Reel in the Action: Latest Fishing News 20240826-20240901

Fishing News 20240826-20240901

Latest Fishing News 20240826-20240901 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.

Dan’s Quest for a Record-Breaking Tiger Muskie (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

August 26, 2024

(source: sportfishingmag.com – by Nick Carter)

Dan Caricaburu-Lundin, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, embarked on a mission to break a world record. His target: the IGFA all-tackle length world record for tiger muskie. Launching his kayak on Montana’s Ackley Lake, he expressed his ambition on Facebook. “I’m not looking for a fish today,” he wrote, “I’m looking for ‘the fish.'” The accompanying photo showcased a large, trout-patterned glide bait and an official IGFA measuring device, revealing his determination to capture a truly exceptional fish.

A Record-Breaking Tiger Muskie

His ambition materialized just a few hours later. Dan found himself posing for photographs with a magnificent tiger muskie, measuring a remarkable 115 centimeters (45.28 inches), surpassing the previous record by a significant six inches. The International Game Fish Association officially recognized his achievement in August, solidifying his place in fishing history.

***

“I’ve fished [Lake Ackley] a lot, and the biggest one I’ve caught was 44 inches,” Dan remarked, highlighting the significance of his catch. “So, catching one that big is pretty cool.” His words reflected the thrill of landing a truly exceptional specimen.

The Legacy of Tiger Muskie (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Tiger muskie, a hybrid offspring of muskellunge and northern pike, inherit the best traits of their parents. They are renowned for their ferocity, possessing a mouthful of sharp teeth, and are highly sought-after as game fish. With record weights exceeding 50 pounds, they are a formidable adversary for even the most seasoned anglers.

Ackley Lake’s Thriving Tiger Muskie Population

Lake Ackley’s robust tiger muskie population is no accident. Dan’s frequent fishing trips had exposed him to the impressive size of these fish. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, seeking to control the overpopulation of less desirable species like longnose and white suckers, began stocking tiger muskie annually in the lake approximately a decade ago. This strategic approach has resulted in a thriving population of well-fed tiger muskie.

A Dramatic Fight with the Record-Holder (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Dan’s record-breaking catch was a testament to his skill and perseverance. He spotted the fish on his Garmin LiveScope, cruising at a depth of three feet over deeper water. He then cast his custom-made 8-inch-long, 2.5-ounce kokanee salmon glide bait, a creation from his own garage. As he turned his kayak, the fish struck with incredible force.

***

“I wasn’t ready for the bite, so I made kind of a half-a**ed hook set and he jumped like 5 feet out of the water,” Dan recalled. The fish’s unexpected power took him by surprise. “I was kind of panicking a little bit. I was kind of under-gunned for it. I mean that fish barely fit in my net.” His struggle to subdue the powerful fish underscored the challenge he faced.

A Shared Triumph (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Dan managed to maneuver his way to the bank, where he successfully secured the fish. Fortune smiled on him as Boone Tullet, a fishing guide, happened to be driving by and witnessed his struggle. He stopped to assist Dan, ensuring the fish was photographed and officially measured by the IGFA before being safely released back into the lake. The previous record holder, measuring 100 centimeters (39.37 inches), was caught at Blue Water Reservoir, New Mexico, by Joshua Daniels in 2022. Dan’s achievement had rewritten the history books.

Cantiere delle Marche Delivers Second Flexplorer 146 (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

August 27, 2024

(source: boatinternational.com – by Gabrielle Lazaridis)

Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CDM) has delivered the second of three Flexplorer 146 explorer yachts. Following the delivery of the first in the series, Maverick, earlier this year, the 44.5-meter explorer yacht, named Mat, has departed the shipyard’s Ancona facility and is now in Santa Margherita Ligure, a commune on the Italian Riviera.

A Customised Design for Mat

Unlike her sisterships, Mat does not feature an A-Frame on the aft deck per her owner’s request. Instead, the area is dedicated to a large social space equipped with sunbeds, fold-down bulwarks, and a jib crane concealed in the sundeck overhang. The yacht also features one less deck, subtle changes to its profile, and a customized internal layout.

A Passion for Big Game Fishing (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

The sale of the Flexplorer 146-35 was announced in November 2021, commissioned by a Swiss owner with an “unbound passion for big game fishing.” Exterior lines were designed by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec, while the interiors were imagined by the yard’s long-time collaborators Nauta Design. The designers opted for a natural palette with bleached corrugated wood cabinetry, light linens, and loose furniture, while the main and upper saloons both feature an asymmetric layout.

Nauta Design’s Interior Vision

“We are very happy with Mat, the sixth successful collaboration between Cantiere delle Marche and Nauta,” said Nauta Design founder Mario Pedol. “[Her] interiors are spacious and well balanced. All guest areas boast large windows to bring light and views into the interior and enhance the feeling of indoor-outdoor connection […] The play of reflected light brings an element of constant movement to the interiors that enlivens and enriches the appeal of clean forms and natural tones.”

Spacious Accommodation and Powerful Performance

The yacht accommodates up to 10 guests and nine crew within its 475GT volume. Power comes from twin Caterpillar C32 Acert engines delivering over 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht also features a low-resistance underbody with a bulbous bow that adds comfort in rough seas and efficiency during long passages.

CDM’s Expertise in Custom Explorer Yachts (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

“With the Flexplorer line, [CDM] demonstrates its exceptional capability to transform a semi-custom explorer yacht into a fully custom masterpiece,” said executive chairman and CDM co-founder Ennio Cecchini. “This range is giving us great satisfaction both commercially and, above all, because it is contributing to further enhancing our reputation in the yachting community while strengthening our position as the world leaders in explorer yacht building.”

Continued Success with the Flexplorer Line

This news follows the announcement that the third Flexplorer 146, commissioned by a “young and enthusiastic” owner, has entered outfitting. Cantiere delle Marche continues to demonstrate its commitment to building exceptional explorer yachts, tailored to the specific needs and desires of discerning clients.

MEP Carberry Champions Ireland’s Fishing Industry (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

August 28, 2024

(source: thefishingdaily.com – by  Oliver McBride)

Nina Carberry, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a key Irish figure on the International Trade Committee, has pledged to defend Ireland’s fishing industry during the upcoming review of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The current agreement has presented significant challenges for Ireland’s fishing sector, negatively impacting the entire industry. MEP Carberry recognizes the vital role of this sector in Ireland’s economy and is determined to advocate for a fairer deal that will better support Irish fisheries.

Carberry Calls for a Fairer Deal for Irish Fisheries

“As it stands, the TCA does not adequately protect Ireland’s fishing industry, which is a cornerstone of our coastal communities and a vital contributor to our economy,” said Carberry. “The seafood sector contributes €1.3 billion annually to the Irish economy and supports thousands of jobs. It is imperative that the TCA is revised to ensure a more equitable outcome for our fisheries.” Carberry’s commitment to protecting Irish fisheries reflects the significant economic and social value of this industry.

Advocating for Coastal Communities (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

In preparation for the upcoming review, MEP Carberry met with Cllr Manus Boyle to discuss the implications of Brexit on Ireland’s fishing industry and necessary reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This meeting highlighted Carberry’s dedication to working as an advocate for coastal and island communities, ensuring their voices are heard in the European Parliament.

Calling for Timely Allocation of Brexit Adjustment Reserve Funds

In addition to her work in Brussels, MEP Carberry is urging Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, to allocate the remaining funds from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR) to the fishing community as soon as possible. “These funds are essential to help mitigate the impacts of Brexit on our fishing industry. The timely distribution of the remaining BAR funds will provide much-needed support to those who have been hardest hit,” Carberry emphasized.

Carberry’s Strategy for the Trade Review (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

In her role on the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, Carberry plans to bring these concerns to the forefront of discussions, working closely with stakeholders to secure a deal that recognizes the importance of Ireland’s fishing industry. “The upcoming Brexit trade review is a critical opportunity to address the imbalances in the current agreement. I will be fighting for a revision that protects Irish jobs, sustains our coastal communities, and ensures the long-term viability of our fishing industry,” Carberry concluded.

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Carberry’s dedication to representing the interests of Ireland’s fishing industry reflects her commitment to safeguarding this vital sector. Her efforts will aim to ensure a more equitable trade agreement that acknowledges the importance of Ireland’s fishing industry and provides long-term support for coastal communities.

A Shocking Revelation About Fish Populations (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

August 29, 2024

(source: conservation.org – by Mary Kate McCoy)

The old saying “There are plenty of fish in the sea” might not be as true as it used to be. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing have significantly depleted global fish populations, and a new study suggests the problem is worse than previously thought. Researchers have discovered that global fish populations have been overestimated by an average of 11.5 percent, highlighting the urgent need for increased protection measures.

Counting Fish: A Difficult Task with Big Consequences

This revelation comes after scientists analyzed nearly four decades of data from 230 of the world’s most important fisheries. “We’ve worked across all of these stocks and see this signal that tells us we’re basically overestimating, on average, how much is out there,” Amanda Bates, a marine ecology professor at the University of Victoria and one of the authors of the study, told The New York Times. “And we’re making management decisions based on that.” This study has raised concerns among scientists, as accurate fish counts are crucial for making informed decisions about conservation efforts.

The Challenge of Measuring Fish Populations (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Counting fish has always been challenging, as they are constantly moving and hidden beneath the surface. However, accurate counts are essential for managing healthy fisheries. Without reliable numbers, marine protected area managers cannot make informed decisions about conservation efforts, such as fishing restrictions.

A Wake-Up Call for Marine Protected Areas

A recent study from Conservation International and the Smithsonian Institute further underscores the importance of accurate fish population measurements. This study focused on the age of fish in marine protected areas and discovered that adult fish populations were not improving as expected, even with conservation efforts in place. This is due to factors such as coastal development pressure, ocean temperature spikes, and inadequate enforcement of fishing restrictions.

The Importance of Adult Fish for Population Growth

Steve Canty, the author of the study, highlights the urgent need for action. In many places, the number of adult fish within populations is stagnant or decreasing, which hinders efforts to rebuild fish populations. This is a critical issue because adult fish produce exponentially more and better eggs than younger, smaller females.

A Global Call for Action (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

On a global scale, understanding what makes marine protected areas effective and having accurate fish counts on which to base management decisions is urgent. Governments have committed to protecting 30 percent of the planet’s land and seas by 2030. This ambitious goal requires a clear understanding of the health of fish populations and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The findings of these studies serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the world’s oceans and the urgent need for robust conservation measures.

China’s Misleading Claims About Fukushima (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

August 30, 2024

(source: japan-forward.com – by  Duncan Bartlett, Diplomatic Correspondent)

China has seized on the first anniversary of the release of ALPS treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station to spread misleading claims that this is polluting Asia’s seas. They offer no evidence for this damaging allegation. This misinformation directly contradicts official public information and reports carefully considered in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Scientific Evidence Contradicts China’s Claims

In August 2003, the authorities began releasing processed water from the Fukushima site after treating it through the ALPS system. The environment agency concluded that the water was clean and safe. Indeed, they found any radiation was “below the lower limit of detection for all samples.” The fisheries agency has also conducted numerous tests on sea creatures from the region, finding that they are healthy and fit to eat. Despite this evidence, China continues to imply that radiation has somehow crept into the food chain.

A Concerted Effort to Harm Japan (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

These stories deserve to be challenged. Rather than providing helpful guidance on what is safe to eat, the Chinese stories form part of a concerted effort to harm Japan’s economy and undermine trust in the Japanese government. At the same time, China is also seeking to undermine the reputation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a highly respected international body.

Scientific Consensus on Safety

The scientific evidence gathered by the IAEA and other organizations has reached a clear conclusion: there is no risk to the health of humans as a result of the Fukushima discharge program. Japan’s government has pledged to continue monitoring the discharged water “with a high level of objectivity, transparency, and reliability” to prevent an adverse impact on Japan’s reputation. However, little can be done to erase the smears deliberately put online by Chinese agents and then repeated by unscrupulous websites and social media channels.

China’s Propaganda Campaign (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Within China itself, the online narrative is entirely controlled by the government. However, China is able to exploit the principle of free speech in other places to give readers the impression that its scientists have legitimate concerns. In fact, the goal of the propaganda is clear: hit out at all democratic governments and institutions that challenge the Chinese Communist Party. Some of the mud may stick.

Russia’s Complicity

Russia is also fond of flooding the internet with fake news. It is not surprising that agents from two autocratic states work in lockstep. Moscow imposed a ban on seafood imports from Japan in 2023, under pressure from China. Xi Jinping has not wavered in his support for Vladimir Putin. The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to most democratic countries shunning Russia and imposing sanctions. Yet trade between China and Russia is increasing.

Japan’s Official Complaints

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged official complaints about the seafood ban with both Russia and China. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has raised the issue at meetings of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Chinese claim that they will send “experts” to engage in a dialogue to try to find a resolution. This is disingenuous. No Chinese scientist would risk challenging the party line on any topic, especially one crucial to foreign relations.

The Clash Over Fukushima Becomes a Forum for Great-Power Rivalry (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

The clash over Fukushima has also become a forum for great-power rivalry between China and the United States. America’s ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, is a strident supporter of Japan’s fishermen. He even appeared on camera, eating shellfish from Northeast Japan, and encouraged people to enjoy more scallops. Ambassador Emanuel is well aware of China’s use of disinformation and is a critic of what he calls China’s “persistent and pernicious strategy of coercion.” He has even gone so far as to say that China is engaged in an “economic war” with Japan. If this is the case, it explains why the embargo on marine products has been weaponized.

Negative Consequences for China’s Actions

China cannot expect to fight an economic war without adverse consequences. Seafood traders in Hong Kong have watched with dismay as a lucrative line of business with Japan has dried up. Furthermore, scallops, which used to be exported from Japan to China for shelling, are now being processed in Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries.

China’s Hypocrisy Exposed (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Meanwhile, Chinese fishermen continue to operate in international fishing grounds off Japan such as near the coast of Sanriku (just north of Fukushima). However, the items the Chinese bring ashore are not deemed a health risk. Instead, they are openly on sale in Chinese shops and markets. Only Japan-branded goods from the same fishing grounds are banned in China. That fact shows how irrational and politically motivated the allegations about nuclear-contaminated water are.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Unfortunately, misleading stories have a habit of spreading around the world. Website users should therefore carefully consider the motivations of the authors of articles before deciding what to believe.

Anglers Confront a Warming World (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

August 31, 2024

(source: npr.org – by Nathan Rott)

KynsLee Scott, a fishing guide and conservationist, finds herself facing an ethical dilemma in the face of a warming climate. She loves trout fishing, but as temperatures rise and cold water becomes increasingly scarce, she questions whether it is ethical to continue pursuing her passion. “For me, unless I have to do it for my job, I don’t feel good about coming out and targeting already stressed fish,” she says. “It sucks. But we have to adjust what we’re doing to have a resource at the end of the day.”

Montana’s Trout Fisheries Under Stress

Western Montana has experienced a particularly dry year, with scorching temperatures and low water levels. State officials have implemented fishing restrictions on 17 rivers, including the Blackfoot River, which is at its lowest level in 30 years. These restrictions, known as hoot owl restrictions, prohibit fishing during the hottest part of the day to give fish a reprieve, forcing anglers to fish early in the morning or late in the evening.

Adapting to Changing Conditions (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Montana’s fishing industry, which generates nearly a billion dollars annually, is struggling to adapt to these changing conditions. “People get concerned about what’s causing [climate change] and all that. But that part to us doesn’t matter,” says Mike Bias, executive director of the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana. “The reality is hatches are happening sooner. Flows are peaking earlier and tapering off. So what do we do? How do we adapt?”

Shifting Strategies

Some guides in the Missoula area have moved their trips to colder rivers like the Missouri, where water temperatures are regulated by dams. Others have shifted to targeting different fish, such as pike, which are invasive in some Montana watersheds. Almost all have adjusted their fishing seasons, booking clients earlier in the spring and later in the fall.

A Paradox for Anglers

John Herzer, a fly fishing guide and outfitter with 35 years of experience, describes a “real paradox” for anglers. While he acknowledges that fishing is still good, he also recognizes that water levels are declining. “There’s just less and less water every year,” he says. “There’s no question. Absolutely less water.”

The Need for Cold Water (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Trout need cold, oxygen-rich water to survive. Temperature thresholds vary by species, but all trout become sluggish and stressed when water temperatures exceed their comfort zone. Trout can die if the water becomes too hot. The American West, where trout fishing is a beloved pastime, is experiencing significant changes in water temperatures due to climate change.

A Changing Landscape for Trout

Invasive species, like smallmouth bass and carp, are crowding out native trout in many Western rivers. Water is being siphoned off for agriculture, energy, and towns, further exacerbating the problem. “We’ve degraded habitats, severed connections between [them] and introduced invasive species,” says Clint Muhlfeld, a research ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center. “Those stressors combined with climate change are really causing some of these trout species to decline.”

The Impacts of Climate Change on Trout

Climate change is causing rising global temperatures and altering precipitation patterns in Montana, leading to more severe droughts and earlier snowmelt. “The northern Rockies is actually warming at two times the rate of the global average,” says Muhlfeld. “That’s really changing our hydrology and, consequently, the water the fish live in.”

A Declining Range for Trout (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit conservation group, published a report in 2015 that examined 28 different species and subspecies of trout and char native to the United States. The report found that more than half of these species have been squeezed into smaller ranges, occupying only a quarter of their historic range. Almost all types of trout and char face some level of risk.

The Future of Trout in Montana

Montana is home to some of the last remaining strongholds for native fish species, but it is not invulnerable to change. A study co-authored by Muhlfeld in 2022 found that more than one-third of Montana’s cold-water fisheries could be unsuitable for trout by 2080, costing the state nearly $200 million in lost revenue. “The lower reaches of all these famous trout rivers are going to get warm the quickest,” says Timothy Cline, the study’s lead author. “We might lose some of those lower reaches on the Madison, Blackfoot, the Bitterroot, the Big Hole.”

Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future of trout in Montana. Higher elevation rivers and cool mountain streams and lakes offer refuges for trout. Trout are adaptable and will move to more agreeable conditions when they are able. “The hope is that by maintaining and protecting all those options we can have robust trout fisheries and opportunities in the future,” Cline says.

Removing Obstacles to Trout Migration (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

In some cases, maintaining and improving fish habitat requires removing relics of the past. On Rattlesnake Creek, a coalition of agencies and groups is working to decommission a series of now defunct dams that stretch into the Rattlesnake Wilderness. “Fish that can’t get up into cold water are going to have a harder time dealing with climate change and warm waters,” says Warren Colyer, the Western Water and Habitat program director at Trout Unlimited. “So we’re trying to remove those barriers.”

Restoring Habitat and Reducing Water Demand

Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups are working to restore floodplains, create artificial beaver dams, and work with irrigators to limit water withdrawals during periods of severe drought. Earlier this year, the Blackfoot Challenge, a coalition of landowners, public agencies, and conservation groups that live and work along the Blackfoot River, pushed irrigators along the Blackfoot to voluntarily reduce their water demands.

The Future of Trout Fishing (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

“Every guide has a responsibility to change how we are utilizing our water resources, especially for these cold-water fisheries,” Scott says. “Fish are a finite resource, and climate change is worsening conditions. With those two combined there’s only a limited time in which we can continue to adjust,” she says. Anglers and conservationists alike face a challenging future as they strive to balance the enjoyment of fishing with the need to protect trout populations. The future of trout fishing in the West depends on finding a way to coexist with a changing climate.

A Sea of Opportunity: Greece’s Potential for Marine Protection (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

September 1, 2024

(source: ekathimerini.com – by Giorgos Lialios)

A Call for Action

The Pristine Seas initiative, a global program established by the National Geographic Society, has presented a compelling report to the Greek government. The report underscores the critical need for Greece to invest in protected marine areas, highlighting the potential for significant economic and environmental benefits. Currently, only a minuscule 0.1% of Greek territorial waters are adequately protected, leaving a vast expanse of marine ecosystems vulnerable to overfishing and other destructive activities.

The Power of Protection

The report proposes a bold step: the establishment of strictly protected marine areas covering at least 5% of Greece’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This strategic move would not only contribute to the ambitious global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, but also revitalize Greece’s marine environment and economy.

A Financial Incentive (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

The report boldly asserts that the financial benefits of protecting these areas would far outweigh the initial investment. The development of diving tourism alone is projected to generate enough revenue to recoup the initial 62 million euro investment within just four years.

A Model for Recovery

The success of protected marine areas in other Mediterranean nations, such as Spain, France, Italy, and Turkey, provides strong evidence for Greece to follow suit. These countries have witnessed remarkable improvements in fish stocks, marine biodiversity, and local economies, demonstrating the tangible positive impacts of robust marine protection.

Restoring Marine Life and Local Livelihoods

Overfishing has decimated fish stocks in Greek waters, reducing them by 50% since the 1990s. This has severely impacted diving tourism, as the lack of abundant marine life hinders the industry’s growth. The report emphasizes that marine protected areas would not only restore the health of marine ecosystems but also foster the growth of the tourism industry, creating new jobs and generating significant revenue.

A Win-Win for Conservation and Communities (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

The report highlights the benefits of protecting marine areas beyond tourism. The recovery of fish stocks in well-managed protected areas would provide a substantial boost to local fishing communities, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and enhancing the long-term prosperity of coastal communities.

The Gulf of Gokova: A Success Story

The Gulf of Gokova in Turkey offers a compelling example of the transformative power of marine protection. Once ravaged by overfishing, the gulf has experienced a remarkable recovery since the establishment of a strict protection regime. This has led to a resurgence of marine life, including large predator fish and endangered species. The local fishing community has also reaped the benefits, experiencing a significant increase in income.

A Call for Action (Fishing News 20240826-20240901)

The report concludes with a strong call for political will. The authors believe that the time is ripe for Greece to embrace the immense potential of marine protection, leveraging the economic and environmental benefits to secure a thriving future for its marine ecosystems and coastal communities.