Gulf of Mexico Red Tide. On Dec. 10, 1996, the MS Dept. of Marine
Resources opened several Harrison County oyster reefs to harvesting; these
reefs had been closed since Nov. 7, 1996. [Assoc Press]
.
Crab-Picker Suit. On Dec. 10, 1996, 3 female Mexican crab-pickers
filed suit in U.S. District Court alleging that a MD seafood packer of paid
them
less than the minimum wage and forced them to live in sub-standard
conditions. [Assoc Press]
.
Highly Migratory Species Management. On Dec. 9-11, 1996, NMFS
will hold 3 public hearings (Silver Spring, MD; St. Petersburg, FL; and
Danvers, MA) on proposed regulations, published in the Federal Register on
Nov. 6, 1996, modifying management of Atlantic bluefin tuna, billfishes, and
sharks. This proposal would consolidate several different sets of
regulations
(50 CFR Parts 285, 644, and 678) into 50 CFR Part 630. The proposed
regulations revise reporting and monitoring requirements, redefine the
"incidental" catch permit category for Atlantic tunas, address enforcement
concerns, and remove inconsistent or outdated language. [personal
communication]
.
NC Fisheries Moratorium. On Dec. 9-10, 1996, the NC Joint
Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture met to consider the
Moratorium Steering Committee's 155-page final report and 127
recommendations for changes to overhaul NC marine fisheries. The
Commission anticipates holding a public hearing on the approved
recommendations and draft legislation to implement them in January 1997.
On Dec. 10, 1996, the Commission agreed to delay voting on the 127
recommendations until its January 1997 meeting. [Assoc Press]
.
EU Fleet Restructuring. On Dec. 9, 1996, the EU Commission
announced its annual proposal to the Fisheries Council for 1997 catch quotas.
While the majority (86 stocks) were little changed from 1996 total allowable
catch quotas, about 30 other stocks were proposed to decline (mackerel,
haddock, Atlantic saithe, North Sea sole, herring, and cod). On Dec. 18,
1996, the EU Parliament approved amendments to the Commission's fleet
restructuring proposal, asking that the next phase last only 2 years (until
Dec.
31, 1999) and that the annex setting percentages and deadlines for reductions
in fishing activity be abolished. The Parliament called on the Commission to
present detailed proposals for fishing fleet capacity reduction based on the
status of fish stocks, attainment of previous fleet reduction objectives, and
the
nature of specific fisheries. On Dec. 19, 1996, the Fisheries Council agreed
to postpone until Apr. 30, 1997, its decision on the new fleet restructuring
phase. On Dec. 20, 1996, the Fisheries Council agreed to measures easing
1997 catch quota reductions -- the quota for North Sea sole was not cut in
half
(to 12,000 metric tons) but this quota was reduced to 18,000 metric tons.
[Reuters, Agence Europe via Reuters, Financial Times via Greenwire]
.
Essential Fish Habitat. Dec. 9, 1996, is the deadline for comments in
response to NMFS's Nov. 8, 1996 advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on
proposed guidelines for implementing the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act relating to identification and
protection of essential fish habitat. [Federal Register]
.
Japanese-Russian Fishery Negotiations. On Dec. 7, 1996, Japanese
and Russian negotiators successfully concluded an agreement for a 1997
quota of 100,000 tons each from the other's EEZ, the same as the 1996
quotas. Furthermore, Japan will pay 400 million Yen for an additional 9,000
ton harvest, and fishing vessels are granted specified port privileges for
resupply. [Dow Jones News, Reuters]
.
Fluke Protest. On Dec. 6, 1996, a CT fisherman protested summer
flounder (fluke) regulations by landing 100 pounds of fluke and donating it
to a
shelter. The fisherman protested what he considered wasteful regulations
requiring him to discard fluke that had been caught incidentally when fishing
for other species, since the state's entire fluke quota had already been
landed.
On Dec. 11, 1996, CT Governor John Rowland, at the New England
Governors' Conference, called for the elimination of individual state quotas
for
fluke (summer flounder), saying that a single 11 million pound annual federal
quota would not discriminate among states. [Assoc Press]
.
Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. In early December 1996,
representatives of nations having interest in Indian Ocean tuna resources met
in Rome, Italy, and agreed to establish an Indian Ocean Tuna Commission,
with headquarters in the Seychelles. Members of the new commission
include the European Union, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, the Seychelles, and others. The new Commission is scheduled to
meet in March 1997, to discuss organization and financial matters.
[personnel communication]
.
Chesapeake Bay. On Dec. 5, 1996, the VA Marine Resources
Commission transplanted the first 600 bushels of oysters from Tangier and
Pocomoke Sounds to the mouth of the Great Wicomico River in an effort to
stimulate oyster recovery. A total of 2,500 bushels will be transplanted
over
several weeks' time. In early December 1996, federal and state biologists
completed a study on the Chesapeake Bay blue crab, concluding that catch
has fluctuated primarily in response to changing environmental conditions and
has not been adversely affected by recent harvest levels. On Dec. 17, 1996,
the VA Marine Resources Commission voted to continue pot limits in effect
during 1995 and 1996 for crabbers during the 1997 season. [Assoc Press]
.
Passamaquody Saltwater Fishing Claims. On Dec. 3, 1996, District
Judge John Romei agreed to delay arraignment until February 1997 of a
Passamaquody man charged with taking sea urchins Oct. 12, 1996, during
Maine's fall closed season, after tribal officials claimed aboriginal rights
to
unrestricted saltwater fishing had not been relinquished. The tribe is
negotiating with the state. [Assoc Press]
.
ICCAT. On Dec. 3, 1996, the Japanese Fishery Agency announced
that, if ICCAT conditions are not met, Japan would ban imports of Atlantic
bluefin tuna from Belize, Honduras, and Panama. Tuna imports from these 3
nations accounts for about 10% of Japan's annual consumption. On Dec. 20,
1996, at the EU Fisheries Council, Italy and Greece were successful in
postponing any quotas for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and
Mediterranean and for swordfish in the Atlantic; decisions on these quotas
were deferred for a year. In addition, a declaration on the plans of action
and
procedures outlined for ICCAT Member compliance with ICCAT
recommendations was suppressed. The European Commission expressed
regret that the Fisheries Council did not establish quotas for bluefin tuna
and
swordfish. [Kyodo via Foreign Broadcast Information Service, Agence Europe
via Reuters]
.
Shark Protection. On Dec. 3, 1996, the fisheries minister of
Australia's New South Wales (NSW) state declared the great white shark to
be a protected species along Australia's east coast. A substantial fine and
jail sentence could be imposed on anyone killing or possessing a great white
shark in NSW waters. This species is already protected in Tasmania state
and from commercial fishing in South Australia state with protection under
consideration by Victoria state. On Dec. 5, 1996, a TRAFFIC Network report
entitled "An Overview of World Trade in Sharks and Other Cartilaginous
Fishes" was released. This report discusses how limited controls and
monitoring of harvest and international trade in shark products threaten
shark
populations worldwide. [Reuters, World Wide Fund for Nature press release]
.
Puget Sound Pollution. On Dec. 2, 1996, the group, People for Puget
Sound, released a study of wastewater dumping by shipyards, pulp mills, and
oil refineries in Puget Sound, alleging that many disobey federal law and are
rarely penalized by Washington state regulators. [Tacoma News Tribune via
Greenwire]
.
Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska Pollock Quotas. On Dec. 2, 1996, North
Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) biologists announced that a
60,000 metric ton (about 5%) decrease in the 1997 Bering Sea pollock quota
will be recommended at the Dec. 11-15 NPFMC meeting. The new quota
would be 1.13 million metric tons. The Council is also expected to consider
emergency measures to better protect seabirds from longline fisheries. On
Dec. 9, 1996, both the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and Greenpeace
called for substantial decreases in Bering Sea pollock quotas for 1997 -- the
Marine Conservation Council suggested a 25% decrease while Greenpeace
suggested a 40% cut. On Dec. 13, 1996, the NPFMC decreased the 1997
Bering Sea pollock quota by 5%; on Dec. 14, 1996, the NPFMC increased the
much smaller 1997 Gulf of Alaska pollock quota by 45% (from 54,810 metric
tons to 79,890 metric tons). [Assoc Press, Anchorage Daily News via
Greenwire]
.
New England Groundfish. On Dec. 1, 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard
seized the catch of a New Bedford, MA scallop vessel allegedly fishing inside
a closed area east of Cape Cod. The catch, valued at $12,000, will be sold
and the proceeds held in escrow until the case is resolved. On Dec. 10,
1996,
NMFS announced that applications for 76 vessels had been selected for
further review under its $25 million Northeast vessel buyout program. Most
of
the applicants were from Massachusetts (58 vessels) and Maine (16 vessels).
Applicants for the 76 selected vessels must now provide extensive
documentation of their fishing history and other financial information. On
Dec.
11-12, 1996, the New England Fishery Management Council discussed its
Multispecies Monitoring Committee's report that concluded that 2 years of
commercial fishery
restrictions had been insufficient to restore groundfish stocks, and that
some
commercial vessels might have to be limited to 14 days of fishing annually to
eliminate overfishing. The Committee report presented 4 options for
addressing the continuing problem; the most restrictive option would reduce
cod harvest by 74% in the Gulf of Maine to eliminate overfishing. The
Committee recommended a 41% reduction to 88 days-at-sea for fishing
vessels in 1997, and also suggested that fishing for monkfish, herring, scup,
dogfish, and squid be included in the new regulatory regime for groundfish.
The Committee observed that, while haddock stocks are showing signs of
recovery, cod stocks remain near historic lows. Dec. 15, 1996 is the
deadline
for receipt of applications from groundfish permit holders to participate in
a
Jan. 2 to Mar. 31, 1997 NMFS test of a new satellite system that will
automatically report days-at-sea. [NOAA press release, Assoc Press, Fed.
Register]
.
NC Giant Bluefin Tuna Study. Between Feb. 22 and Mar. 15, 1997,
a three-week study will be conducted off Hatteras Island, NC, wherein
biologists from NMFS, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Stanford Univ. will be
assisted by sport anglers in catching giant bluefin tuna and inserting
internal
recording devices to measure tuna movement and temperatures. [Assoc
Press]
.
FY1998 Federal Budget. On Feb. 6, 1997, the Clinton
Administration's proposed FY1998 budget was released, including a 5%
increase for the NMFS budget to $338.3 million, with an additional $6.6
million
to assist New England fisheries plus funds to identify damage to essential
fish
habitat. Funding for the National Sea Grant College Program would be
decreased about 8% from its current $54.3 million. On Feb. 10, 1997, Dr. D.
James Baker, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, is scheduled to
present an overview of NOAA's proposed FY1998 budget at the National Press
Club. [NOAA announcement, Assoc Press]
.
Coral Reef Protection. On Feb. 6, 1997, the Australian Parliament
was to consider legislation proposing to amend Australia's 1995 Great Barrier
Reef protection act to allow Australian and foreign military vessels to
discharge waste into waters adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. [Sydney
Morning Herald via Greenwire]
.
Asian Fishing Vessel Safety. On Feb. 6, 1997, eight East Asian
nations agreed to require that all 24- to 45-meter long fishing vessels have
emergency signal and radio communication equipment, pumps, life vests, and
life rafts. In preparation for eventually becoming parties to 1977 and 1993
international conventions on maritime safety, China, Japan, Thailand, Hong
Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Korea adopted
moderate guidelines to reduce loss of life from fishing vessel accidents.
[Dow
Jones News]
.
North Sea Cod. In early February 1997, British, Icelandic, and
Canadian scientists reported in the journal Nature that fishermen are
catching
too many North Sea cod (as much as 60% of the stock each year), and are
likely to cause the population to collapse if fish harvesting is not reduced.
[Reuters]
.
U.S. Groundfish Exports. In early February 1997, the Seafood Market
Analyst reported on U.S. exports of groundfish products for the first 11
months
of 1996. Species whose products are included are cod, haddock, halibut,
monkfish, plaice, pollock, sablefish, sole, whiting/hake, and others. For
the
11 month period, U.S. groundfish product exports (183,415 metric tons, valued
at about $407 million) increased 7.3% in volume but declined 9% in value over
the same period in 1995, with most of the export volume going to Japan
(49%), South Korea (21%), China (9%), and Canada (9%). [Seafood Market
Analyst]
.
Halibut Charterboat Regulation? At Feb. 4-8, 1997, meetings, the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to discuss whether
the halibut charterboat sport fishery should be further restricted, including
a
possible moratorium on new vessel entry, to limit its halibut catch. [Assoc
Press]
.
Estonia GIFA. On Feb. 4, 1997, President Clinton transmitted
governing international fishery agreements (GIFAs) with Estonia and Lithuania
to the U.S. Congress. The Estonian GIFA would extend an existing 1992
GIFA through June 30, 1998, while the Lithuanian GIFA would extend an
existing 1992 GIFA through Dec. 31, 1998. [White House press release]
.
Alaska Crab Observer Proposal. On Feb. 3, 1997, AK shellfish
biologists proposed a state-funded program to increase the number of
observers to gather data aboard crabbers fishing in the Bering Sea and
Aleutians Islands. The $2 million cost of such a program would be "financed
by sale of king and tanner crab stocks harvested by state-chartered boats"
and could start as early as September 1999. [Assoc Press]
.
Illegal EEZ Fishing. On Feb. 1, 1997, a U.S. Coast Guard plane
spotted the 250-foot Japanese fishing vessel, Tomi Maru No. 58, fishing
illegally 14 nautical miles inside the U.S. EEZ near Hancock Seamount,
northwest of Midway Island. No Coast Guard cutters were in the vicinity to
intercept the Japanese vessel, which fled the area. The Coast Guard, NMFS,
and Dept. of State are considering further action on this incident. [Assoc
Press]
.
NC-NY Striped Bass Agreement. On Jan. 31, 1997, NC officials
announced that NY has approved NC striped bass of certain legal lengths for
NY seafood markets, after extensive testing of NC striped bass confirmed very
low levels of PCB contaminants. [Assoc Press]
.
NC Shrimp Net Ban? On Jan. 31, 1997, NC Fisheries Director Bruce
Freeman reported to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission that he was
considering banning shrimp nets from state and adjacent federal waters from
Cape Hatteras to Bogue Inlet until Apr. 1 to protect juvenile fish. NC
officials
are concerned that a few shrimp trawlers may be targeting finfish (croakers,
sea mullet, gray trout, flounder, and other foodfish) just outside state
waters.
Freeman reported that federal officials had no objections to this extension
of
state jurisdiction. On Feb. 6, 1997, NC Div. of Marine Fisheries officials
announced that shrimp trawling will be banned in waters out to 200 miles
offshore from Cape Hatteras to Beaufort Inlet beginning on Feb. 8, 1997; the
possession of flynets within this area will also be prohibited. [Assoc Press]
.
Shark Limited Access. On Jan. 30-Feb. 19, 1997, NMFS will conduct
a series of 11 public hearings along the Atlantic coast on an NMFS proposal
(Dec. 27. 1996, Federal Register, p. 68202) to create a two-tiered (direct or
incidental catch) permit and limited access system for 39 species of sharks
in
the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. NMFS determined
this fishery to be severely overcapitalized and proposes to eliminate more
than
2,300 of about 2,700 current permits in this fishery; 134 fishermen regularly
fish for and land sharks. [NOAA press releases]
.
Listeria monocytogenes Contamination/Recall. On Jan. 29, 1997,
Mayport Wholesale Seafood (Green Cove Springs, FL) recalled 27 cases of
Ocean Galley brand Smoked Salmon Spread and 30 cases of Ocean Galley
brand Shrimp and Jalapeno Dip for possible Listeria monocytogenes
contamination. These products had been distributed to Winn-Dixie stores in
11 FL counties. No illnesses have been reported. [Assoc Press]
.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. On Jan. 28, 1997, the FL
state cabinet voted 7-0 to approve a joint state-federal management plan for
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The plan would ban fishing and
restrict boating and diving in 10-14 sq. miles of the 2,800 sq. mile
sanctuary --
about 0.5% of the area. Since about 65% of the sanctuary lies in state
waters, the plan guarantees a review by the FL Marine Fisheries Commission
of 19 proposed no-fishing areas before boats are excluded on July 1, 1997.
The plan creates research teams to study coral problems, establishes
regulations to limit reckless boating, and provides increased protection for
seagrass beds. In addition to coral reef protection, the plan provides
funding
for cleaning up sewage pollution in Florida Bay and the Straits of Florida.
LATE on Feb. 2, 1997, the 600-foot Liberian-flagged container ship, Houston,
ran aground on live coral at Maryland Shoal, south of Sugarloaf Key, 12 miles
southeast of Key West, FL. The vessel, bound from New Orleans for Spain,
grounded several miles inside a shipping exclusion zone, inside the
Sanctuary. Although the vessel failed to inform the U.S. Coast Guard of the
unintended grounding for nearly 6 hours, no fuel appears to have been
spilled.
[Assoc Press, personal communication, Miami Herald via Greenwire, Reuters,
Center for Marine Conservation press release]
.
EU-Russian Fisheries Talks. In late January 1997, European
Commissioner Emma Bonino met with Russia's Minister of Fisheries Vladimir
Sosno to discuss bilateral relations and possible negotiation of a fishery
agreement. Although conclusion of such an agreement may be in the distant
future, discussions were conducted on access to the EU market for Russian
fishery products as well as access to waters and stocks. [Agence Europe via
Reuters]
.
Seafood Inspection Funding. On Jan. 24, 1997, White House
officials announced that a more than $20 million increase in federal funding
for
the Food and Drug Administration's seafood safety inspection program would
be proposed in the Administration's FY1998 budget. Increased funding would
be provided for research, risk assessment, and education. [Reuters]
.
National Habitat Plan. On Jan. 24, 1997, NMFS held a ceremony in
the U.S. Capitol announcing the release of their National Habitat Plan and
accompanying plans to implement essential fish habitat provisions of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The
guidelines for identifying essential fish habitat will be the subject of
public
hearings and are open for public comment through Feb. 12, 1997. [personal
communication, Assoc Press, NOAA press release]
.
Chesapeake Bay. On Jan. 22, 1997, the Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission voted to allow an increased harvest of striped bass
(rockfish) in Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. The 1997 harvest may double
the 1996 catch to as much as 10.5 million pounds. [Greenwire]
.
Harmful Algal Blooms Research. In mid-January 1997, the National
Science Foundation (NSF) announced an interagency research program
focusing on the ecology and oceanography of harmful algal blooms. Along
with NSF, participants include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of Naval
Research. A total of about $3 million will be awarded in research grants for
FY1997, with a proposal deadline of Mar. 14, 1997. [NSF program
announcement]
.
Bering Sea Crab Strike. On Jan. 15, 1997, nine of 11
catcher-processing vessels and all shore-based vessels remained in port as
the Bering Sea season opened for opilio tanner crab. The fleet, comprised of
225 vessels, is protesting the price ($0.75 per pound) offered by processors;
fishermen are reported to be seeking at least $1.25 per pound. On Jan. 20,
1997, no agreement on price had yet been reached, and all but 8
catcher-processor vessels remained in port. Fishermen have lowered their
demand to $1.15 per pound, while processors are offering $0.80 per pound.
On Jan. 23, 1997, 9 of 11 catcher-processor vessels were fishing. On Jan.
27,
1997, crab fishermen voted to accept an offer of $0.90 per pound for
deliveries
to several processors; only 9 catcher-processor vessels and 2 catcher boats
of the 225-vessel fleet had been fishing. After several additional
processors
agreed to pay $0.90 per pound, fishermen met again on Jan. 28 and decided
to fleet would resume fishing on Jan. 31. [Assoc Press]
.
BVI Charterboat Ban. On Jan. 13, 1997, the British Virgin Islands
government was reported to have banned U.S.-flag sport fishing charterboats
from entering its waters, to protect British Virgin Islands fishermen from
competition. This action was taken since new legislation was being
introduced to raise fees and promulgate new regulations. On Jan. 24, 1997,
the BVI government announced that it would resume issuing new fishing
licenses and reopen coastal waters to foreign fishermen, after U.S. Virgin
Islands sport fishermen complained. [Assoc Press]
.
Texas Freeze. From Jan. 12-25, 1997, severe cold weather along the
lower Texas coast was believed responsible for the stranding of 78 green sea
turtles (about half being dead or near death) as well as the death of about
300,000 game fish, including striped mullet, black drum, red drum, and
seatrout. [Assoc Press]
.
Wegmans HACCP Certification. On Jan. 12, 1997, Wegmans Food
Markets (53 stores in NY and PA) became the first major supermarket chain
to participate in the U.S. Dept. of Commerce's voluntary seafood HACCP
(hazard analysis critical control point) certification program to better
assure
seafood quality and safety. [NOAA press release]
.
NC Fisheries Moratorium. In an early January 1997 effort to reduce
the cost of its proposal, the Moratorium Steering Committee elected to drop
its recommendation that blanket licenses be made available for fishing piers
and charter boats. In response, the 4,000-member Coastal Conservation
Association of NC voted to oppose such a change. On Jan. 13-14, 1997, the
Fisheries Moratorium Steering Committee met with the Joint Legislative
Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture after conducting meetings with the
NC Division of Marine Fisheries to refine cost estimates for its 127
recommendations on changing NC marine fisheries management. On Jan. 14,
1997, the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture
postponed any action on the Committee's recommendations until at least Feb.
10, 1997. In mid-January 1997, a group of NC crabbers complained that the
Committee's recommendations completely overlooked crabbers and
eliminated specific crab licenses. In early February 1997, a committee of
the
NC Fisheries Association, a commercial fishermen's group, decided not to
support the proposed recreational saltwater fishing license, believing that
requiring such a license would harm the coastal economy. [Assoc Press]
.
LA Gillnet Regulations. On Jan 9, 1997, Louisiana State District
Judge Janice Clark upheld portions of state law banning the use of gillnets
on
weekends, but rejected measures that required commercial rod and reel
applicants to have held gillnet licenses in 2 of the past 3 years.
Commercial
fishermen had requested Judge Clark to reconsider her May 1996 ruling
upholding the gillnet limitation law. [Assoc Press]
.
Russian Fisheries Resolution. On Jan. 8, 1997, the Russian federal
government adopted a Resolution on State Support for the Fishing Industry in
1997-1998 stating that money will be raised to finance research, fishery
enforcement, and fish farm construction by selling quotas for harvesting fish
in
Russian waters. [Interfax]
.
Senate Fisheries Subcommittee Chair. On Jan. 8, 1997, Senator
Olympia Snowe of Maine was named Chair of the Senate Commerce
Committee's Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries. [Assoc Press]
.
Right Whale Protection. In early January 1997, NMFS reclassified
the Gulf of Maine/Mid-Atlantic lobster trap/pot fishery from Category III to
Category I under its Marine Mammal Authorization Program to better manage
the interactions of this fishery's 13,000 fishermen with right whales. On
Jan.
16, 1997, the New England Fishery Management Council began consideration
of a proposal to prohibit gillnet fishing in certain offshore federal waters
near
Cape Cod Bay and the Great South Channel annually between January and
June to better protect right whales. The State of MA was reported to have
implemented similar prohibitions in inshore state waters in early January
1997.
On Jan. 16, 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it had begun weekly
flights over New England waters to spot whales and warn ships. On Jan. 30,
1997, the New England Fishery Management Council approved regulations
limiting gillnet fishing near Cape Cod Bay (January 1 through May 15) and the
Great South Channel (April 1 through June 30) annually to protect right
whales. NMFS must decide whether to accept the proposed regulations.
[NMFS press release, Assoc Press]
.
Icelandic Scallops. In early January 1997, Canada and France agreed
to a 1997 total allowable catch of 2,100 metric tons of Icelandic scallops in
waters off the south Coast of Newfoundland. Canada will receive 30% of the
allocation (630 metric tons) while France will harvest the remainder.
[personal
communication]
.
New England Groundfish. In early January 1997, MA Governor
William Weld appointed members to a new Massachusetts Fisheries
Recovery Commission, which will assist fishing industry recovery by building
strategies to cope with declining fish stocks and help the industry chart new
options. Membership includes state government, university, and industry
representatives. On Jan. 16, 1997, the New England Fishery Management
Council (NEFMC) discussed a proposal to restrict vessels in the Gulf of Maine
to no more than 1,000 pounds of cod per day for the first 4 days of fishing,
and
not more than 1,500 pounds of cod per day thereafter. On Jan. 29, 1997, the
NEFMC voted to approve new trip limits on cod harvests in the Gulf of Maine,
but declined to close additional areas to fishing. These new regulations, if
approved, would take effect on May 1, 1997. On Feb. 3, 1997, U.S. District
Court Judge D. Brock Hornby ruled that New England Fishery Management
Council's groundfish recovery program and NMFS regulations restricting
commercial fishing off New England are legal. Associated Fisheries of Maine
had filed suit in 1994, claiming that the restrictions would significantly
affect
the fishing industry and coastal communities. [Assoc Press, NOAA press
release, New Bedford Standard Times]
.
Cancer and Nuclear Waste. In early January 1997, the British
Medical Journal published a study by French scientists reporting that
children
who regularly played on beaches near a nuclear reprocessing plant at La
Hague, France, had an increased risk of contracting leukemia. Those who ate
seafood at least once a week or regularly visited the beaches also were more
prone to the disease. [London Independent via Greenwire]
.
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