The Fate of Rafael’s Tainted Groundfish Fortune Still Up for Grabs
New England has been trying to move on from Carlos Rafael, but it has not been easy – especially when the fate of his groundfish vessels and permits are left undetermined. With just days left to close on what many assumed was a done deal to purchase Rafael’s groundfish fortune, the situation has again become uncertain and still problematic. … More Info
A Victory for North Atlantic Right Whales
In a major win for endangered North Atlantic right whales, a federal judge ruled that gillnet fishing gear must be removed from 3,000 nautical miles of ocean waters in southern New England. CLF sued the federal government last year for opening up two areas south and east of Nantucket to expanded fishing without considering harm to right whales. Opening these areas put dangerous gear in the middle of a right whale hotspot. It also violated the Endangered Species Act and our federal fisheries law, the Magnuson-Stevens Act. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, November 1
In this week’s Fish Talk in the News, two court victories for endangered right whales; NOAA Fisheries reopens the Clam Dredge Framework public comment period; Senators Markey and Sullivan introduce bipartisan legislation to improve the health of oceans; and Maine lobster catches are down this season. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, August 23
In this week’s Fish Talk in the News, fishermen question settlement of convicted Codfather; FAO paper predicts impact of climate change on world’s fisheries and aquaculture; oyster theft puts damper on Sandwich aquaculture efforts; and NOAA seeks comments on lobster fishery control date. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, July 19
In this week’s Fish Talk in the News, NMFS approves groundfish catch limits for fishing year 2019; a new study maps out how the world’s fisheries are interconnected; dam removal beings on the Presumpscot River; and Belfast fish farm wins preliminary OK for key state permit. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, July 5
In the week’s Fish Talk in the News, baby lobster numbers spell trouble for the population; NEFMC is seeking feedback and applications; spate of right whale deaths has almost wiped out recent population gains; and NOAA Fisheries asks groundfish fishermen to take their survey. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, June 21
In this week’s Fish Talk in the News, Wholes Foods’ seafood plant is closing in Gloucester; a new stock assessment process is underway in the Northeast; climate change threatens commercial fishers from Maine to North Carolina; and NOAA announces determination not to list alewife and blueback herring under the Endangered Species Act. … More Info
Feds Propose New Management Measures for Gulf of Maine Cod Recreational Fishery
Recreational fishing is a favorite pastime for many New Englanders. Unfortunately, due to low population levels and concerns about catch limit overages, the recreational possession of New England’s most iconic fish – Atlantic cod – has been prohibited in the Gulf of Maine (federal waters) in recent years. For now, this prohibition is still in place, but NOAA Fisheries has proposed reopening the Gulf of Maine cod recreational fishery for the 2019 fishing year. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, April 19
In this week’s Fish Talk in the News, Maine bill considers establishing a task force to settle debate between lobstermen and aquaculture industry; a federal judge upholds changes to fish habitat protections in Gulf of Maine; a federal appellate court upholds NOAA Fisheries definition of bycatch; Massachusetts captain offers classes for aspiring fishermen; and the NEFMC approves a wide range of alternatives for the groundfish monitoring amendment. … More Info
Fish Talk in the News – Friday, March 29
In this Week’s Fish Talk in the News, NOAA Fisheries announces FY19 target monitoring coverage levels; NOAA, BOEM, and fishing industry sign memorandum of understanding; New England sees huge spike in beached sea turtles; and Maine lobstermen petition state to tighten aquaculture rules. … More Info
