Maine shrimp make a tentative comeback
Published onFor the first time in a decade, Maine shrimp is set to return to the Gulf of Maine, however, in limited amounts. As reported byNews Center Maine, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has authorized a winter sampling program, allowing the catch of up to 58,400 pounds to gather data on the struggling species. The program, running from late January to March 2025, aims to monitor the status of this cold-water species. Fishermen and researchers alike hope the data will shed light on whether the fishery could reopen. However, as National Fisherman contributor Paul Molyneaux noted in an April 2024 article, the challenges are immense. Glen Libby, a long-time advocate for the shrimp fishery, believes using industry-driven data collection tools like vessel monitoring systems, onboard cameras, and dockside checks could provide a clearer picture of shrimp stocks. It would give you a much better picture ...
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What’s next for Vineyard Wind?
Published onIn mid-2023, company executives projected the wind farm would be fully operational in 2024. But with one month left in the year, only about one-third of the turbines appear fully installed. Much of the delay comes from a blade failure in July, after which federal regulators halted project installation before allowing it to proceed under restrictions. Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus Moeller, talking to reporters at a Nov. 18 event in New Bedford, would not give a new date for projected completion. He estimated that the project including onshore infrastructure was about 80% done. But The Lights boat trip to the lease area on Nov. 20 showed that only a third of the turbines are completed. The other two-thirds need work: foundations, towers, or blades. Vineyard Wind said it aims to get its last turbine foundations installed by the end of December. But with a recent lease extension ...
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Turbine blade failure fallout continues, urges stronger safety plans
Published onLast summers structural failure of a single blade on a southern New England offshore turbine continues to reverberate, with new demands for quality assurances and the industry under pressure fromincoming president Donald Trumps promise to make sure offshore wind power ends on day one. Allegations that testing data was falsified atLM Wind Power'splant inGasp, Quebec, where the blade was manufactured, are being investigated as part of ongoing probes into the July 13 failure of a turbine blade at the Vineyard Wind project off Nantucket Island, according to reporting by Canadian news media outlets in late October. Turbine manufacturerGE Vernovaidentified a manufacturing deviation in the blade built by LM Wind Power, causing breakage of the glued fiberglass laminate structure.On Oct. 24 Quebec news station Radio-Gaspsie and newspaperGaspsie Nouvellesreported about 20 persons had been laid off or suspended from their jobs at LM Wind Power, including directors, managers and ...
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Trawler raised off N.J. destined to return to the bottom
Published onA stricken commercial fishing vessel has been raised from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean after a year submerged off Point Pleasant Beach, but its future will see a return to the bottom for a new life helping anglers reel in their catch. Read more
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Maine-based company offers high-tech right whale alert device
Published onJACKSONVILLE, Fla. Over the past seven years, 41 North Atlantic right whales have been killed, with vessel strikes being the leading cause of death. The critically endangered species has fewer than 350 individuals remaining, including less than 100 breeding females. Now, a company is taking an innovative approach to prevent further losses. Read more
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Commentary: Is Long Island Sound the future for Cape Cod Bay lobsters?
Published onCape Cod and lobster are as much a match as peanut butter and jelly. Its hard to imagine a summer without lobster rolls or that quintessential Cape Cod food adventure, a clambake, with lobsters steamed under layers of seaweed. Read more
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Dragger Susan Rose raised one year after sinking
Published onThe Rhode Island steel trawler Susan Rose was raised from the sea floor this week a year after sinking off Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., removed as a hazard to navigation. Resolve Marines RMG 400 lift barge brought the Susan Rose to the surface Nov. 19, a year and two days after the 77-foot dragger ran aground on the beach while heading in for Manasquan Inlet. After the 2023 grounding, the fishing boats crew of four safely got off onto the beach, dropping down from the deck with help from Point Pleasant Beach emergency responders. Efforts to defuel, lighter and salvage the boat began that day and the Dann Towing 85x30x11.5 tugboat Shannon Dann got underway from Staten Island in anticipation of a high tide for the recovery effort. The initial salvage was commissioned by The Town Dock of Narragansett, R.I., owners of the Susan Rose. That ...
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Celebrating the fishing community at National Fisherman’s 2024 Highliners award ceremony
Published onIt isnt just a job, its a lifestyle. Those words spoken by Carli Stewart to open the 2024 Highliner Ceremony personify what it means to be a career commercial fisherman. In recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the commercial fishing industry, the National Fisherman Highliner Awards have established a legacy that stretches back nearly five decades. This legacy is defined not only by the work of these individuals to better shape the industry but also by their commitment to giving back to their communities. In 2023, five individuals became part of this exclusive club, and one of those members was at the 2024 event to help kick it off, further establishing a connection to the past and future of the entire industry. National Fisherman Highliners embody leadership and dedication both on the water and in their advocacy for a sustainable fishing future, which 2023 Highliner Alward winner Matt ...
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Grounded trawler refloated off New Jersey
Published onResolve Marine has raised the wreck of the grounded fishing vessel Susan Rose, removing a navigation hazard just south ofAsbury Park. The 77-foot trawlerSusan Roseran aground on Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey in November 2023. Four people abandoned ship into the surf, with assistance from the local authorities, and all emerged unscathed despite the dangerous circumstances. Read more
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Ground support: Fishermen rally for hurricane aid
Published onIn the wake of hurricanes that devastated parts of the Gulf and South Atlantic states, the Maine fishing community has shown a resilience and solidarity that define their way of life. Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina particularly hard, with damages estimated between $20 billion and $34 billion. Rescue and recovery efforts have continued for weeks, with support flowing in from across the U.S. through non-profit groups to help those affected rebuild their lives. Kathleen Kirby and her husband, Jacob Schreiner, commercial fishermen from Deer Isle, Maine, were inspired by a humble but essential item in their livesboots. Their project, Maine Fishing Boots on the Ground, began as a response to the needs of friends in hurricane-ravaged areas and has since grown into a community-wide effort. I saw someone post that they needed PPE for cleaning up, Kirby shared, and thats when I thought of bringing boots ...
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Top U.S. ports for a quarter century
Published onFor the 25th consecutive year, Dutch Harbor, AK, and New Bedford, MA, ranked as the top U.S. fishing ports for volume and value in 2022. Nationwide, commercial landings that year were 8.4 billion pounds valued at $5.9 billion, down by 2.6 percent and 11 percent ($632 million), respectively. Those are two of the top takeaways from the annual Fisheries of the United States report released this month by NOAA Fisheries. The data show a downward press almost across the board from Covid-driven impacts as the global pandemic waned in 2022. The easy-to-read, 23-page report provides a national snapshot of U.S. commercial fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, imports and exports, market trends, and per capita consumption. Heres a 2022 overview: Landings from 2021 to 2022 decreased in all U.S. regions except for the Gulf of Mexico. By state, only California, Connecticut, East ...
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2024 National Fisherman Highliners to be recognized at Pacific Marine Expo
Published onThe National Fisherman Highliner Award is one of the most esteemed honors in the commercial fishing industry, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions not just through their work, but by giving back to the industry and their communities. Since 1975, Highliners have embodied leadership and dedication, both on the water and in their advocacy for a sustainable fishing future. Complete List of Highliners: 19752023 This year, National Fisherman is proud to present four exceptional honorees for 2024, representing coasts from Alaska to Florida. These Highliners will be honored at the 2024 Pacific Marine Expo during a special ceremony on Thursday, November 21st, from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST, at the Main Stage, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the commercial fishing industry. Leonard Leach Alaskas Living Legacy At 81, Leonard Leach has been a fixture in Alaskas commercial fishing industry for over 62 years. Known for his ...
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Cooke Aquaculture faces new Clean Water Act lawsuit
Published onCooke Aquaculture is a family-owned international salmon farming and seafood company based in New Brunswick, Canada, but its operations are global. The company has seen ongoing legal battles with Chilean authorities over the siting and stocking of its salmon cages in that countrys waters. Fundacin Terram has sought revocation of Cookes Chilean sites due to alleged overproduction and other infractions. Cookes legal troubles came closer to home on Nov. 14 when the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) announced its intent to bring legal action against Cooke, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act. According to Heather Govern, vice president for CLFs Clean Air and Water Program, the suit accuses Cooke of polluting Maine waters. These enormous salmon cages are like sewage pipes to the marine environment, says Govern in a statement released by CLF. Their solid waste smothers plants and ocean life while disease outbreaks and sea lice threaten nearby ...
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Maine town maps fishing areas in effort to reduce aquaculture conflicts
Published onHarpswells Aquaculture Working Group has created a new map of local commercial fishing areas, urging state officials to use it when evaluating applications for aquaculture leases to help avoid conflicts with fishermen. Read more
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Wind farm construction impacts on lobsters studied
Published onThirteen feet below the surface of Woods Hole harbor, a lobster shelters under a plastic shield in a wire cage. An experiment is happening: every seven seconds on the dock above, a pile driver pounds a long, steel post deeper into the muddy harbor bottom nearby. Read more
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Trump victory called ‘big bright spot’ for lobstermen
Published onCommercial Maine fishermen, who have largely supported Donald Trump since he first ran for president in 2015, have high hopes for his upcoming second administration. Read more.
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