October 21, 2014 — The chum salmon market is puzzling buyers globally this season as harvests are lower than expected, reports Rob Reierson in the 3-Minute Market Insight from Tradex Foods, Monday 20 October.
View the video at The Fish Site
Russia will not impose export duties on salmon or pollock
October 21, 2014 — The Russian government has rejected the proposal of some local anaslysts and top officials to introduce duties on the exports of fish to abroad.
The initiative was put forward by Vladimir Miklushevsky, the governor of Primorye region to protect the domestic market.
Vladimir Miklushevsky commented:
"Russia has imposed duties on the imports of Norwegian salmon. We consider this decision as very useful, as we have enough reserves of our own fish. There is a need to establish more processing capacity on shore, instead of the increase of fish exports. I submitted a proposal for the consideration of Arkady Dvorkovich, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, who promised to consider it by October, 20.
According to Miklushevsky, duties should be imposed primarily on the exports of salmon and later other types of fish.
However, the initiative of the Primorye governor has not received support in the Russian government, including the country’s President Vladimir Putin.
According to Putin, it is impossible to introduce customs duties and to impose prohibitive measures for the exports of fish, without having the capacity to process it within the country.
According to an official spokesperson of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo), Russia currently does not experience any lack of salmon in the domestic market. In addition, prices for it remain stable.
According to forecasts of Rosrybolovstvo, total production of Pacific salmon in Russia this year is expected to reach 320,000 tonnes, which will be 70,000 tonnes less than in 2013.
According to Paul Kolotushkin, Head of Sakhalin Fisheries Agency, the governments of Sakhalin and other areas of the Far East were able to significantly improve logistics issues, which allowed a significant increase in fish deliveries to the European part of Russia and in particular Moscow and St. Petersburg.
This story originally appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It has been reprinted with permission.
Only ‘blind luck’ kept disabled Russian freighter afloat, government critics claim
October 21, 2014 — American intervention and “blind luck” prevented disaster on B.C.’s north coast this week when a disabled cargo ship drifted dangerously close to the shores of Haida Gwaii, opposition critics charged Monday in the House of Commons.
A commercial U.S. tug towed the Russian-flagged Simushir to safety at Prince Rupert after the Canadian Coast Guard struggled to rein in the ship. The vessel was carrying hundreds of tonnes of fuel when it lost power Thursday, sparking concerns it would create an environmental disaster if it ran aground, and prompting concern from New Democrats and Liberals over the prospect of a dramatic increase in supertankers plying the same waters.
NDP finance critic Nathan Cullen, who represents the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding in northern B.C., demanded to know how anyone can back a “government plan to put hundreds of oil supertankers off the B.C. coast when we don’t even have the capacity to protect ourselves right now.”
He said only “blind luck” prevented a disaster before help could arrive.“If dodging a bullet doesn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will. It’s important for Canadians to understand how close this was.”
Read the full story from The Vancouver Sun
Bumble Bee tells BJ’s it is voluntarily recalling some of its tuna pouches for defective seals
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] — October 20, 2014 — Bumble Bee Foods has voluntarily recalled of their 4/5oz Albacore pouches sold between March 3, 2014 and September 11, 2014 to BJ's Wholesale club.
The recall is due to defects in the pouch seals, which could result in product contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to illness if consumed. In early October, Wegman's recalled Bumble Bee's 2.5-ounce packages of premium albacore in water, with UPC 8660024011. The containers were stamped with “best by” dates of March 2017 to September 2017. Wegman's said the recall was prompted after defects were found in the pouch seals, which could lead to contamination through spoilage organisms or pathogens.
BJ's said customers have been told that can get a full refund of their purchases you by visiting the Member Services Desk at the BJ's store where the item was purchased.
"If you purchased the recalled product listed above, please discontinue use and discard the remaining product(s); please do not return the product to the Club," BJ's said in a press release.
This story originally appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It has been reprinted with permission.
Call for Nominations for MAFAC Climate and Aquaculture Task Forces
October 17, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
! just wanted to take a moment to call to your attention that nominations are being sought for appointments to two new task forces of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) to support its advisory work for the Secretary of Commerce on living marine resource matters.
One task force will focus on climate and marine resources issues and the other on aquaculture issues.
The deadline for nominations is November 17, 2014. For more details, please visit the MAFAC website here.
If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Lovett at Heidi.Lovett@noaa.gov.
Thank you,
Laurel Bryant
Chief, External Affairs
NOAA Fisheries Communications
ALASKA: Gulf catch share proposals move to analysis
October 16, 2014 — Catch shares in the Gulf of Alaska are one step closer after the North Pacific Fishery Management Council asked for analysis of an alternative structure to reduce bycatch and end the race to fish.
After more than a day of staff reports and public testimony on a possible Gulf of Alaska trawl bycatch management program, the North Pacific council on Oct. 12 unanimously agreed to a motion asking for formal analysis of a program that would allocate pollock and Pacific cod harvest privileges to trawl fishermen participating in voluntary cooperatives.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Cora Campbell, who represents the state on the council, made the motion for action; it was amended by other council members before passing unanimously.
The motion does not provide a precise direction for the program, instead calling for more information on a variety of ideas that have been brought forward in stakeholder discussions over the past year.
The motion identifies pollock and Pacific cod as target species, and halibut and king salmon as prohibited species catch. Under a second option, the council will also receive analysis of rockfish as a target species. Gulf rockfish is already managed under a catch share program It also asks for analysis of several other secondary species including sablefish, several species of rockfish, and skates.
The program has been discussed as a way to provide tools to reduce bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska, and the analysis will look at several ways to do so, including reducing prohibited species catch limits for king salmon and halibut, shifting the annual pollock fishing season so that it occurs earlier in the year, when there is typically less king salmon bycatch, and allowing trawlers to use pot gear instead of trawl nets.
Scientists Recommend Acceptable Biological Catches for Western Pacific Bottomfish, Hawaii Longline Catch Limits for Striped Marlin
HONOLULU — October 17, 2014 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) concluded its 117th meeting, which was held Oct. 14 to 16, 2014, at the Council office in Honolulu, with acceptable biological catches (ABCs) specified for Western Pacific bottomfish. The Council will consider the ABCs when it meets next week. The Council will use the ABCs to develop the 2015 annual catch limits (ACLs) for the fisheries.The ABCs specified by the SSC for the bottomfish fishery in American Samoa, Guam and CNMI for 2015 are 101,000pounds, 66,800 pounds and 228,000 pounds, respectively. These are the same ABCs as 2014. The SSC noted that the catch comprised a small proportion of the existing limit, there was no significant change in the fishery or the management of this fishery and there is no new scientific information to change the existing limits. A new assessment is scheduled for 2015.
The SSC also reviewed the ABCs previously set for other non-pelagic fisheries for fishing year 2014.
Regarding main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 bottomfish, consisting of a complex of six deep-water snappers and one grouper, the SSC reiterated that the 2014 draft stock assessment has not been independently peer-reviewed and, considering the best available science and public comments on the matter, again set the ABC at 346,000 pounds for the current fishing year.
Regarding coral reef fish, crustacean and MHI non-Deep 7 bottomfish, the SSC reviewed its approach to analyzing the risk of overfishing and scientific uncertainty used to specify the ABCs and made a minor technical correction for Saganidae (rabbit fish) in American Samoa and Guam for 2014. The ABC in American Samoa increased from 191 to 200 pounds, while the ABC for rabbitfish in Guam dropped from 19,500 to 18,800 pounds.
Regarding pelagic fisheries, the SSC addressed the overfishing and overfished status of Western and Central Pacific Ocean North Pacific striped marlin. It recommended establishing an overall limit of 457 metric tons (mt) and establishing a limit of 434 mt of striped marlin applicable to the Hawaii longline fishery (i.e., 95 percent of the 457 mt limit). In the event that the 434 mt limit is reached, the Hawaii longline fishery would not be allowed to retain striped marlin. There were no striped marlin restrictions recommended for other Hawaii fisheries (e.g., troll and handline), which account for less than 5 percent of total commercial striped marlin catch.
The SSC also discussed Hawaii yellowfin and bigeye tuna commercial size limits, which are currently regulated by the State of Hawaii at 3 pounds. The scientists said it is undetermined whether increasing the size would have a positive effect on the Hawaii yellowfin stock, which is considered healthy. They recommended research on yellowfin harvest rates, utilization and socio-economic issues related to catch, and market flow of small tuna in Hawaii. The majority of the SSC recommended no change in the current minimum size until further information is obtained. The SSC member from the State of Hawaii did not support the majority recommendation, noting that the State plans to hold public scoping sessions and meetings to discuss modifying the State's minimum size for commercial catch of yellowfin.
The Council will consider the recommendations of the SSC, its other advisory bodies and the public on the above issues as well as management of fisheries in the expanded Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument; management of the American Samoa longline fishery for South Pacific albacore; and establishment of a market delay for the sale of MHI Deep 7 bottomfish should the fishery close after reaching its ACL. The Council will meet 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 to 23, 2014, at the YWCA-Fuller Hall, 1040 Richards St., Honolulu. Management recommendations made by the Council are transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for final approval and implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the US Coast Guard.
The Hawai`i yellowfin tuna and North Pacific striped marlin management issues will also be addressed at the Fishers Forum 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21,2014. This free public event will be held at the Harbor View Center at Pier 38, Honolulu (above Nico's restaurant) and will feature a sneak preview of the short documentary `Ahi-The Yellowfin Tuna. The event includes presentations, panel and public discussions, informational booths, door prizes and more.
For the full agendas of the Council meeting and the Fishers Forum and details on public comment opportunities, go to www.wpcouncil.org/meetings/ .
Scientific and Statistical Committee: Dr. Charles Daxboeck, chair, (BioDax Consulting Tahiti); Dr. Judith Amesbury (Micronesian Archeological Research Services); Dr. Paul Callaghan (University of Guam retired); Dr. Frank A. Camacho (University of Guam); Dr. Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Dr. Richard Deriso (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission); Dr. Erik Franklin (Hawai`i Institute of Marine Biology); Dr. John Hampton (Secretariat of the Pacific Community); David Itano (consultant); Dr. Pierre Kleiber (NMFS PIFSC, retired); Dr. Donald Kobayashi (NMFS PIFSC); Dr. Molly Lutcavage (University of New Hampshire); James Lynch (K&L Gates); Dr. Todd Miller (CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife); Alton Miyaska (Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources); Dr. Domingo Ochivallo (American Samoa DMWR); Dr. Minling Pan (NMFS PIFSC); Dr. Craig Severance (University of Hawai`i at Hilo retired); Dr. John Sibert (Pelagic Fisheries Research Program retired); and Dr. Robert Skillman (NMFS PIFSC retired).
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Appointees by the Secretary of Commerce from nominees selected by American Samoa, CNMI, Guam and Hawai`i governors: Michael Duenas, Guam Fishermen's Cooperative Association (Guam) (vice chair) ; Edwin Ebisui (Hawai`i) (vice chair); John Gourley, Micronesin Environmental Services (CNMI) (vice chair); William Sword, recreational fisherman (American Samoa) (vice chair); Michael Goto, United Fishing Agency Ltd. (Hawai`i); Julie Leialoha, biologist (Hawai`i); Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele, Port Administration (American Samoa); and McGrew Rice, commercial and charter fisherman (Hawai`i). Designated state officials: Manny Pangelinan, CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources (chair); William Aila, Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources; Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga, American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources; and Mariquita Taitague, Guam Department of Agriculture. Designated federal officials: Michael Tosatto, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office; David Hogan, US Department of State; RAdm Cari B. Thomas, US Coast Guard 14th District; and Susan White, USFWS Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuges Complex
In historic meeting, Pacific Council keeps Pacific whiting sector open, shoreside may suffer
SEAFOODNEWS.COM By Peggy Parker — October 20, 2014 — In an historic emergency meeting of Pacific Fishery Management Council last Friday, fishery managers found a way to protect chinook salmon, stay under the darkblotched rockfish quota, and allow the Pacific whiting fleet to fish the remaining 21,000 mt of quota.
The Council took immediate action to protect chinook salmon bycatch in the Pacific whiting trawl fishery by moving the mothership and catcher processor fleets to deeper water, beyond the 150 fathom contour. A “guideline” harvest limit of 11,000 chinook salmon was taken by the Pacific whiting fleet last week. All vessels in the three-sector fishery are impacted by more restrictive management measures.
The shoreside Pacific whiting fleet will fish outside the 100 fathom line for now. If and when that sector catches its quota, and if and when additional transfers are made from the tribal allocation, which is expected, the shorebased fleet will also be restricted to fishing beyond the 150 fathom line.
That restriction was hotly contested by members of the industry who testified against that additional precaution.
“The Chinook bycatch mitigation area moving out to 150 fathoms rather than 100 fathoms disadvantages the shoreside processors and harvesters,” pointed out Rod Moore, executive director of the West Coast seafood Processors Association.
“In considering this, the Council is narrowly skirting violations of National Standards Four, Five, Six, Seven, and Eight,” Moore said.
An unexpected catch of darkblotched rockfish last week exceeded the mothership sector’s bycatch quota and triggered the voluntary shut down with a third of their annual quota still in the water.
Even with the “lightning strike” of darkblotched rockfish, the entire annual allowance of that species for the groundfish fishery was still in good shape. About 20% of the budgeted bycatch had been taken as of last week.
The catcher-processor sector has taken only a third of their allowance of darkblotched rockfish to date and is unlikely to use it all before their Pacific whiting quota is caught. So Dan Waldeck, executive director of the Pacific Whiting Conservation Cooperative (catcher/processor sector) issued a “cease fishing report” to NMFS on Friday, offering up 3 mt of their darkblotched quota to the mothership sector.
The letter was required before NMFS could approve the transfer.
The two-hour teleconference was a rare example of how managers and industry, despite intense pressure to harvest remaining quota, found a solution within the regional council procedural protocol.
“Truly an amazing event,” said Brent Paine, executive director of the United Catcher Boats. “I have never seen NMFS truly go to bat for us like Frank Lockhart's group did, and Bob Turner's leadership to get this done. And also Phil Anderson's creative thinking to solve the problem. They deserve a lot of credit.”
Using three “automatic actions”, the Council implemented the Ocean Salmon Conservation Zone, which moves the fleet to deeper water to avoid Chinook salmon, asked NMFS to make an immediate transfer of 3 mt of darkblotched rockfish from the catcher/processor sector to the mothership fleet, and reapportioned the unused tribal allocation of Pacific whiting to the three trawl sectors to be distributed pro rata, on the condition that all of that redistributed whiting quota is taken beyond the 150 fathom line.
On Saturday afternoon, Dave Fraser, manager of the Whiting Mothership Cooperative (WMC), issued a start fishing order for midnight Saturday night.
The WMC Board of Directors met twice over the weekend to further develop additional coop rules to manage both darkblotched rockfish and Chinook salmon, such as installing excluder panels for the salmon.
Using “inseason acton” which may take a week or two to implement, the Council mandated that the shoreside sector may catch their original whiting quota outside the 100-fathom contour, but any future reallocation from the tribal quota must be caught beyond the 150-fathom line.
Finally, the Council “paid back” the 3 mt loan of darkblotched rockfish from the CP fleet to the mothership sector, by reducing the darkblotched allowance of the open access sector (for instance, shrimp trawlers) by 3 mt and restoring the CP annual bycatch allowance to 9 mt. Shrimp trawling ends on October 31.
Both industry members and Council members questioned the need for an emergency meeting when the Council’s next scheduled meeting is in early November.
“We have a situation where the fishery is high-volume and labor intensive,” said Phil Anderson, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and a member of the council.
“The offshore sector can only keep crews on for a limited time,” he said, referring to the motherships and catcher/processors being tied up for a week so far. “Getting the crews back, if they leave, would be extremely difficult if not impossible.
“I asked the [council] chair to consider calling an emergency meeting so that the economic benefits to the nation could be derived that otherwise would be lost, if we waited another three weeks,” Anderson said.
The last time the Pacific council was called for an emergency meeting occurred 25 years ago.
This story originially appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It has been reprinted with permission.
RHODE ISLAND: No profits found in this tangled catch
October 20, 2014 — Local fishermen this year have had a tough time with a species of red seaweed, an algae, that looks like matted hair. The algae began to bloom and spread in May.
Nets would get fouled – often beyond recognition – and the fishermen would spend hours cleaning them, only to have their nets get “weeded up” on the very next tide. And to add insult to injury, when the weed was thickest, covering acres of the seabed, the nets would often be empty of fish.
“Sure, every spring and summer we see our share of seaweed,” said Narragansett’s Galilee village fisherman Aaron Gewirtz, owner and operator of the gillnetter Nancy Beth. “We’re used to that. But this season, we all knew something very different was going on.”
The culprit, according to Carol Thornber, University of Rhode Island associate professor of biological sciences and a leading expert on seaweeds and coastal ecology, was Heterosiphonia japonica.
Group hopes to win fish fight with soul
October 18, 2014 — Slowly, but inexorably, the battle for the Gulf of Maine fishery is being joined, as the specter of emergency measures looms in the wake of this summer’s unscheduled assessment that showed nothing short of Armageddon being visited on the region’s cod stock.
The measures, which fishermen almost uniformly now believe will shutter the area to all groundfishing at least until the dawning of the 2015 season next May 1 and perhaps much longer, are expected to be announced by NOAA Fisheries sometime in November.
Not willing to just sit and wait, some Gloucester fishermen and fishing advocates are mobilizing to put human faces and human voices to the struggle, hoping to create a narrative that goes beyond discussions of quota and biomass and the other oft-indecipherable trappings of fisheries management.
The plan is simple: Every fisherman and the owner of affiliated shoreside business in Gloucester — and perhaps beyond — will be asked to write a letter to NOAA Regional Administrator John K. Bullard detailing the dire impact the expected measures will have on them and their families.
“Right now, John Bullard is thinking about what he is going to do,” Angela Sanfilippo, president of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association told a small group of fishermen this week. “We need to remind him that people like you are going to be greatly affected by this.”
While other advocates such as the Northeast Seafood Coalition having been waging the battle in the scientific arena to dispute the science and process used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to arrive at the dire cod forecast, Sanfilippo’s campaign is more of grassroots quest to capture the soul of public opinion.
“We need to make people understand that this is going to kill the industry,” she said. “This will be the last nail in the coffin and every day it’s moving closer and closer.”
Read the full story from the Gloucester Daily Times