Saving Seafood

JACK SPILLANE: A rogue agency gets set to shut down another New Bedford fishery

December 10, 2018 — Scott Lang has been around fisheries issues for a long time.

Both when he was mayor and afterwards.

In 2013, Lang helped organize the Center for Sustainable Fisheries as a grassroots lobbying group to try to make sure New Bedford fishermen were not totally forgotten by NOAA. He’s worked for the industry for a long time and seen a lot of arguments from both sides back-and-forth over the years.

But until last week, he said he had never seen NOAA make a decision to close a fishery with no science behind it. Not even questionable science, as for years NOAA has used for New England groundfishing limits in the opinion of many.

NOAA’s decision to close the Rose and Crown Zone and Zone D to surf clammers is based on anecdotal evidence related to UMass Dartmouth scientist Kevin Stokesbury’s research for the scallop industry, first done almost two decades ago.

The camera net device Stokesbury invented was for measuring scallop habitats but NOAA has used his science to measure clam beds. It’s not the same, Stokesbury told The Standard-Times. The images his survey produces are of the ocean floor about a kilometer apart and clammers often dredge in much shorter distances.

The clammers have offered to do surveys that will be more applicable to clam beds in the areas of Nantucket Shoals in question. They would need about three years to do that but they would have to keep fishing in the closed areas in order to pay for it.

Read the full opinion piece at the New Bedford Standard-Times

Higher U.S./China tariffs could be ‘game changer,’ fishing industry fears

October 24, 2018 — It’s been a month since the Trump administration activated 10 percent tariffs on another $200 billion in Chinese imports and that move has already affected the fishing industry from scallopers to lobstermen, especially Eastern Fisheries located along the New Bedford waterfront.

With the tariffs set to increase to 25 percent at the start of 2019, that could cause catastrophic effects throughout large fishing corporations, economists and companies told The Standard-Times.

“That’s a game changer,” Executive Vice President of Eastern Fisheries Joseph Furtado said. “I think we all feel that the 10 percent is more of a paper cut than it is anything else at this point. And we can work through it.

″…We don’t think the 10 percent is the end of the world, but the 25 percent, that is certainly a dynamic game changer and there’s a lot of variability in how that could all reposition itself.”

Generally, tariffs range from 5 percent to 8 percent, UMass Dartmouth economy professor Randy Hall said.

“There are very few industries that can absorb a 25 percent increase of cost,” Hall said.

Eastern Fisheries operates the largest scallop fleet in the industry and has facilities in the U.S., China, Europe and Japan.

Due to its size and international scale, it’s likely to be the only New Bedford company that’s affected by the tariffs, according to economists and Eastern Fisheries.

Prior to Sept. 24, Eastern would use its facilities in China to process a portion of its overall catch. It would then import the catch to other countries but also back into the United States without a tariff or tax.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

ROBERT E. JOHNSON: Creating a ‘blue economy’ on the South Coast

October 5, 2018 — From the earliest days of the whaling industry, the ocean has run through the veins of the South Coast economy. Before anybody knew the term, the “blue economy” sustained families and communities along the I-195 corridor.

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.”

Today, the challenge for business, government, and academic leaders is to create a new blue economy ecosystem along the South Coast, one that sheds the natural tendency toward parochialism, and is driven by collaboration and innovation.

With its location and resources, the South Coast is uniquely positioned to drive this process. The stakes are high: the average median family income in New Bedford and Fall River (where most SouthCoast citizens live) is about half the state average of $70,000. The unemployment rate is chronically higher than the state average and the educational attainment level is lower. We have a moral obligation to confront that economic reality.

Last April, UMass Dartmouth and the National Council on Competitiveness brought 100 leaders together to discuss the possibilities. From Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito to Congressmen Bill Keating and Joe Kennedy, from General Dynamics to the MF Foley Fish Company, and from the New England Council to the Mass. Business Roundtable, there was a consensus that the SouthCoast has the DNA to build a job-creating, income-increasing “Blue Economy Corridor” from Rhode Island to the Cape Cod Canal.

Read the full story at the Boston Business Journal

MASSACHUSETTS: If you love the fishing industry, New Bedford center has a volunteer opportunity for you

October 3, 2018 — New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is recruiting new volunteers and will launch a volunteer training on Saturday, Oct. 20. A nonprofit, the center is dedicated to telling the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present and future through exhibits, programs and archives.

From 8:30 to 10 a.m., current and prospective volunteers are invited to attend an orientation session. The session will include an overview of the mission and activities of the center as well as an introduction to the commercial fishing industry. A light breakfast will be provided.

In the coming months, volunteers will be invited to participate in a series of insider tours to learn firsthand about the commercial fishing industry. Tours will include visits to the seafood auction, a processing plant, a gear shop, a shipyard, and the School of Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth, as well as waterfront and dockside vessel tours. Periodic talks will be presented by commercial fishermen, fisheries scientists, maritime authors and other industry experts.

To register for the training or more information, email operations manager Sarah Bowen at operations@fishingheritagecenter.org or call 508-993-8894.

Volunteer opportunities include welcoming visitors, staffing the reception area and gift shop, engaging visitors with the exhibits, assisting with educational programs, conducting research, and helping with special events.

For those with commercial fishing industry connections, opportunities will be available to share industry skills and knowledge with visitors by leading walking tours, speaking to school groups, and demonstrating skills such as net mending, knot tying, or model boat making.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

Fishing insider embraces new role as Vineyard Wind liaison

September 24, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — In 12 years, research biologist Crista Bank spent a lot of hours at sea aboard local fishing vessels, but never once heard wheelhouse chatter about the industrial-sized wind farms planned a dozen miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.

“It wasn’t really a topic of discussion,” said Bank, the new fisheries liaison for offshore wind developer Vineyard Wind. “You would think it would be, something this huge on the horizon.”

Even for her, deep in research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science & Technology, the magnitude of what will be Vineyard Wind’s $2 billion, 106-turbine offshore construction project didn’t sink in until she happened to pass five turbines off Block Island two years ago.

“I saw them, and I was like, really?” Bank said of her reaction.

It may be that head-down, focused attitude of a researcher that allows Bank to empathize with what she says is a similar attitude of many fishermen — scallopers, lobstermen, pot fishermen, gill-netters, squid fishermen, small-mesh draggers, large draggers, inshore and offshore boat captains, charter boat captains, recreational and pelagic anglers — she knows and hopes to meet.

“I sort of see the fishermen’s perspective a lot more,” Bank said “I believe in offshore energy. I believe we need to do it. I have solar panels on my house. I’m totally for renewable energy.” But, Bank said, those turbines will be placed squarely where people make a living.

Bank might be best known now in the region for her fisheries research. But before that, she crewed aboard the tall ship Ernestina and was an onboard fishing vessel observer for the National Marine Fisheries Service. Bank considers New Bedford her home.

“Crista has an excellent track record in cooperative research with the fishing industry,” said Steven Lohrenz, dean of the UMass Dartmouth marine science school. Bank is knowledgeable about fisheries science and about the challenges being faced by fishermen, said Lohrenz, who first mentioned the Vineyard Wind job to Bank. Bank is also personable and a good communicator, he said.

Read the full story at the Cape Cod Times

 

Vineyard Wind Appoints Crista Bank as Fisheries Liaison

July 30, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following was released by Vineyard Wind:

Vineyard Wind today announced the appointment of Crista Bank as Fisheries Liaison. In this role, Bank will lead the project’s regional engagement with fishing industry representatives on Cape and Islands, the South Coast, Rhode Island, and along the East Coast.

A fisheries scientist, Bank brings extensive local, regional, national and international experience and deep knowledge of marine science and fisheries issues to her role at Vineyard Wind.

“We’re pleased to have Crista lead our efforts to address the important questions the fishing industry have raised about the impacts of offshore wind development on the marine environment and on sea life,” said Erich Stephens, Chief Development Officer with Vineyard Wind. “Crista will play a key role in ensuring that the first large-scale offshore wind project in the US helps establish a robust body of knowledge that will benefit the American offshore wind industry and the fishing community for decades to come.”

Most recently, Crista served as a fisheries biologist at the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMass Dartmouth, working on collaborative research projects with commercial fishermen studying cod, monkfish, and halibut. Previously, she served on the Schooner Ernestina, the only surviving 19th century Gloucester-built fishing schooner and one of two remaining examples of the Fredonia-style schooners, where she earned her 100-ton United States Coast Guard Captain’s license. Bank also worked on board traditional sailing vessels across the world, including journeys to the Indian and Atlantic oceans. She started her career teaching marine science at outdoor experiential education programs in New England, Southern California, and the Florida Keys. Crista earned a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from UMass Dartmouth and a Master’s degree in Fisheries Oceanography from SMAST.

In May, Vineyard Wind was selected to negotiate long-term contracts with Massachusetts’ electric distribution companies (EDCs) for construction of an 800-megawatt (MW) wind farm 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard; the project will provide the amount of clean energy used by over 400,000 homes across Massachusetts Vineyard Wind remains on schedule to begin site construction in 2019 and become operational by 2021.

About Vineyard Wind

Vineyard Wind LLC is an offshore wind development company seeking to build the first large-scale offshore wind energy project in the US, to be located 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. Vineyard Wind, based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is 50 percent owned by funds of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and 50 percent by Avangrid Renewables. For more information, visit www.vineyardwind.com.

 

Massachusetts: ‘Every vote matters:’ democratic candidates for governor visit New Bedford for forum

May 29, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — In a two-hour gubernatorial candidate forum hosted by the New Bedford Democratic City Committee, Jay Gonzalez and Robert Massie covered a wide range of issues including education, fishing, offshore wind, opioids and immigration.

“Every vote matters,” said moderator Shannon Jenkins, chairwoman of the Political Science Department at UMass Dartmouth and Dartmouth School Committee member, explaining the last election for governor was close.

Lisa Lemieux, a New Bedford Democrat was the main organizer of the forum, held at the Zeiterion Theatre Sunday afternoon. Prior to the forum, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., was an “open fair” with booths offering voter registration information and candidate advocacy briefing materials, a local farmer’s market and local music.

Gonzalez and Massie were in agreement on many issues, although at times each candidate suggested differing approaches. Both were in support of the proposed millionaires tax and single payer health care, and often criticized current Governor Charlie Baker who’s running for reelection as a Republican.

Fishing / offshore wind

Massie commented on last week’s announcement of Vineyard Wind winning Massachusetts’ first offshore wind contract for an 800-megawatt wind farm, calling it “much too small.”

“I would like to see the governor have agreed to a much larger wind contract so that we really create a whole industry rather than a single project,” he said.

Massie said the government has a responsibility to support people in their role or allow people to “transition out” and suggested a fisherman’s equity act. He said he acknowledges that those who depend on fishing need support to maintain their role or transition to a new role in the economy.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

 

MASSACHUSETTS: 50 people who met at SMAST believe they can change the fishing industry

May 25, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — About 50 people assembled inside a classroom at UMass Dartmouth’s School of Marine Science and Technology on Wednesday night.

They formed the first Ocean Cluster meetup, merging the worlds of fishing and Internet of Things.

Those in the room believed the collaboration, small at its inception, has the potential to revolutionize the industry.

“This night, while there are only 50 of us here, is exactly how this happens,” said Chris Rezendes of CONTEXT LABS, ImpactLABS and Spherical Analytics.

Those who spoke at the event included: Ed Anthes-Washburn and Eli Powell of the New Bedford Port Authority, Cassie Canastra of BASE New England and the Whaling City Display Auction, Mike Carroll of LegitFish, Jeff Young of Advanced Marine Technologies, Liz Wiley of Spherical Analytics and Kevin Stokesbury of SMAST.

Each discussed the importance data plays in their respective organization.

Canastra and Carroll are working together to allow the fish auction to include blockchain technology for fishermen and purchasers.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

 

SMAST Receives Scallop Awards to Fund Drop Camera Surveys

May 17, 2018 — The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) are pleased to announce 15 projects have been selected for funding through the Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program, including three projects proposed by the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) in New Bedford.

“The Scallop RSA Program truly has become one of the flagships of the scallop fishery,” said New England Council Chairman Dr. John Quinn. “The collaborative efforts that take place at sea between fishermen and researchers go a long way toward enhancing our understanding of what’s happening with the resource. The results of this RSA work funnel back to the Council and support stock assessments. Without a doubt, the Scallop RSA Program helps us better manage our extremely valuable scallop fishery.”

Projects will address research priorities established by the NEFMC, with particular focus on resource surveys. The awards are expected to generate more than $12 million; $3 million to fund research, and $9 million to compensate industry partners that harvest set-aside quota.

Read the full story at WBSM

 

Sen. Tarr: $100 Million State Tax Credit Plan for Designated Ports Launched by Lawmakers

April 30, 2018 — The following was released by the Office Massachusetts of Senator Bruce Tarr:   

State lawmakers have filed a $100 million tax credit legislative plan designed to stimulate economic growth and private investments in ten Designated Port Areas (DPAs) which support important commercial marine-based industries.  A bipartisan group of legislators representing coastal communities including Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), Representative Nick Collins (D- Boston), Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D- Gloucester) and Senator Mark C. Montigny (D- New Bedford) initially sponsored the bill.

They say waterfront properties and uses in DPAs must comply with strict state Coastal Zone Management use restrictions, which can limit access to capital and stall or stop revitalization and growth.  In 1978 these port areas were specifically designated for industrial uses such as marine terminals, commercial fishing facilities, boat repair and construction, marine research and transportation of goods which cannot be located inland due to their water-dependent needs.

“Commercial fishing and marine industries are among the oldest in our state, and they continue to plan an important role in our economy. We need to make sure the facilities they depend on remain available and in working condition,” said bill author Senator Tarr.  “This bill will empower the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to use targeted state tax credits, of up to $100 million dollars each year, to support working harbors, working families, and business facilities –all of which are indispensable.”

“There is no chance for our maritime industries to survive without state assistance for shore side infrastructure. Boats need places to dock to unload harvests and cargos. Undoubtedly, the Commonwealth has a vested and real interest in maintaining and modernizing these properties in the wake of rising sea levels and wear and tear over time. This much needed economic relief will hopefully encourage investment and development in Gloucester and the Commonwealth’s designated port areas,” Representative Ferrante said.

“Boston is emblematic of the rich history of maritime industries and waterfront activity in Massachusetts,” said Representative Nick Collins. “This legislation will serve as an economic catalyst to the diverse industries that occupy DPA land in Boston and coastal communities across the Commonwealth, creating and sustaining good-paying jobs.”

The bill, an act Establishing the Massachusetts Maritime Commercial Development Tax Credit, will spur investments in capital projects in DPAs through saleable tax credits and mitigate some constraints which have hampered the ability of municipal officials and commercial property owners to both promote and protect environmentally sound port development initiatives.   The tax credit could spur an important lifeline to capital that might otherwise not be available.

“As the nation’s top fishing port and center of the emerging offshore wind industry, New Bedford-Fairhaven’s waterfront is ripe with job-creating development opportunities,” said longtime port development leader and current Assistant Majority Leader Montigny.  “This legislation provides a significant incentive to help ensure further economic development in historic ports like New Bedford comes to fruition.”

According to a 2015 UMass Dartmouth report, the Massachusetts maritime economy stimulates $17.3 billion in economic output which supports 136,000 jobs including $6.8 billion in wages across six core sectors; living resources, marine construction, offshore minerals, ship and boat building and repair, coastal tourism and recreation, and marine transportation and technology.

Results of a survey of marine-related industry leaders showed the two most critical policy areas that would help shore up the industry were reducing costs through tax assistance initiatives and protecting our ocean resources.

Consistent with the state’s recent efforts to address climate related issues such as flooding, erosion, and sea level rise, the bill will increase access to capital for development projects including those which incorporate coastal resilience measures.

“Fishermen depend upon a variety of on-shore facilities to supply and maintain their boats, and to process what they catch.  Local fishermen need local infrastructure that’s high in quality and dependability,” said J.J. Bartlett, President of Fishing Partnership Support Services, which promotes the health, safety and economic security of commercial fishermen and their family members.

Bartlett said the legislation “represents a break-through in the struggle to preserve and modernize the infrastructure in every working port.  It’s a big deal — big for the harvesters of seafood in Massachusetts, who number roughly 7,000, and big for the 100,000 or so workers on land who work with and support the fishing fleet, such as in seafood processing, handling and sales. This bill is critically important to the future of the state’s multi-billion-dollar-a-year seafood industry.”

“I am excited about the economic development potential for our Designated Port Areas to get a much needed tax credit for new developments. This is an important opportunity to build up our working waterfront and keep America’s oldest fishing port going, providing jobs and the world’s best Gloucester Fresh seafood to market.  I am thankful for the hard work of not only our team, but the hard work and leadership of Senator Tarr, Representative Ferrante, and friends from Massachusetts Fishing Partnership and colleagues from Boston and New Bedford,” said Sefatia Romeo Theken, Mayor of Gloucester.

The state’s ten Designated Port Areas are located in:

Gloucester Inner Harbor

Salem Harbor

Lynn

Mystic River

Chelsea Creek

East Boston

South Boston

Weymouth Fore River

New Bedford-Fairhaven

Mount Hope Bay