Bycatch News
A Taiwanese tuna trader announces plan to implement seabird bycatch mitigation in its longline fleet. See: https://www.atuna.com/news/fcf-kick-starts-program-to-mitigate-seabird-bycatch-in-longline-fishery/
The lawsuit, filed by the Center for Biological Diversity is summarized on the organization's website:
https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/lawsuit-seeks-to-protect-marine-mammals-from-foreign-fishing-gear-enforce-seafood-import-bans-2024-08-08/email_view/
Please see this report documenting shortcomings of US management of bycatch in US fisheries:
https://www.nationalfisherman.com/agency-critics-slam-federal-oversight-of-bycatch?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter&mkt_tok=NzU2LUZXSi0wNjEAAAGUpBizCN08RJua4NeqEe-OGtQnQwRk-G5LfouY8N1L61BJHL5X7t9tfGUoEvKDAkj5QjcpoiCX2uL3bNCTLlsNI8aW1IxwHTx7YGLnLPj2UMsc2Bu8vg
The Boston office of the Fund for the Public Interest, in conjunction with Environment Massachusetts, has job openings available.
California seeks to implement more restrictions on gillnet fishing in its State and adjacent Federal waters. See: https://www.seafoodsource.com/california-bill-would-further-limit-gilln….
If you follow what is happening globally with gillnets, which some people call "curtains of death," this new but not original call for a ban using them off California noteworthy.
For more information, please see the reports directly from NOAA. Here is the link: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/examination-continues-caus…
From a pool of applicants four projects were selected focused on bycatch assessment and mitigation.
Some fishermen are taking advantage of available federal funding and gear to try out ropeless gear in Massachusetts, and increasingly in Maine as well.
Applications are now being accepted under the Global Fund for Marine Mammal Bycatch Solutions. Please see the attached file for more information including how to apply.