Latest Fishing News
17-23 August 2021
Marshall Islands Expands Pacific-First COVID Vaccines For Fishermen
COVID vaccinations for commercial fishermen are being ramped up and expanded, following preparations involving multiple government agencies in the Marshall Islands over the past two weeks.
The Marshall Islands became the first nation in the Pacific islands to offer COVID vaccinations for fishermen on longline and purse seine vessels when it started in June in Majuro. Continue reading here (Source: Radio New Zealand).
Thai Union Surpasses Its 2020 Sustainable Tuna Commitment, New Progress Report Shows
Some 87 percent of Thai Union Group PCL’s branded tuna was sourced from MSC certified fisheries and Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) in 2020, surpassing its target of 75 percent and putting it on track to hit its goal of 100 percent. Continue reading here(Source: WebWire).
Thai Union Set to Raise Capital Spending to USD180 Million Next Year
SET-listed Thai Union Group (TU), a global seafood company, looks set to raise its capital expenditure to as much as 6 billion baht next year, higher than its average of 4-4.5 billion, to accommodate recovering overseas demand. Continue reading here (Source: Bangkok Post).
$3.6M in Aid Available to Fish Industries in Hawaii
Qualified fishers and seafood processors and dealers in Hawaii who lost business because of the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for some of the $3.6 million in federal CARES Act money allocated to the state.
Commercial fishing in Hawaii, like most of the state’s industries, struggled during the coronavirus pandemic as restaurants and businesses closed for extended periods while tourism was at a standstill, cutting the amount of fish sold by fishers. Continue reading here (Source: Star Advertiser).
Pacific Island Leaders Call For Vaccination of Fishermen, Seafarers, and Observers
Leaders of Pacific island nations are encouraging the region’s governments to prioritize the vaccination of fishing crews and seafarers in their national vaccination programs.
In a communique released by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders last week, 18 member countries and territories stated that vaccination will facilitate the transit and return of fishing crew and seafarers to their countries. The leaders have endorsed the Pacific fisheries ministers’ recommended actions to deal with the impact of COVID-19. Continue reading here (Source: SeafoodSource).
NOAA Rebukes EU Fishing Laws and Bans IUU Vessels From US Ports
This month NOAA released the 2021 Biennial Report to Congress for illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and bycatch of protected marine life on the high seas. In it, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reprimands several nations including the European Union for poor fishing regulation and says the worst offenders, starting with Mexican fishing vessels, will be denied entry into U.S. ports.
Mexico could also face import restrictions on fish and fish products. Continue reading here (Source: gCaptain).
Taiwan Seeks Consultation With US on IUU Fishing
Responding to the NOAA 2021 report on Improving International Fisheries Management, the Fisheries Agency of Taiwan has stated that it will initiate the consultation with the US, alongside an investigation into potential vessels involved.
The NOAA report identified Taiwan among 29 nations nations and entities as failing to adopt measures to mitigate the bycatch of sea turtles that are comparable in effectiveness to those of the US. Continue reading here (Source: FiskerForum).
