress in sustainable fishing.
Supporting Fisheries Improvement Projects
This year’s OSF funding includes nine grants totaling £445,000 for non-certified fisheries engaged in improvement projects. These grants aim to promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, grants of up to £5,000 each have been awarded to student researchers to support their projects with various fisheries.
Examples of Funded Research (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
Several student research projects have received OSF funding, including:
- Rocío Nayeli Avendaño Villeda from the Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas will gather data to improve understanding of the impacts of a Mexican sardine fishery on large seabirds.
- Lindiwe Makapela from Stellenbosch University will investigate the interactions between the South African hake longline fishery and orcas and Cape fur seals, proposing techniques to minimize risks to these marine mammals.
- Mishel Valery Rañada from Vrije University, Brussels, aims to improve data gathering at a Suriname fishery.
Highlighting the Importance of the OSF
Dr. Beth Polidoro, Research Director at MSC, emphasizes the importance of the OSF in supporting early-career scientists and facilitating collaboration between scientists and fishers. She highlights the need for data-driven initiatives to address the changing marine environment and reduce bycatch.
A Collaborative Approach to Ocean Stewardship (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
The OSF promotes collaboration and innovation, enabling scientists and fishers to learn from one another. This collaborative approach is crucial for conserving the ocean’s precious resources and ensuring a sustainable future for fisheries.
Navigating Uncertainty in Arctic Fisheries: A Call for Proactive Management (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 19, 2024
(source: nunavutnews.com – by Black Press Media)
The Challenge of a Changing Arctic
Climate change is rapidly transforming the Arctic Ocean, creating unprecedented uncertainty for sustainable fisheries management. As sea ice retreats, new fishing grounds open up, presenting both opportunities and risks. However, the lack of reliable data on how climate change will affect fish populations makes it challenging to determine sustainable catch limits and manage fisheries effectively. This uncertainty can lead to inaction or slow adaptation, potentially exacerbating the global trend of overfishing.
Protecting a Fragile Ecosystem
The Arctic Ocean is a unique and fragile ecosystem that supports a diverse range of marine life, including polar bears, beluga whales, narwhals, and various fish species. These animals are culturally and socially significant for Indigenous communities who rely on them for sustenance and cultural practices.
The Importance of the Arctic Fisheries Moratorium (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
In 2021, ten countries agreed on a moratorium on commercial fisheries in the central Arctic Ocean, providing a 16-year window for improved scientific understanding of the changing ecosystem. This landmark agreement offers a chance to establish a proactive and just fisheries management system based on scientific information and Indigenous knowledge.
The Need for Proactive Management
While the agreement has fostered progress in scientific understanding, some nations have expressed their intention to secure future fishing access, potentially undermining the moratorium. Therefore, a proactive, precautionary, and climate-informed management framework is essential for safeguarding the Arctic ecosystem before large-scale, unregulated fishing activities take hold.
Quantifying Uncertainty in Future Fisheries
A collaboration of scientists, the Environmental Defence Fund, and the European Polar Board proposes integrating uncertainty into fisheries governance. A marine ecosystem model ensemble was used to quantify uncertainty about future Arctic fisheries, showing varying projections of fish abundance across different models.
Addressing Near-Term Impacts (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
This research highlights the need to focus on near-term (2030-2049) impacts of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems, as opposed to only focusing on long-term (2090-2099) changes. The models reveal significant regional variations in fish abundance, water temperature, and sea ice extent, emphasizing the need for a localized approach to management.
Communicating Uncertainty as Risk
Communicating uncertainty as risk, using tools like structured scenario planning, can facilitate informed decision-making. This approach allows stakeholders, including Indigenous organizations, scientists, fisheries managers, and fishing industry members, to explore alternative futures and identify potential risks.
A Path Toward Sustainable Management
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Arctic fisheries, action is urgently needed to ensure precautionary and sustainable management. This requires developing methods and skills to operate within uncertainty, adapting to new knowledge, and implementing rapid changes as needed.
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By embracing uncertainty and collaborating effectively, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders can seize the opportunity of the moratorium to create a sustainable and just future for the Arctic.
Fishing Rights Dispute Heats Up in Manitoba (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 20, 2024
(source: nunavutnews.com – by Black Press Media)
A Ticket for a Métis Leader
A recent interaction between a conservation officer and David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Métis Federation, has ignited a new chapter in the ongoing debate surrounding Indigenous hunting and fishing rights in the province. Chartrand received a ticket last month for angling without a license on a lake near Cranberry Portage, prompting a response from both the government and the Métis Federation.
Exercising Métis Rights
Chartrand maintains that he was exercising his right to fish and was not breaking the law. He argues that the conservation officer was not properly briefed and views the ticket as more of a warning. Chartrand states his intention to fight any charges in court if necessary.
The Scope of Métis Rights (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
The Manitoba government recognizes Métis natural resource harvesting rights, including the right to fish without a license, in most of southern, central, and western Manitoba, but not in areas including Cranberry Portage. The Métis Federation advocates for an expansion of these rights to more northern areas, including Churchill.
First Nations Concerns and Treaty Rights
First Nations communities in the north oppose the proposed expansion of Métis harvesting rights, arguing that their treaty rights based on historical presence on the land take precedence. They emphasize the need for government recognition of their land claims and rights before considering any expansion of Métis rights.
A Path Forward: Collaboration and Dialogue
While the Manitoba government has temporarily suspended enforcement of fishing regulations in the disputed areas, the situation highlights the complexities of navigating Indigenous rights and resource management in the province. Both the Métis Federation and First Nations leaders emphasize the importance of collaboration and dialogue to find a path towards a shared understanding and respect for each other’s rights.
Recent Controversies: Moose Hunting and Conservation (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
The current dispute over fishing rights comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding the moose hunt in Manitoba. The government’s recent changes to moose hunting licenses have sparked debate among Indigenous leaders, licensed hunters, and conservation groups, underscoring the need for careful consideration of conservation efforts and the rights of different stakeholders.
A Night of Chaos and Confrontation: Fish Guards Face Threats in Terracina (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
July 21, 2024
(source: ruetir.com – by Ruetir)
A Tense Encounter on the Linea Pio VI Diversion
A routine night patrol by fish guards in Terracina took a dangerous turn when a 36-year-old Romanian fisherman brandished an axe and threatened the officers. The incident occurred on the Linea Pio VI diversion near Borgo Hermada, where the fisherman refused to provide his personal details and was subsequently identified and reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
A Pattern of Resistance
The incident on the Linea Pio VI diversion was not an isolated event. Earlier in the evening, fish guards encountered resistance from another Romanian fisherman on the 51st mile in the municipality of Pontina. The fisherman became enraged over reports being issued by the guards and simulated an illness to avoid further scrutiny. Despite this attempt to evade authorities, the fisherman eventually left the scene in his car.
Enforcing Fishing Regulations (Fishing News 20240715-20240721)
Throughout the night, fish guards continued to enforce fishing regulations, issuing fines to several groups of Romanian fishermen for various offenses, including night fishing and fishing without a license. In one instance, the guards extinguished a fire that had been lit to grill meat, reminding those present of the current fire ban.
A Night of Fines and Conflict
The efforts of the fish guards resulted in 25 administrative sanctions, totaling €3,800. However, the incident on the Linea Pio VI diversion highlights the growing challenge of enforcing fishing regulations and ensuring the safety of officers. The confrontational behavior displayed by some fishermen underscores the need for enhanced security measures and effective enforcement strategies to ensure the safety of officers and the sustainability of fish populations.
