News, articles, photos, and other information about commercial fishing in North America.
U.S. Commercial Fisheries Commercial landings (edible and industrial) by U.S. fishermen at ports in the 50 states were8.4 billion pounds or 3.8 million metric tons valued at $5.9 billion in 2022. Landings decreased by 223.9 million pounds (2.6 percent) with … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently released it’s Alaska Seafood Snapshot for 2023, a study of the Alaska seafood industry and its impacts on local, regional, and national economies. Economists estimate that the Alaska seafood industry suffered an $1.8 billion loss (2022-2023). The … Continued
The recovery of Pacific bluefin tuna has achieved a major milestone by exceeding international targets a decade ahead of schedule, According to NOAA Fisheries. The rebuilding of Pacific bluefin tuna involved cooperative efforts by International organizations across the Pacific to … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently released the 2023 Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress. The annual report to Congress provides details on managed stocks or stock complexes in the U.S. The report lists stocks as subject to overfishing, are overfished, or … Continued
In April, NOAA Fisheries released the 17th annual Fisheries Economics of the United States (FEUS) report. Fisheries Economics of the United States, 2022 highlights the contributions of U.S. fisheries to the national economy. This year’s report uses a shorter format, … Continued
Maine commercial fishermen earned $611,277,692 (dockside value) in 2023, according to preliminary data released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR). Total earnings for 2023 increased by more than $25 million over the previous year. The jump in overall … Continued
In November, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center staff finished the 2023 Fall Bottom Trawl Survey aboard the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow. Staff conducted resource survey tows and temperature and salinity sampling at 335 of 377 planned stations (89 percent … Continued
The 20th Annual Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting concluded successfully, with the United States and Pacific nations reaching agreement on an array of issues. Participants convened December 4–8, 2023, for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) … Continued
In December 2023, fisheries biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), with support from contracted commercial fishers and biologists from the Illinois River Biological Station, completed an intensive harvest operation in the Starved Rock pool of the Illinois … Continued
NAFO Consultative Committee 2022 MeetingAugust 26, 2022 (1:00-3:30 p.m.) NOAA Fisheries has announced the 2022 meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Consultative Committee. This meeting is held annually to ensure that the interests of U.S. stakeholders in the … Continued
A group of seafood companies have completed the certification of products under a new Nova Scotia Seafood Quality Program. More businesses are expected to participate in the program. The Nova Scotia Seafood Quality Program (NSSQP) is set of quality standards … Continued
U.S. fishermen at ports in the 50 states landed 8.4 billion pounds valued at $4.7 billion in 2020, according to Fisheries of the United States, 2020. These numbers indicate decreases in landings and value compared to 2019. U.S. Seafood Landings … Continued
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced the development of a new mobile app, iShellfish, to provide interactive maps for commercial watermen and other users to locate areas they need to find or avoid while on Maryland’s waterways. … Continued
NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program and Office of Sustainable Fisheries awarded approximately $900,000 of FY21 federal funds to support projects that will initiate “Food from the Sea” career development programs. Eleven projects representing regions across the U.S. were selected … Continued
Commercial landings by U.S. fishermen at ports in the 50 states were 9.3 billion pounds (4.2 million metric tons) valued at $5.5 billion in 2019, according to Fisheries of the United States, 2019. U.S. Seafood Landings – Volume and Value … Continued
NOAA Fisheries is cancelling four research surveys off the East and Gulf Coast of the United States. The cancellations are attributed to challenges and uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NOAA. The cancelled surveys include:Autumn Bottom Trawl Survey … Continued
Scientists at the Rutgers University Center for Fisheries and Ocean Sustainability are conducting a study of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial fishermen and their livelihoods in the Northeast US. Study organizer, Dr. Victoria Ramenzoni says: “There are … Continued
On May 7th, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce announced the allocation of $300 million in fisheries assistance funding provided by Sec. 12005 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also called the CARES Act, to states, Tribes, and … Continued
In response to requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has submitted a proposal for regulatory changes to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in advance … Continued
45th Maine Fishermen’s ForumMarch 5-7, 2020Rockport, Mainemainefishermensforum.org The 45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held March 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2020 in Rockport, Maine. The Maine Fishermen’s Forum hosts fishermen, gear suppliers, scientists, government, and other stakeholders to collaborate on … Continued
Fish Canada – Workboat CanadaJanuary 24-25, 2020Moncton Coliseum377 Killam DriveMoncton, New Brunswickmonctoncoliseum.comwww.fcwc.ca Fish Canada Workboat Canada is the premier event for Atlantic Canada’s commercial marine industries. Fish Canada Workboat Canada is the country’s largest commercial marine trade show. The event … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) recently received notification that the Secretary of Commerce concurs with the Commission’s finding that the Commonwealth of Virginia is out of compliance with Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic … Continued
The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC) plays a critical role in collecting, processing, and marketing freshwater fish in Canada. FFMC works with nearly to 1,600 Canadian harvesters, many from Indigenous communities that depend on this vital service. In July 2019, … Continued
In September, NOAA Sea Grant announced $16 million in federal funding awards to support 42 research projects and collaborative programs aimed at advancing sustainable aquaculture in the United States. The funded projects focus on three areas of need identified by … Continued
In September, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced that that commercial fishery failures occurred for multiple fisheries between 2017 and 2019 in Alaska, California, Georgia, and South Carolina. DOC also found that a catastrophic regional fishery disaster occurred for … Continued
NOAA’s National Sea Grant Office recently announced new funding for research aimed at understanding physical and chemical changes affecting American lobster (Homarus americanus) in the Gulf of Maine as well as a regional lobster extension program. Collectively, the research projects … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently released the 2018 Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress. According to the report, 91 percent of U.S. stocks were not subject to overfishing and 82 percent of stocks were not overfished. 45 fish stocks have been … Continued
95th Session of the IPHC Annual Meeting (AM095) 28 January to 01 February 2019 Fairmont Empress Victoria, B.C., Canada The 95th Session of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Annual Meeting (AM095) will be held from Monday 28 January 2019 … Continued
Georgia’s 2019 shad season began at 12 a.m. on Tues., Jan. 1, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). The state shad season is scheduled to run through midnight on Mar. 31, 2019. The 2019 … Continued
Maine Fishermen’s ForumFebruary 28th, March 1st and 2nd, 2019Samoset Resort – Rockland, ME The 2019 Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held from February 28th through March 2nd at the Samoset Resort in Rockland. The largest event of its kind in … Continued
In December, 2018, the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) met to discuss how the nation’s fisheries can be sustainably managed in a way that supports the economic prosperity of communities across Canada. Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and … Continued
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the state’s commercial and recreational shrimping season in state waters closed on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018. Under the closure, all food shrimp harvesting activities, including trawling, cast netting and seining, are … Continued
On Prince Edward Island, a significant increase in the Gulf of St. Lawrence redfish stock is spurring an interest in reopening the once-important fishery. A moratorium on redfish harvests has been in place in the Gulf for nearly 25 years. … Continued
American fishermen landed 9.9 billion pounds of fish and shellfish in 2017, according to NOAA Fisheries’ Fisheries of the United States, 2016. U.S. Seafood Landings – Volume and Value The volume of landings increased by 344 million pounds (3.6 percent) … Continued
Researchers studying the sharp decline between 1980 and 2010 in documented landings of eastern oysters, northern quahogs, softshell clams, and northern bay scallops have identified possible causes. Warming ocean temperatures associated with a positive shift in the North Atlantic Oscillation … Continued
In December, NOAA released the 11th Fisheries Economics of the United States report. The report includes economic information related to commercial and recreational fishing activities, and fishing-related industries for the United States and the 23 coastal states for 2016. The … Continued
On December 7, 2018, in response to a request from Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that a commercial fishery failure occurred in North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Florence, which caused severe damage throughout the … Continued
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently announced $521,833 in grants to support sustainable fisheries through fishermen and community-led projects in California, Florida, Louisiana, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. The grants will generate $780,287 in matching contributions for a total … Continued
The 2018 ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) Annual Meeting netted mixed bag of progress including new management plans, current measure, rollovers, and stalled proposals. Overall 12 new Recommendations and two Resolutions were adopted covering relevant issues … Continued
24th Annual Wisconsin Aquaculture Conference February 15-16, 2019 Eau Claire, Wisconsin The Wisconsin Aquaculture Conference is for interested farmers, aquaculture beginners, and current producers. This conference is a great way to connect with the industry, learn from the experts, and … Continued
In October, officlals from Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) jointly announced the creation of a stand-alone Arctic Region inclusive of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard. … Continued
The 40th Annual Meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) took place from 17-21 September in Tallinn, Estonia. Delegates from the 12 NAFO Contracting Parties were welcomed to Estonia by the NAFO President, Stéphane Artano, and the Honourable Siim … Continued
In response to a request from Texas Governor Abbott, the Secretary of Commerce has determined that a fishery resource disaster occurred in Texas resulting from the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. On Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in response to the request … Continued
Fairlead Boatworks announced a major and far reaching expansion to its current operations in Newport News’ Seafood Industrial Park (SIP). The investment being made exceeds $5 million and will result in a significant and immediate increase in the size and … Continued
The Sea Grant programs in Alaska and Washington have released an updated edition of the popular “Fishermen’s Direct Marketing Manual.” The manual is a how-to guide and reference book for commercial fishermen who wish to bypass processors and wholesalers and … Continued
Maine commercial fishermen once again landed more than a half-billion dollars’ worth of marine resources in 2017. At $569,173,089, the total value stands as the fourth highest ever and marks only the sixth time that Maine harvesters have surpassed $500,000,000. … Continued
The NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) has current openings for people qualified as wage mariners for jobs as able-bodied seamen, fishermen, and general vessel assistants. NOAA’s ships provide a wide range of mission support for the agency, … Continued
In January, unusually cold weather caused water temperatures to plummet along coastal South Carolina and Georgia. The sustained cold water temperatures resulted in fish kills and die offs of white shrimp, a valuable commercial fishery in South Carolina and Georgia. … Continued
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recently announced a new, mandatory education and certification program for everyone who commercially harvests and lands shellfish in Rhode Island. Certification may be obtained by completing a 30-minute online tutorial, available on … Continued
The Port of Seattle Commission recently announced the purchase of Salmon Bay Marina, located on the Ship Canal adjacent to the Port’s Fishermen’s Terminal facility. The five acre property contains five docks supporting 166 slips measuring 6,547 lineal feet of … Continued
Washington State’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open in coastal waters Jan. 15 after a six-week delay, according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW fishery managers approved the opening in coordination with fishery managers from Oregon and … Continued
Georgia’s food shrimp harvest season will be extended until 6:15 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018, according to Georgia Department Of Natural Resources (DNR). Commercial food shrimp trawlers may continue to operate in waters eastward of the sound-beach boundary currently … Continued
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) recently released its 2017 Pacific Halibut Stock Assessment. The preliminary assessment was among topics discussed at the 93rd Session of its Interim Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Seattle in Seattle, Washington on 28 and … Continued
In 2017, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a series of updated commercial fishing fatality summaries which analyze current trends and identify hazards in four regions of the United States: Alaska, West Coast, East Coast, and … Continued
IFISH 5 Fifth International Fishing Industry Safety & Health Conference JUNE 10-13, 2018 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in collaboration with the SafetyNet Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Research … Continued
Members from around the world tackled management challenges for tunas, swordfish, and sharks at the 2017 annual meeting of International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), held in Marrakech, Morocco. This year more than 700 delegates representing 47 … Continued
NOAA Fisheries’ Fisheries Finance Program (FFP) is currently accepting loan applications. The FFP can provide long term financing for the cost of construction or reconstruction of fishing vessels, fisheries facilities, and aquaculture facilities, as well as individual fishing quota in … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) recently approved Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Menhaden. The Amendment maintains the management program’s current single-species biological reference points until the review and adoption of menhaden-specific ecological … Continued
NOAA Sea Grant has announced 32 research grants totaling $9.3 million for projects around the U.S. to further develop the nation’s marine and coastal aquaculture industry. The grants were awarded through two competitions to help spur the development and growth … Continued
2016 commercial seafood landings (edible and industrial) by U.S. fishermen at ports in the 50 states totaled 9.6 billion pounds, valued at $5.3 billion, according to NOAA Fisheries’ Fisheries of the United States, 2016. The volume of landings decreased by … Continued
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), with the assistance from NOAA Fisheries, are conducting rapid appraisals of impacts to fishing communities from hurricanes Irma and Harvey, respectively. The goals of … Continued
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recently announced 28 actions to promote sustainable aquaculture development. At the announcement, Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by members of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA); Ministers of the … Continued
In September 2017, North American commercial fishermen faced multiple hurricanes, tropical storms, and other weather systems. In early September, Hurricane Irma (Category 5) moved across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean before making landfall in Florida. An extremely powerful storm, … Continued
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic damage in Texas and portions of Louisiana. Rainfall from the storm resulted in extensive flooding Houston, Port Arthur, and other communities. Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the night of Friday, August 25th near … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently announced the release of the 2015 Fisheries Economics of the United States Report. The report includes economic information related to commercial and recreational fishing activities, and fishing-related industries in the United States. What information does the report … Continued
Chinook salmon returns to California waters are predicted to be low this year. State and federal fishery scientists announced predictions of spawning Chinook and the expected abundance for the 2017 fishing season at the annual Ocean Salmon Information Meeting. Forecasts … Continued
NOAA Fisheries is soliciting interest in fishing opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area for 2017. The announcement published in the Federal Register contains information on the available quotas for U.S. fishermen and outlines the process and … Continued
Shellfish farmers and other stakeholders are invited to join North Carolina Sea Grant at a free shellfish aquaculture workshop on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Morehead City. The session, held in conjunction with the N.C. … Continued
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recently released its investigation report (M15A0348) into the November 2015 person overboard fatality near Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia. The report draws attention to an array of safety risks associated with the Canadian fishing … Continued
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is recommending to the governments of Canada and the United States catch limits for 2017 totaling 31.40 million pounds. In January, more than 200 halibut industry stakeholders attended the Ninety-third Annual IPHC Meeting in Victoria, … Continued
In January, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker determined there are commercial fishery failures for nine salmon and crab fisheries in Alaska, California, and Washington. The Commerce Department found that, in recent years, all nine fisheries experienced sudden and unexpected … Continued
NOAA Fisheries has released of its 2017 Biennial IUU Fishing Report to Congress. The report highlights U.S. findings and analyses of foreign IUU fishing activities, bycatch of protected species, and shark catches on the high seas. Ecuador, Mexico, and the … Continued
NOAA fisheries is accepting applications for its 2017 Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program. High-priority areas for 2017 projects include: Developing innovative and effective technologies, gear modifications, avoidance programs, and/or improved fishing practices in commercial and recreational fisheries to reduce bycatch impacts. … Continued
This article lists 2017 trade shows, expos, and other events related to commercial fishing, aquaculture, seafood, and related industries. 43rd East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition January 13 – 15, 2017 Roland E. Powell Convention Center Ocean City, … Continued
In January, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) will host a second round of meetings on the commercial and recreational management of Lake Michigan whitefish. The meetings will address concerns expressed by stakeholders during initial meetings. David Boyarski, DNR … Continued
21st International Pectinid Workshop April 19-25, 2017 Portland, Maine The 21st International Pectinid Workshop will be held April 19-25, 2017 in Portland, Maine. The Workshop brings together researchers, industry professionals and students for networking and the dissemination of research and … Continued
109th Annual National Shellfisheries Association Meeting March 26- 30, 2017 KNOXVILLE, TN The National Shellfisheries Association Annual Meeting provides a valuable opportunity to present and learn about the latest research on shellfish and shellfisheries.
Alaska Aquaculture Resources (http://aquaculture.seagrant.uaf.edu/) is a new Alaska Sea Grant website with information for Alaska shellfish farmers and other stakeholders. The resource includes more than 160 publications, presentations, websites, spreadsheets, and videos to educate and train Alaskans working in aquaculture … Continued
In December, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) adopted a process for abbreviated review and approval of shellfish aquaculture leases The process will apply to a significantly-reduced number of acres than allowed for under state regulation, … Continued
Georgia’s commercial shad season will open at 6 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2017, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Shad season runs through midnight on Friday, March 31, 2017. Shad fishing will be … Continued
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recently announced that the fall shrimp season closed in most state inside waters effective Monday, December 19, 2016, at official sunset. The shrimping closure includes: All state inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana … Continued
The Gulf of Maine lobster fishery has achieved certification to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard. Certification proves that all commercial vessels licensed by the State of Maine and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that fish within the … Continued
Organizers are encouraging skateholders to sign up for the Shape of the Coast series of sessions that will focus on coastal law and policy in North Carolina. The talks are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. … Continued
On December 8, 2016, NOAA Fisheries launched a comprehensive Seafood Import Monitoring Program to further curb Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices and to identify misrepresented seafood imports before they enter the U.S. market. The program requires that importers … Continued
On December 14, 2016, NOAA Fisheries announced publication of the final rule for a Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) action to designate a large offshore protected area for deep sea corals in the Mid-Atlantic. MAFMC approved the Deep Sea Corals … Continued
In Massachusetts, Jonah crabs were traditionally landed as bycatch of the American lobster fishery. Now a targeted species, Jonah crabs support one of the top ten most valuable fisheries in the state. In 2015, over 9 million pounds of Jonah crab … Continued
New Hampshire Commercial Marine Licensing Events Dover DMV office 50 Boston Harbor Road Dover, NH December 8, 2016, and January 19, 2017 The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, NH Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the … Continued
The 20th annual meeting of International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) was held recently in Vilamoura, Portugal. This year more than 600 delegates representing 51 governments gathered to discuss a number of important measures that advance the … Continued
The National Ocean Service (NOS) recently announced that 2017 tide tables are now available from NOAA. Tide tables are used by both commercial and recreational mariners for safe navigation. Printed tide tables provide users with tide and tidal current predictions … Continued
A new $418,000 grant from National Sea Grant will fund a two-year study by University of Alaska Southeast professor Michael Stekoll. The research focuses on cultivating seaweed at higher latitudes, including when seaweed plants become fertile, timing of transferring plants … Continued
In November, U.S. Coast Guard personnel began conducting dockside exams and safety spot-checks of fishing vessels in San Francisco prior to the Dungeness Crab season. The safety checks are conducted in an attempt to reduce the number of crab-fishing casualties. … Continued
The U.S. National Sea Grant College Program recently announced $3.4 million in federal funding to support aquaculture research and outreach. The funding leverages federal dollars with state matching funds to support 11 research projects and 23 projects to transfer aquaculture … Continued
Made of Salmon: Alaska Stories from The Salmon Project Editor: Nancy Lord Publisher: University of Alaska Press ISBN: 9781602232839 Worldwide salmon populations are faced with overfishing, habitat loss, and other factors. Alaska, however, stands out as a rare success … Continued
International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) staff is recommending that all commercially landed Pacific halibut be required to be landed and weighed with the head attached for the landing record, according to a recent announcement. In 2013, the International Pacific Halibut … Continued
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) recently announced a closure of the General category fishery, coastwide, for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) effective 11:30 p.m. local time, Friday, November 4, 2016, through December 31, 2016. Based on … Continued
Commercial landings (edible and industrial) by U.S. fishermen at ports in the 50 states were 9.7 billion pounds or 4.4 million metric tons valued at $5.2 billion in 2015 – an increase of 232 million pounds (up 2.4%) and a … Continued
The Government of Canada is inviting Canadians to join in a conversation about the protections needed to ensure our fish have a healthy environment to live, feed and reproduce, and healthy corridors to migrate between these places. In October, the … Continued
For centuries, Louisiana commercial fisheries have played an important role in shaping the state’s coastal communities. The America’s Third Coast book series explores the Northern Gulf of Mexico’s history, life, industries, and culture through book-length manuscripts designed for the general … Continued
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is currently accepting applications for “on-water” cleanup assistance related to its annual Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project. This project is open to commercial watermen in North Carolina. Applications to assist with the Lost Fishing Gear … Continued
North Carolina Sea Grant will host a free shellfish aquaculture workshop on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, with a focus on oyster aquaculture, will be held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington … Continued
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recently published several stock assessments that were previously unreleased due to ongoing Deepwater Horizon litigation. Recently released assessments include: Update Assessment of Blue Crab Update Assessment of Striped Mullet Assessment of Black … Continued
The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources voted recently to open the State’s oyster season beginning Monday, Oct. 3. The reefs in the western portion of the Mississippi Sound will be open to tonging and dredging. The daily sack limit is … Continued
Sea lamprey trapping can be improved significantly when electricity is used, according to a recent study funded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC). The study, led by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, … Continued
On September 1, 2016, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the 2016/2017 oyster seasons based on the annual oyster stock assessment provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists and comments received from members of the public, … Continued
The commercial bag limit for oysters in Apalachicola Bay will be lowered to three bags per harvester during the winter season, Sept. 1 through May 31, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Several other oyster conservation measures implemented … Continued
British Columbia seafood producers met earlier this year with provincial and federal governments to discuss skilled-labour and human-resource planning. The roundtables, co-hosted with industry associations and employers, aim to stimulate discussion, and create awareness about how sectors can access skilled … Continued
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted in August to gradually reduce the number of licenses in the public oyster fishery over the next few years. To achieve a reduction in active oyster licenses, VMRC will prohibit new entrants, implement … Continued
Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is reporting a successful spring lobster fishing season with prices strong and high demand for products. Preliminary landings from the 2016 spring lobster season total 23.5 million pounds. This amount represents a … Continued
On July 30, 2016, Coast Guard 17th District External Affairs Office announced that the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), and the Fishing Company of Alaska (FCA), which formed a Unified Command to respond … Continued
Prince Edward Island lobstermen received recognition as the Fall lobster season got underway in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25. “I want to wish all fishers in LFA 25 a safe and prosperous fall fishing season in the Northumberland Strait,” said … Continued
In August, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) approved a guidance document to facilitate the transition to an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) in the Mid-Atlantic. The EAFM Guidance Document is designed to serve as an umbrella document that … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) has approved an amendment to regulate unmanaged forage species in the Mid-Atlantic. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the Unmanaged Forage Omnibus Amendment would prohibit the development of new and expansion of existing … Continued
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) has agreed to a resolution that asks the U.S. government to address a suite of concerns before acting on the proposed expansion on the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (MNM) in the Northwestern … Continued
In July, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the adoption of regulations for the Atlantic Ocean surf clam fishery to ensure consistency with the harvest management measures of the State’s Atlantic Ocean Surf clam … Continued
On August 3, 2016, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule establishing regulations to integrate the collection of trade documentation within the International Trade Data System,and requiring electronic information through a single automated portal. President Obama, by Executive Order in 2014–Streamlining … Continued
NOAA Fisheries is initiating a planning process to support its intention to transition part or all of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s spring and fall bottom trawl surveys from the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow to fishing industry vessels provided … Continued
New research has identified the North Atlantic Oscillation as a potential predictive tool for managing North Atlantic cod. Historically, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) comprised one of the most important fisheries in North America. Atlantic cod stocks off the coast of … Continued
On July 28, 2016, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced that the 2016 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 1st, in the remainder of state inside waters except for the open … Continued
United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) is launching a new Salmon Habitat Information Program (SHIP) to connect Alaska commercial fishermen with useful and timely news about the health of the salmon runs that sustain the industry. UFA is kicking off SHIP … Continued
On July 26, 2016, aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, along with good Samaritans, rescued 46 people approximately 690 miles west of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Crewmembers were forced to abandon ship after the 220-foot fishing vessel Alaska Juris … Continued
The harvest of brown shrimp in the western Gulf of Mexico is expected to be 39.2 million pounds, which is below the historical 55-year average of 56.4 million pounds, according to NOAA’s annual forecast. The prediction covers the period from … Continued
NOAA Fisheries Southeast recently announced the introduction of a new Text Message Alert Program. The program allows stakeholders to sign up to receive important fishery related alerts via text message. Text alerts are expected to include immediate fishery openings and … Continued
Effective August 22, 2016, a new rule will extend the existing Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp permit moratorium. Amendment 17A extends the moratorium on Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp permits for 10 years to October 26, 2026. NOAA Fisheries, with … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently announced the availability of approximately $10 million in funding for projects focusing on sustainable fisheries and coastal fishing communities. This cycle includes a number of changes to how stakeholders apply for the grants. The new “pre-proposal” process … Continued
This year, the Government of Canada will invest approximately $47 million in small craft harbour improvement projects across Nova Scotia. At Hall’s Harbour, a project is being undertaken to replace a deteriorated wharf with a new structure. This will provide … Continued
The summary report from NOAA’s 2015 Longline Aquaculture Workshop is now available. In September 2015, 44 experts in aquaculture, commercial fishing gear technology, marine sciences, and protected species met to discuss the potential for interactions, including entanglements of sea turtles … Continued
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recently modified the eligibility criteria for acquiring an inshore fishery enterprise in Quebec. As of April 1, 2016, DFO requires a fisher or assistant fisher certificate issued by the Bureau d’accréditation des pêcheurs et des … Continued
The Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) recently added a new webpage for the commercial fishing industry to serve as a single point of entry for updates on Atlantic offshore renewable energy planning and leasing efforts. The webpage will provide users … Continued
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently announced the sixth round of grant awards from its Fisheries Innovation Fund, a program launched in 2010 to foster innovations that support sustainable fisheries in the United States. The grants will aid … Continued
NOAA Fisheries has announced that federal waters from 9 to 200 nautical miles off Texas will open to shrimp trawling at 30 minutes after official sunset, local time, on July 15, 2016, corresponding to the time Texas opens its waters … Continued
A project underway at Woods Hole Sea Grant is evaluating surf clams (Spisula solidissima) as a potential shellfish aquaculture species. An early phase involved distributing local hatchery-produced surf clam seed to southeast Massachusetts growers and establishing a seed clam planting … Continued
The outlook for Mississippi catfish production in 2016 is generally good according to a recent industry update from Mississippi Sea Grant. Mississippi catfish pond acreage is down slightly this year while demand for catfish remains high and feed prices are … Continued
Recently awarded grants from Innovation PEI will help Prince Edward Island seafood processors store greater numbers of live lobsters during peak landing periods. The projects will add more than a half-a-million pounds to the province’s total lobster holding capacity, which … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body (MidA RPB) has released the Draft Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan (Draft Plan) for public review and comment. The MidA RPB is accepting feedback concerning the Draft Plan from interested stakeholders. The public comment period … Continued
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that the state’s 2016 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 3rd from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the western shore of the Freshwater … Continued
Royal Greenland recently announced that Sustainable Fisheries Greenland has made arrangements with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) to begin the assessment of the fishery for off shore Greenland Halibut on Western Greenland with the goal to obtain an MSC certification. The … Continued
At its June meeting, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted unanimously to extend the fall commercial crab season by three weeks to December 20, 2016 and to open the spring season two weeks earlier next year on March 1, … Continued
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries recently released its 2016 Stock Status Report. The stock status of one species was reclassified from the 2015 report while other species remained unchanged. Summer flounder moved from “viable” to “concern.” The change … Continued
Ice Trawl Greenland recently purchased a new longline fishing vessel. The new vessel measures 50 by 11 meters with a capacity of 450 tons and 11 member crew. The vessel is primarily fishing for cod and tusk in the sea … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently published the 2016 Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology Annual Discard Report with Observer Sea Day Allocation and the resulting final 2016 sea-day schedule for the Northeast Fishery Observer Program. NOAA will use remaining funds to offset some of … Continued
On June 27, the U.S. Commerce Department announced the appointment of 19 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage ocean fish stocks. One at-large seat on the Mid-Atlantic Council … Continued
Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Alan McIsaac recently announced that the PEI government will renew funding for two aquaculture programs. “The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to supporting our primary food production industries. Over a … Continued
In June, the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) met to discuss a broad range of common priorities including marine conservation, a process to review the Fisheries Act, market access for Canadian fish and seafood, responsible aquaculture development, … Continued
Shrimpers reported good catches on June 6th, the opening day of the 2016 Mississippi shrimp season, according to Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR). “The fishermen that braved the weather reported decent catches of 50-60/60-70 brown shrimp with a good … Continued
On June 21, 2016, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker sent a letter to the European Commission’s Director General of Environment voicing concern over the Swedish Ministry of Environment and Energy’s recently submitted risk assessment which stands to result in a potential … Continued
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard recently announced a plan to help bring back wild Atlantic salmon on Canada’s east coast. On the domestic front, the Minister released the Forward Plan for Atlantic … Continued
US Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Ilulissat, Greenland on June 17 to meet with Greenlandic and Danish officials and discuss shared challenges in the Arctic. During the visit, Secretary Kerry saw first-hand the effects of climate change. Professor … Continued
In North Carolina, commercial fishermen sold 66 million pounds of finfish and shellfish to seafood dealers in 2015, according to North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). For 2015, the estimated dockside value of products sold to North Carolina seafood … Continued
On 23 June 2016, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) released its 2015 annual report, Global Reach, Global Impact, which outlines tuna sustainability progress and achievements and argues for continuous improvement of global tuna fisheries through collaboration and advocacy. Report … Continued
Given the poor stock of Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod, low catch limits, and many fishermen’s claims that the cod status is better than currently assessed; the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game Division of Marine Fisheries is implementing a … Continued
In June, NOAA Fisheries announced a federal funding opportunity for Atlantic bluefin tuna research. The Bluefin Tuna Research Program (BTRP) is a competitive Federal assistance program that funds projects seeking to increase and improve the working relationship between fisheries researchers … Continued
Scientists forecast that this year’s Gulf of Mexico dead zone will be approximately 5,898 square miles, the same range as it has averaged over the last several years. Hypoxic zones are areas in the ocean of such low oxygen concentration … Continued
Maine’s 982 commercial fishermen reported landings during the state’s 2016 elver (glass eel) season season netted $13,388,040 in revenue, according to preliminary landings data from the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR). The 2016 elver harvest has the third highest … Continued
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has set the opening date of the 2016-2017 shrimp season in state territorial waters for 6 a.m. Monday, June 6. All regulations of the MDMR will be in full force and effect, and all … Continued
The 2016 Louisiana spring shrimp season opened on Monday, May 23, according to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. The Commission set the spring shrimp season dates based on information provided by agency biologists and on public comments. Louisiana … Continued
90th Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) June 27 – July 1, 2016 La Jolla, California, USA The 90th IATTC meeting and the meetings of the AIDCP will be held from 20 June to 01 July 2016, in … Continued
In May, Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced that the Government of Canada is investing $289 million in small craft harbours across the country in 2016 – 2017. The announcement includes $32 million of … Continued
Despite record amounts of rainfall in October 2015, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists are predicting a productive year for shrimping, with models predicting the largest roe white shrimp crop since 1979. The commercial shrimp trawling season opened … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently released its annual report, Fisheries Economics of the U.S., 2014. The ninth volume in the annual series, the report is intended to provide the public with economic information about U.S. commercial and recreational fishing activities and fishing-related … Continued
A recent stock assessment of the Pacific bluefin tuna population suggests that the stock was still quite low in 2014, but up from 2012 numbers. The Pacific Bluefin Tuna Working Group of the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like … Continued
The 3Ps cod fishery located off Newfoundland’s south coast recently became Canada’s first Atlantic cod fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture spoke recently on the issue of seafood sustainability, … Continued
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced that the agency has re-issued a research permit to explore lake whitefish stocks in southern Lake Huron. This is the second of a three-year study in which one commercial angler has been … Continued
Federal waters from 9 to 200 nautical miles off Texas will close to shrimp trawling at 30 minutes after official sunset, local time, on May 15, 2016, corresponding to the time Texas closes its state waters to shrimp trawling, according … Continued
Captain Greg Norton and his son Chance Norton are the winners of the 2015 Prince Edward Island Premier’s Tuna Cup for landing the largest bluefin tuna in 2015. PEI Premier Wade MacLauchlan presented the annual award in April. The giant … Continued
The U.S. Coast Guard is expanding Automatic Identification System (AIS) requirements to include additional commercial vessels. The change, which applies to U.S.-flag and foreign-flag vessels that are 300 gross tons or less, went into effect in April 2016. Information on … Continued
The National Park Service, in partnership with the Maritime Administration, recently announced the award of $2.58 million in Maritime Heritage Program grants for projects in 19 states that preserve sites and objects related to U.S. maritime history. National Maritime Heritage … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently released its 2015 Status of Stocks report to Congress. The number of domestic fish stocks listed as overfished or subject to overfishing remain near all-time lows, according to the report. The Status of Stocks report highlights recent … Continued
The City of Bayou La Batre, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the NOAA Marine Debris Program are cooperating in the removal of 21 abandoned and derelict vessels and other marine debris from the waters of Bayou … Continued
On April 4, 2016, a federal court in New Orleans entered a consent decree resolving civil claims against BP arising from the April 20, 2010 Macondo well blowout and the massive oil spill that followed in the Gulf of Mexico. … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) has announced the selection of four research projects to receive a total of approximately $610,000 in funding as part of the Council’s 2016-2017 Collaborative Fisheries Research Program. Projects Overview: Changes in Availability of Mid-Atlantic … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently announced that its Finance Program has received $100 million of lending authority* for Fiscal Year 2016 and is now accepting applications. (*Lending authority is not an appropriation of funds and may not be converted to such.) This … Continued
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center is hosting its 5th Biennial Science Symposium on April 5-6, at NOAA’s Sand Point campus in Seattle. The 2-day symposium will consist of oral presentations and posters contributed by NWFSC scientists. Presentations will highlight completed … Continued
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is proceeding with a Statewide Activity Approval permitting process that would enable the start-up of limited commercial shellfish aquaculture in Delaware’s Inland Bays by authorizing the permitting of activities in specifically-designated … Continued
The 2016 Alaska commercial IFQ halibut season runs March 19 through November 7, 2016 for all areas, according to NOAA Fisheries. NOAA recently issued a notice of the immediate effect of regulations of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). At … Continued
A recently passed bill will improve Maine elver harvesters’ chances of landing all of the state’s 9,688 pounds of quota. The changes come just in time for the 2016 elver season, which starts on March 22, 2016. “Last year Maine … Continued
Over the course of two February weekends, volunteers, staff, and members of the commercial fishing industry retrieved more than 2,500 traps during the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo. Two events were held on separate … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has awarded funding to a research team headed by Dr. John Whitehead of Appalachian State University and Dr. Jane Harrison from North Carolina Sea Grant to conduct a socioeconomic study of Atlantic menhaden commercial … Continued
A new approach to scallop monitoring in Maine state waters has led to changes in scallop abundance estimates that will result in the reopening of three important fishing grounds this season. The areas opening are Inner Machias Rotational Area, Wahoa/Jonesport … Continued
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking input from commercial and recreational mariners for an assessment of navigation requirements along the Mid-Atlantic seacoast. The Coast Guard Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) survey is focused on both the Atlantic Ocean and … Continued
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has approved the designation of five offshore areas as Spawning Special Management Zones (SMZs) to help protect spawning fish and unique habitat associated with spawning activities in the South Atlantic, including portions of an … Continued
NOAA Fisheries, in partnership with the North Carolina Sea Grant, is providing competitive funding research in support of the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (BDTRP) and the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (PLTRP). The research will focus on innovative and … Continued
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will have a new home, beginning on April 1st of this year. Located in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, at 38 Bethel Street, the 3000 square foot, handicap accessible space … Continued
In January, three Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFBs): the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM); the Organization of the Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (OSPESCA); and the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations – Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission … Continued
Biologists expect a decent return of hatchery Chinook salmon to the Columbia River this year, but low returns of coho could restrict salmon fisheries in the river, along the coast and in Puget Sound. Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, and … Continued
In February, Professor Ray Hilborn of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, and author of Overfishing: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press), in Honolulu addressed the topic of “Sustainability of World Fisheries: Getting good … Continued
The 2016 Local Seafood Summit in Norfolk, Virginia brought together more than 100 fishermen, community representatives, researchers, and extension specialists for a 2 and a half day conference. Beginning March 23, 2016, LocalCatch.org will host a series of webinars to … Continued
In New Brunswick, Canada, efforts are underway towards a new industry-financed fund to promote the Province’s lobster industry. In February 2016, the Seafood Industry Improvement Fund Act was created in response to recommendations of the Maritime Lobster Panel and the … Continued
Maine’s commercially harvested marine resources topped $600 million in overall value in 2015, according to preliminary data from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The total, $631,768,531, reflects an all-time high and an increase of more than $33 million over … Continued
At the annual salmon informational meeting held in Santa Rosa, California, state and federal fishery scientists presented updates on the numbers of spawning salmon, and the expected abundance for the upcoming fishing season. Forecasts suggest there are 299,600 adult Sacramento … Continued
The NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office recently announced 2016 fishing opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area for U.S. fishing vessels. U.S. fishing interests (e.g., vessel owners, processors, agents, others) can apply for these fishing opportunities. … Continued
Meeting of the Advisory Committee to the United States Delegation to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) March 10-11, 2016 Hilton DoubleTree Hotel 8727 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD The Advisory Committee (Committee) to the U.S. … Continued
New studies on the effects of ocean acidification due to climate change support a growing body of evidence that the future for Tanner and blue king crab stocks in Alaska waters is, at best, uncertain. “A lot has to do … Continued
NOAA Fisheries is conducting a survey of commercial and recreational fishing industry stakeholders in the Greater Atlantic Region. The survey will be open from March 1-31. The online survey is located at: https://survey.max.gov/152539 For more information, visit: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/stories/2016/march/01_take_our_communications_survey.html
A new federal law regarding the inspection of both farmed and wild-caught catfish will go into effect on March 1, 2016. Filed under the name “Mandatory Inspection of Fish of the Order Siluriformes and Products Derived From Such Fish,” the … Continued
17th Annual Salmon Ocean Ecology Meeting 2016 March 29-31, 2016 Baranof Westmark Hotel & Conference Center, Juneau, AK phone: 1-800-544-0970 www.westmarkhotels.com/destinations/juneau-hotel/ The Salmon Ocean Ecology Meeting brings together salmon researchers from the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and … Continued
The Responsible Aquaculture Foundation (RAF) has developed four online educational modules to help the global shrimp-farming industry better manage early mortality syndrome (EMS). The modules are now available for public consumption. Organized within a course called “Managing Early Mortality Syndrome … Continued
The Coast Guard recently declared Carteret County an official Coast Guard Community during a ceremony at Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, North Carolina. Rear Adm. Stephen Metruck, 5th District commander, presented Robin Comer, Carteret County Commissioner, with an … Continued
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will hold a 3-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in March to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. At the event, managers will consider alternatives for … Continued
Depending on the availability of funds, NOAA Sea Grant expects to have up to $3,000,000 available for a national competition to fund new FY 2016 aquaculture research projects. The grants are part of a U.S. plan to support the development … Continued
In a new study by NOAA Fisheries, scientists looked at 347 Alaska communities to assess their dependence on marine resources and socio-economic well-being. This is the first time that NOAA Fisheries has used “quantitative” indicators for this type of assessment … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) has released a series of policy documents focused on non-fishing activities that threaten fish habitat. The documents outline the Council’s positions on five anthropogenic (human) activities: wind energy, offshore oil, marine transport, liquefied natural … Continued
Inland capture fisheries are much more crucial to global food security than realized, according to the first global review of the value of inland fish and fisheries. The article, published recently in Environmental Reviews, showed that although aquaculture and inland … Continued
The third annual Fishackathon will take place on Earth Day weekend from April 22-24, 2016. Fishackathon is a public-private partnership that aims to capitalize on the expansion of mobile phone and internet use across the developing world to address sustainable … Continued
The U.S. Coast Guard published guidance Feb. 5 that allows mariners to use electronic charts and publications instead of paper charts, maps, and publications. The Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, NVIC 01-16, establishes uniform guidance on what is now considered … Continued
NOAA Fisheries / Office of Sustainable Fisheries is now accepting applications for the National Marine Fisheries Service – Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Pre-proposals are required by March 1 with full applications due by April 15, 2016. For more information, … Continued
NOAA scientists have released the first multispecies assessment of how vulnerable U.S. marine fish and invertebrate species are to the effects of climate change. The study examined 82 species that occur off the Northeastern U.S., where ocean warming is occurring … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Spiny Dogfish Management Board recently approved a spiny dogfish commercial quota of 40,360,761 pounds for the 2016/2017 fishing season (May 1 – April 30). The quota is reduced by 20% compared to 2015/2016. … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) American Eel Management Board recently approved North Carolina’s Aquaculture Plan for 2016, allowing up to 200 pounds of glass eels to be harvested for aquaculture purposes. North Carolina’s plan is the first to … Continued
On February 4, 2016, NOAA Fisheries published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to set a control date of June 30, 2015, for the Atlantic dolphin commercial sector of the dolphin and wahoo fishery. According to the notice, the South … Continued
Ketchikan, Alaska was recently named “A Coast Guard City”, in recognition of the community’s support of Coast Guardsmen and their families. Ketchikan joins Kodiak and Sitka as the third city in Alaska to be designated “A Coast Guard City.” The … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently issued a reminder to shrimpers harvesting penaeid shrimp (white, pink, and brown shrimp) in federal waters of the South Atlantic Region, that for a person aboard a trawler to fish for penaeid shrimp or possess penaeid shrimp … Continued
2016 Washington Sea Grant Conference for Shellfish Growers March 7-8, 2016 Alderbrook Resort & Spa Union, Washington The annual Washington Sea Grant Conference for Shellfish Growers brings together representatives from the shellfish industry, government and academia. This year, the conference … Continued
In December, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) awarded grants totaling $29,678 to two Rhode Island communities to fund removal of abandoned vessels from local waters. The grants, awarded to the Town of Portsmouth and the Watch Hill … Continued
The Coast Guard, a co-chair of the Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT), in coordination with four other signatory agencies announced the new policy for the Dispersant Use Plan For Alaska. The new policy is more inclusive, comprehensive, and conservative and … Continued
PFMC Pacific Sardine 2016 Stock Assessment Meeting Doubletree by Hilton Sacramento Yuba River Room 2001 Point West Way Sacramento, California 95815 Telephone 916-929-8855 The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will convene a review of the 2016 Pacific sardine stock assessment … Continued
2016 North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference February 12-13, 2016 DoubleTree by Hilton – New Bern Riverfront 100 Middle Street New Bern, NC 28560 (252) 638-3585 The 2016 North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference will bring together the general public, current … Continued
In October, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to improve the administration of the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act (HSFCA) and the monitoring of U.S. fishing vessels operating on the high seas. The rule includes: – adjustments to permitting and … Continued
NOAA Fisheries recently announced new regulations for Snapper-Grouper and Golden Crab in the South Atlantic, and Dolphin and Wahoo in the Atlantic Region. The final rule for the Generic Accountability Measures and Dolphin Allocation Amendment including: Amendment 34 to the … Continued
Freezing spray is an important safety issue in coastal Canadian and United States waters. In an effort to improve freezing spray forecasts, NOAA and Environment Canada are teaming up to evaluate each country’s freezing spray forecast models and tools. Analysis … Continued
NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on proposed 2016-18 specifications and management measures for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. NOAA is proposing to decrease the Atlantic mackerel quota by 56 percent to 9,177 mt, citing low catches since 2011and … Continued
41st Annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum March 3rd, 4th, & 5th, 2016 Samoset Resort 220 Warrenton Street Rockport, ME 04856 The 41st Annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held on March 3rd, 4th, and 5th at the Samoset Resort. Captain Keith … Continued
A new study by NOAA researchers suggests future warming of ocean waters off the Northeastern U.S. may be greater and occur at an even faster rate than previously projected. Their findings, based on output from four global climate models of … Continued
NOAA archaeologists have discovered the battered hulls of two 1800s whaling ships nearly 144 years after they and 31 others sank off the Arctic coast of Alaska in one of the planet’s most unexplored ocean regions. The shipwrecks, and parts … Continued
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center recently released a new guide to species commonly known as cods in the eastern North Pacific. Five families are represented: the true cods (Gadidae), grenadiers (Macrouridae), codlings (Moridae), hakes (Merlucciidae), and arrowtails (Melanonidae). The guide … Continued
The 2015 ASFMC American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report indicates the American lobster resource presents a mixed picture of stock status, with record high stock abundance and recruitment in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) and Georges Bank … Continued
On Thursday, January 21, 2016, the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) met in Montreal to exchange views on a broad range of priorities, including marine protected areas, the Fisheries Act, market access for Canadian fish and seafood, … Continued
The Secretary of Commerce has approved a fishery management plan amendment to reduce halibut bycatch in four sectors of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands groundfish fisheries. Amendment 111 reduces the overall Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area halibut … Continued
The Ninety-Second Annual Meeting of the International Pacific Halibut Commission will be held from Monday, January 25 through Friday, January 29, 2016 in Juneau, AK at the Centennial Hall Convention Center (101 Egan Drive). All public sessions and administrative sessions … Continued
2016 Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit Westmark Baranof Hotel Juneau, Alaska January 27–29, 2016 In January 2016, the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program will host the sixth Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit. The event is designed to provide information and opportunities … Continued
The Congressional Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Obama on December 18, 2015, includes a provision to extend Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana state seaward fishery boundaries from 3 miles out to 9 … Continued
The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) will hold a workshop on February 22-23, 2016 to explore concerns about inshore scallop fishing. The workshop will be held at Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI. NEFMC encourages participants in the limited access general … Continued
The Oyster Recovery Program initiated by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will begin at legal sunrise Monday, Jan. 18, 2016. MDMR officials will open Area I B (St. Joe Reef) and all commercial fishermen who have been approved … Continued
The Louisiana commercial king mackerel season will open July 1, 2016, according to a recent announcement from the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) . The Commission also granted the authority to the Secretary of the Department to close the … Continued
NOAA recently announced it will implement a comprehensive regulatory program for aquaculture in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, effective February 12, 2016. In the U.S., federal waters begin where state jurisdiction ends and extend out to 200 miles … Continued
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center was recently awarded a $12,000 Cultural Heritage Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The grant will support a project to digitize the cultural heritage of New Bedford’s fishing community. The project … Continued
Atlantic menhaden stocks are not overfished nor experiencing overfishing relative to the current maximum spawning potential (MSP) based biological reference points, according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) 2015 Atlantic menhaden benchmark assessment. Population fecundity, a measure of … Continued
U.S. fishermen landed 9.5 billion pounds of fish and shellfish, valued at $5.4 billion, in 2014, according to the latest Fisheries of the United States report from NOAA Fisheries. The Alaska port of Dutch Harbor led the nation with the … Continued
U.S. fishermen landed 9.9 billion pounds of fish and shellfish, valued at $5.5 billion in 2013, according to the 2013 Fisheries of the United States report from NOAA Fisheries. The report shows that while national total of fish and shellfish … Continued
U.S. commercial fishermen landed 9.6 billion pounds of fish and shellfish in 2012, valued at $5.1 billion, according to Fisheries of the United States 2012, released by NOAA. The value and pounds of fish and shellfish caught was higher than … Continued
According to the latest NOAA report, U.S. seafood landings reached a 17-year high in 2011. The value of landings also increased during the same time period. According to the report, Fisheries of the United States 2011, U.S. commercial fishermen landed … Continued