Reel in the Action: Latest Fishing News 20240909-20240915

Fishing News 20240909-20240915

Latest Fishing News 20240909-20240915 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.

Somalia Unveils New Fishing Regulations (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 9, 2024

(source: seafoodsource.com – by Shem Oirere)

Somalia has taken a significant step towards responsible fishing practices by introducing new guidelines for licensing tuna vessels and registering domestic fishing companies. These standard operating procedures (SOPs) are designed to align Somalia’s permit-issuance process with international maritime laws and sustainable fishing practices. The government aims to reduce illegal activities within Somalia’s vast exclusive economic zone, which spans nearly 1.1 million square kilometers.

Fostering Sustainable Fishing and Local Opportunities

This government-driven initiative seeks to promote sustainable fishing practices, enhance regulatory transparency, and support local economic development. By implementing these new procedures, Somalia hopes to create a more equitable environment for its artisanal fishers while simultaneously combating illegal fishing operations. According to Somalia Fisheries Director General Abdi Dirshe, the introduction of these SOPs marks a pivotal milestone in Somalia’s efforts to regulate its tuna fishing industry responsibly.

Strict Enforcement of Registration and Licensing (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

To ensure proper enforcement of these new regulations, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy will implement strict registration requirements for domestic vessels. The Ministry will not issue licenses to any Somali vessel, including local fishing vessels, unless they are registered and identified as a Somali fishing vessel in accordance with applicable legislation. This decisive action aims to curb illegal activities and ensure that all fishing vessels operating within Somali waters adhere to established guidelines.

Rigorous Application Process for Fishing Companies

Fishing companies seeking to operate in Somali waters must submit a comprehensive application package to the Ministry’s registration office. This package must include a request letter, a detailed company profile, bylaws, articles of association, names of board members, and details about the company’s owner. By requiring this level of transparency and accountability, Somalia aims to attract legitimate and responsible fishing operations while deterring those seeking to exploit Somali waters.

Denying Port Privileges to Protect Marine Life (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 10, 2024

(source: fisheries.noaa.gov – by Feature Story | International)

NOAA Fisheries’ Action

NOAA Fisheries has taken a decisive step to protect marine life and uphold responsible fishing practices. Effective October 10, 2024, the agency has denied U.S. port privileges to specific fishing vessels from 17 nations. This action aims to address vessels engaged in illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing or fishing practices that harm protected marine species.

Targeted Vessels

The targeted vessels include various types and nationalities. This includes longline vessels flagged by the People’s Republic of China, authorized by international commissions, and Russian-flagged vessels authorized to target toothfish under the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Additionally, Mexican-flagged vessels operating in gillnet fisheries in the Gulf of Ulloa are affected, along with longline fishing vessels flagged to Algeria, Barbados, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Senegal, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, and Türkiye.

Port Denials and Exceptions (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

The port denials restrict services like refueling and resupplying for these vessels, except for crucial services necessary for crew safety, health, and well-being. However, access to ports and services will be allowed in emergency situations due to force majeure or distress.

Legislative Foundation

These measures stem from NOAA Fisheries’ negative certification of nations under the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. This Act mandates identifying nations with vessels involved in IUU fishing, as well as nations with fishing practices resulting in bycatch of protected marine life or shark catch beyond national jurisdictions, without comparable regulatory measures.

Process and Consultation

Following identification, NOAA Fisheries undertakes a two-year consultation period with the concerned nations, encouraging them to address the issues and improve their fisheries management and enforcement practices. Failure to take corrective action leads to negative certification and subsequent measures, including denial of U.S. port privileges.

Negative Certification (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

The 2023 Report to Congress negatively certified 17 nations for issues like IUU fishing and bycatch of protected marine life with ineffective mitigation measures. The People’s Republic of China and Russia were cited for IUU fishing practices, while Mexico was flagged for insufficient measures to reduce loggerhead sea turtle bycatch and for IUU fishing.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

NOAA Fisheries remains committed to collaborating with the governments of these nations as they take steps to address the identified issues. Positive certification and the lifting of port denials are attainable once nations adequately address their respective issues. This proactive approach emphasizes NOAA Fisheries’ dedication to promoting responsible fishing practices and safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.

A Looming Crisis: Deep-Sea Fishing Industry Faces Manpower Shortage (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 11, 2024

(source: businesskorea.co.kr – by Jung Suk-yee)

A Declining Workforce

The domestic deep-sea fishing industry faces a critical manpower shortage. Young job seekers are increasingly shunning the physically demanding work on deep-sea fishing vessels. Consequently, the industry struggles to attract new employees, leading to an exodus of experienced maritime officers, including captains, who are crucial to the industry’s success. This trend has significantly decreased the number of maritime officers, raising concerns about the industry’s long-term stability.

The Aging Workforce

The aging of maritime officers is reaching alarming levels. Over 82% of deep-sea fishing vessel officers are over 50 years old, while only 11.1% are under 30. This rapid aging hampers productivity and increases the risk of safety accidents.

Exodus of Experienced Personnel (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

Maritime officers are leaving the country in droves. Many are lured by higher salaries and reduced tax burdens in countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. The Korea Overseas Fisheries Association estimates that over 100 Korean maritime officers, including captains and chief engineers, are currently employed in the South Pacific. This includes a significant portion of captains from Company A, the world’s largest tuna fleet.

Losing Valuable Expertise

The exodus of experienced captains, who possess crucial fishing knowledge and techniques, poses a significant threat to the industry’s competitiveness. As experienced personnel leave, they often take crew members with them, further depleting the workforce.

Projected Shortages and Urgent Need for Action

The Ship Personnel Act sets minimum crew requirements based on vessel tonnage. Next year, the domestic deep-sea fishing fleet is expected to need 961 maritime officers. However, considering retirements and new appointments, only 659 officers are projected to be available, leaving a shortage of 302.

Impact on Industry Growth (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

The manpower shortage hinders the industry’s growth. Tuna companies are unable to build new vessels due to the lack of qualified personnel. This has led to a significant reduction in the number of domestic deep-sea fishing vessels, impacting the industry’s overall capacity.

Tax Disparities and Challenges to Training

Korean maritime officers face a higher tax burden compared to their counterparts in other countries, making foreign employment more appealing. The Philippines and Taiwan offer tax incentives to attract experienced personnel.

Training new maritime officers is also challenging. Only 5% of graduates from fisheries high schools and universities choose to work on deep-sea fishing vessels, opting for other careers.

Seeking Solutions: Foreign Workforce and Policy Changes

To address the critical manpower shortage, the deep-sea fishing industry is urging the government to allow foreign maritime officers to work on domestic vessels. However, Korea’s non-membership in the “International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel” (STCW-F) makes it difficult to recognize foreign maritime officer licenses.

The People Power Party has proposed an amendment to the Ship Personnel Act to allow foreigners with STCW-F licenses to work in Korea. However, previous attempts to pass similar amendments have been unsuccessful.

Labor-Management Disagreements (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

An agreement between labor and management in the deep-sea fishing industry presents another hurdle. Currently, only one foreign engineer per vessel is allowed, and any changes require an agreement between the industry association and the labor union. This agreement limits the number of foreign navigators, posing a challenge to introducing foreign workforce in key positions.

A Race Against Time

The deep-sea fishing industry is facing a critical moment. Without urgent action to address the manpower shortage, the industry risks losing valuable expertise, hindering its growth, and ultimately jeopardizing its long-term sustainability.

Croatian Carp Anglers Conquer the World (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 12, 2024

(source: croatiaweek.com – by croatiaweek)

A Triumphant Home Tournament

This year, Croatia played host to the Carp Fishing World Championship, an event that saw thirty nations from four continents compete in the town of Našice. Organized by the Croatian Sport Fishing Federation, with the local club Šaran Našice providing hospitality, the event was a resounding success. The competition, held at Lake Lapovac and Lake Šandor, showcased Croatia’s expertise as a host nation. Competitors, including teams from the USA, South Africa, and Kazakhstan, joined European nations in the challenge.

A Dominant Display

The competition commenced on September 7th, with anglers battling for 72 hours. In a testament to their skill and experience, the Croatian team dominated the competition, capturing the team world gold medal. Adding to the team’s success, the pair of Dalibor Banaj and Hrvoje Jakopčević also secured an individual world silver medal. Croatia claimed the gold with a total catch of 443.55 kg, defeating Moldova and Belgium, who secured second and third place respectively.

Individual Success (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

The Ukrainian pair Patsera and Suzdaltsev emerged as world champions in the pairs competition, with a total of 236.11 kg. Dalibor Banaj and Hrvoje Jakopčević secured a close second place with 189.86 kg, followed by Belgium’s Delffiere S and Jeuieaux V. Croatian pair Mislav Belančić and Denis Novosel narrowly missed out on world gold, finishing in fourth place, just 12 kg behind the winners.

A Long-Awaited Victory

The team gold medal marks a significant achievement for Croatian carp anglers, marking the team’s return to the top since their last victory in Italy in 2014. The Croatian team has solidified its position as a dominant force in the world of carp fishing.

Croatian Casting Team Shines in Spain

Double World Champion

While the carp team celebrated their victory in Croatia, Croatian casting athletes competed in the World Championship held in Castellon, Spain. The Croatian team, led by coach Denis Zbašnik, secured two world titles through the exceptional performance of Goran Ožbolt. He dominated the Arenberg discipline, winning gold, and further solidified his victory by winning another gold medal in the Skish weight category.

A Solid Performance (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

Despite securing individual victories, the Croatian casting team finished seventh overall out of twelve participating nations.

A Year of Success

The Croatian carp and casting teams have had an extraordinary year, demonstrating their mastery in their respective disciplines. Both teams have brought pride to Croatia and showcased the country’s talent in the world of angling.

Tunisian Fisherwomen: Battling Inequality and Climate Change (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 13, 2024

(source: citizensvoice.com – by Youcef Bounab)

Defying Tradition

Sara Souissi, a fisherwoman off the Kerkennah Islands in Tunisia, embodies resilience in a male-dominated industry. Having begun fishing as a teenager, she defied societal expectations and persisted in her passion for the sea, despite facing resistance from men who believed fishing was not a woman’s domain.

A Vital Industry

The sea plays a vital role in Tunisian life, contributing to the nation’s cuisine and economy. Seafood is a staple food and a major export commodity, generating significant revenue for the country. Tunisian women have long played a crucial role in the fishing sector, but their contributions have been undervalued and unsupported.

Facing Inequality (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

A recent study by the FAO revealed that while women actively participate in the fishing value chain, they are often not recognized as legitimate workers by their male counterparts. They face limited access to administrative benefits, training, and banking services, often being perceived as “high-risk borrowers.” Many women lack ownership of their own boats and are often unpaid for their work, being considered “family help” by their male relatives.

A Fight for Equality

In Raoued, a coastal town near Tunis, a workshop for women’s integration into the fishing trade was launched, but many attendees were only there to assist male relatives. Despite the lack of official data on the number of fisherwomen in Tunisia, it is clear that many women work informally, further exacerbating their vulnerabilities.

Climate Change Threatens Livelihoods

Beyond the gender inequalities, Tunisian fisherwomen are also facing the consequences of climate change. Rising sea temperatures, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices are decimating fish stocks and altering marine ecosystems.

The Impact of Overfishing (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

Unsustainable fishing methods, such as trawling and indiscriminate use of plastic traps, contribute to the decline of fish populations and exacerbate pollution. These practices, often employed by male fishermen, disregard regulations and damage the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Economic Hardships

The environmental strain is directly impacting the livelihoods of fisherwomen. In Skhira, a port town on the Gulf of Gabes, a group of women clam collectors formed an association to improve their incomes. However, a government ban on clam collecting due to declining populations left them unemployed.

Sustainable Solutions

The combination of social and environmental challenges facing Tunisian fisherwomen underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices and equitable policies. While women like Souissi continue to fish responsibly, they face an uphill battle against entrenched inequalities and environmental threats. Only through a collaborative effort to combat climate change and promote gender equality can the future of Tunisian fishing be secured.

A Double Blow: Oil Spill and Storm Cripple Filipino Fishermen (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 14, 2024

(source: japantimes.co.jp – by Mariejo Ramos)

A Devastating Oil Spill

Efren Dominico, a seasoned fisherman with 43 years of experience in the Bay of Manila, has weathered countless storms. However, a July oil spill, the largest in the Philippines since 2006, brought him a new kind of hardship. The motor tanker Terranova, carrying 1.4 million liters of oil, capsized and sank off the coast of Limay, effectively cutting off Dominico and countless other fishermen from their livelihood.

A Wave of Disasters

The Terranova incident was followed by two more fuel tankers sinking off the coast of a neighboring town, further polluting the Bay of Manila, a crucial fishing ground for the capital. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) immediately issued a warning against consuming seafood from the affected areas, while local governments on both sides of the bay banned fishing. These actions, while necessary to protect public health, left fishermen like Dominico without a source of income.

A Call for Justice (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

Dominico and his fellow fishermen in Limay have been struggling to survive since July, relying on meager aid from local governments. They have yet to receive promised financial assistance from politicians, highlighting the government’s inadequate response to the crisis.

A Growing Crisis

The government has addressed the immediate threat of the oil spill, but the long-term consequences for the fishing community are alarming. The fishing bans, coupled with the shrinking demand for potentially contaminated seafood, have driven fishermen deeper into debt and hunger.

Beyond the Oil Spill

Environmental activists like Khevin Yu from Greenpeace Philippines have linked the oil spill and the storm that caused the sinking of the Terranova to the growing climate crisis. The Philippines, consistently ranked among the countries most at risk of disasters, is facing the devastating impacts of climate change. Yu criticizes the oil industry as a major contributor to these catastrophic events, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental issues.

Long-Term Impacts (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

While the BFAR lifted its seafood warning in late August, fishing bans lasted for more than a month in some areas, causing significant financial losses for the fishing sector. The oil spill’s long-term environmental impacts are still unknown, but experts warn that it could destroy habitats for marine life and leave a trail of destruction lasting decades.

A Plea for Support

Dominico and other fishermen are demanding compensation from the ship-owner and the state for their lost income. They criticize the government’s knee-jerk ban on fishing, arguing that it lacked a plan to provide alternative income for fishermen. They are also calling for an investigation into the authorities who allowed the Terranova to sail during a storm, leading to the current crisis.

A Future Uncertain

The oil spill has dealt a devastating blow to the fishing community in Limay. While some fishermen are desperate enough to continue fishing despite the risks, the future remains uncertain. The long-term impact on their livelihoods and the Bay of Manila’s ecosystem hangs in the balance, leaving the fishermen to wonder if help will arrive before their livelihoods are irrevocably lost.

The Mixed Impact of MSC Certification Loss (Fishing News 20240909-20240915)

September 15, 2024

(source: thefishingdaily.com – by Oliver McBride)

The recent loss of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for segments of Norway’s cod and haddock fisheries, alongside the entire Norwegian spring-spawning herring (NVG herring) fishery, provides a unique opportunity to analyze the impact of sustainability certification on the Norwegian fishing industry. The findings reveal a mixed impact, with certain species and products demonstrating significant price premiums while others show no such advantage.

Varying Price Premiums Across Species and Markets

The study reveals that MSC certification plays a crucial role for cod in specific market regions, driving noticeable price premiums. Additionally, high-value haddock loins command a substantial price premium in export markets when MSC-certified. Interestingly, if this premium is shared with producers and fishermen, it could encourage a focus on high-quality raw materials for fillet production, ultimately boosting demand for premium fish from the catch sector.

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However, for NVG herring, the analysis of export markets reveals no price premium associated with MSC certification. Furthermore, the study suggests that while price premiums exist for MSC certification in specific export markets for certain species and products, these benefits do not apply universally. Notably, significant volumes of fish, including all NVG herring, haddock fillet products (excluding loins), whole gutted haddock with and without heads, and cod destined for Eastern Europe, show no price premium for MSC certification in export markets.

Uneven Distribution of Price Premiums and Concerns for MSC’s Model

The research further indicates that while price premiums for cod are shared with fish buyers and producers, they are not passed on to the catch sector, except in the case of fillet producers. This raises concerns about the core principle of MSC’s market-based sustainability certification – that consumer demand should translate into price premiums, incentivizing sustainable management and fishing practices. Essentially, this disparity creates a disconnect between the cost of certification for the catch sector and the associated financial benefits.

Potential Challenges for MSC in the Future

In the long term, this uneven distribution of price premiums could pose a challenge for MSC. If the catch sector, responsible for bearing the cost of certification, does not reap the associated financial benefits, it could lead to a decline in support for MSC. Ultimately, this situation could jeopardize the future of the MSC certification program.