July 2011 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 13. Commercial Fishing News MISCELLANEOUS COMMERCIAL FISHING NEWS
currently proposed for listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. NOAA proposes to prohibit most takes, allowing them under very narrow circum- stances for scientific research, assisting stranded fish, and salvage purposes. Other protective prohibitions allowed by the act would apply. Comments are being accepted through August 9, 2011.
A decision on listing the population is expected next fall. If NOAA determines that a listing is not warranted, then no final rule containing protective regulations will be published and the proposed rule announced today will be withdrawn.
Commerce and NOAA release national aquaculture policies to increase domestic seafood production, create sustainable jobs, and restore marine habitats June 9, 2011
Shellfish aquaculture currently makes up about two-third of U.S. marine aquacul- ture.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA today released national sustainable marine aquaculture policies to meet the grow- ing demand for healthy seafood, to create jobs in coastal communities, and restore vital ecosystems. Foreign aquaculture accounts for about half of the 84 percent of seafood imported by the U.S., contributing to the $9 billion trade deficit in seafood.
“Our current trade deficit in seafood is approximately $9 billion,” Commerce Secre- tary Gary Locke said. “Encouraging and de- veloping the U.S. aquaculture industry will result in economic growth and create jobs at home, support exports to global markets, and spur new innovations in technology to sup- port the industry.”
“Sustainable domestic aquaculture can help us meet the increasing demand for sea- food and create jobs in our coastal communi- ties,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under sec- retary of commerce for oceans and atmo- sphere and NOAA administrator. “Our vi- sion is that domestic aquaculture will provide an additional source of healthy seafood to complement wild fisheries, while supporting healthy ecosystems and coastal econo- mies.”
The new aquaculture policies, which
reflect the public comments received after draft policies were released on February 9, focus on: encouraging and fostering sustain- able aquaculture that increases the value of domestic aquaculture production and cre- ates American business, jobs, and trade op- portunities; making timely management deci- sions based on the best scientific information available; advancing sustainable aquacul- ture science; ensuring aquaculture decisions protect wild species and healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems; developing sustainable aquaculture compatible with other uses; working with partners domestically and inter- nationally; and, promoting a level playing field for U.S. aquaculture businesses en- gaged in international trade, working to re- move foreign trade barriers, and enforcing our rights under U.S. trade agreements. Along with its new policy, the Depart- ment and NOAA announced additional steps in the future to support the develop- ment of the aquaculture industry through: Developing a National Shellfish Initiative in partnership with the shellfish industry to increase commercial production of shellfish, which would create jobs, provide locally- produced food, restore shellfish populations and habitats, and improve water quality. Implementing the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Plan for Aquaculture, which includes the regulatory infrastructure needed for offshore aquaculture develop- ment in the Gulf.
The domestic aquaculture industry (both freshwater and marine) currently sup- plies about five percent of the seafood con- sumed in the U.S. The cultivation of shellfish, such as oysters, clams, and mussels, com- prises about two-thirds of U.S. marine aquac- ulture production. Salmon and shrimp aquac- ulture contribute about 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Current production takes place mainly on land, in ponds, and in states’ coastal waters.
“This new focus on helping us develop and expand sustainable aquaculture is wel- comed,” said Bill Dewey, a shellfish biologist and Shelton, Wash.-based clam farmer of more than 27 years. “When done right, aquaculture can improve the environment, provide jobs and reclaim American dollars that are being spent on imported aquaculture
Russell's Marine Durable · Efficient ·Unmatched Performance 345 U.S. Rt. 1, Stockton Springs, ME (207) 567-4270
www.Russellsmarine.com
Pre-Season Sale
4hp four stroke Reg. $1,276 Now $1,084 6hp four stroke Reg. $1,643 Now $1,396 9.8hp four stroke Reg. $2,217 Now $1,885
products.”
NOAA Fisheries proposes to modify Atlantic herring catch reporting for 2011, seeks public comment through June 30 NOAA Fisheries is proposing to revise the reporting requirements for vessels issued Atlantic herring permits because more timely catch information is necessary to monitor herring catch against the stock-wide herring annual catch limit (ACL) and herring manage- ment area sub-ACLs, to help prevent sub- ACLs overages, and to reduce the chance of premature fishery closures. This proposal would require limited access herring vessels to report catch daily via vessel monitoring systems, open access herring vessels to re- port catch weekly via the interactive voice response system, and all herring-permitted vessels to submit vessel trip reports weekly. Public comments must be received by June 30, 2011.
New England Fishery Management Council seeks public comment on possible revision of Essential Fish Habitat for several species and Northeast multispecies closed areas through July 18 The New England Fishery Management Council is preparing a programmatic Environ- mental Impact Statement for an Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment to the fishery management plans for Northeast multispecies, Atlantic sea scallop, monkfish, Atlantic herring, Northeast skate complex, Atlantic salmon, and Atlantic deep-sea red crab. The Council will expand the scope of this action to include review of, and possible changes to, the Northeast multispecies closed areas. During this comment period, the Council is seeking comments on the pos- sible revision of these management areas. Public comments must be received on or before July 18.
120
"We encourage your support and membership!"
Working together, we can speak as one to maintain our fisheries, working families and working waterfronts.
PO Box 88 Belfast, ME 04915
207-338-1406 207-322-1924 207-322-1928
www.downeastlobstermen.org
D.E.L.A. is a qualified exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32