TOP STORY
Ropeless gear puts South Atlantic black sea bass fishermen back on the water
For first time in nearly a decade, South Atlantic pot fishermen will be able to harvest black sea bass in winter months, bringing life back to an artisanal, yet economically important, fishery for Southern ports. NMFS recently granted an Exempted Fishing Permit — the first of its kind — that allows fishermen to deploy ropeless gear to catch the species.
NORTHEAST
Maine officials say ‘weak rope’ shortage requires delaying whale rules
A renewed call to delay the May 1 deadline for converting lobster gear to protect right whales came from Maine elected officials, who say the lobster industry cannot obtain the required weak rope and breakaway links in time.
CURRENT ISSUE
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ALASKA
Bering Sea snow crab: Still on hold
What’s the plan for Alaska’s Bering Sea snow crab fishery? As it turns out, we may not know until June.
An unexpected and precipitous drop in the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) estimated biomass resulted in an official “overfished” designation from NMFS on Oct. 19, 2021.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
A Fish Wife Can Pick ’Em: 8 Go-To Gifts for Your Valentine
We’ve all experienced the missed birthday or holiday over a fishing season, and it sucks. But it’s part of the job when you’re a fisherman or in a relationship with one.
ALASKA
Alone on the Fish: Waiting to Deliver
Alaska fisherman and Fisherpoet Pat Dixon’s memoir is the story of a young greenhorn from Indiana, who ventures into the fishing life and makes it his life.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
COMPETES Act passes house, will expand seafood import monitoring
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American COMPETES Act on Friday, Feb. 4 on a near party-line vote.
The $350 billion spending bill tackles supply chain and trade issues included several fishing provisions from other bills – including the expansion of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) to cover all species that enter American ports.
ALASKA
NMFS refuses emergency action on Bering Sea salmon bycatch
A request by Alaskan Native groups for NMFS emergency action on salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery has been denied by the agency, saying the petition in effect asks for closure of the fishery, and would not address recent salmon run failures in western Alaska.
