http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/ News about, and of interest to, the Commercial Fishing community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.Original content The Outer Banks Sentinel en-US Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:18:11 -0500 http://www.typepad.com/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nmsf-announces-2009-ernest-f-hollings-ocean-awareness-trust-fund-recipients.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nmsf-announces-2009-ernest-f-hollings-ocean-awareness-trust-fund-recipients.html These projects are dedicated to increasing public awareness of issues related to our ocean, including marine debris, human interaction with marine mammals, pollution, and the connection between the ocean and human health. Odds and Ends Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:18:11 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/united-states-pushes-for-strong-measures-to-protect-bluefin-tuna.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/united-states-pushes-for-strong-measures-to-protect-bluefin-tuna.html The status quo with respect to eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin is neither sustainable nor acceptable. NMFS Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:14:03 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/afloat-in-the-ocean-expanding-islands-of-trash-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/afloat-in-the-ocean-expanding-islands-of-trash-.html Light bulbs, bottle caps, toothbrushes, Popsicle sticks and tiny pieces of plastic, each the size of a grain of rice, inhabit the Pacific garbage patch, an area of widely dispersed trash that doubles in size every decade and is now believed to be roughly twice the size of Texas. Environment Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:11:11 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/edf-fishing-publishers-set-catchshare-forum-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/edf-fishing-publishers-set-catchshare-forum-.html At a pivotal moment for the New England fishing industry, the Environmental Defense Fund, a lead advocate of catch shares, and two fishing industry news publishers are co-sponsoring informational meetings. Limited Access Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:13:09 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/concerns-raised-over-marine-stewardship-councils-fish-label.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/concerns-raised-over-marine-stewardship-councils-fish-label.html An eco-labelling scheme intended to encourage people to eat fish from sustainable sources is being criticised by conservationists. Seafood Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:30 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/savingseafood---we-get-it-nmfs-employs-good-citizens-that-is-not-the-point.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/savingseafood---we-get-it-nmfs-employs-good-citizens-that-is-not-the-point.html SavingSeaFood - We get it. NMFS employs good citizens. That is not the point.. Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:54:57 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/canada-to-push-for-action-on-tuna-fishery.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/canada-to-push-for-action-on-tuna-fishery.html Countries must stop overfishing or Canada's tuna industry could be at risk. NMFS Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:51:42 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/savingseafood---barney-frank-asks-about-helping-fisherman-get-coverage-under-health-care-bill.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/savingseafood---barney-frank-asks-about-helping-fisherman-get-coverage-under-health-care-bill.html SavingSeaFood - Barney Frank Asks About Helping Fisherman Get Coverage Under Health Care Bill. Captain Ahab Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:44:12 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/florida-oyster-advocates-fuming-over-fda-treatment.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/florida-oyster-advocates-fuming-over-fda-treatment.html On Thursday, Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Mary Landrieu, D-La., and David Vitter, R-La., announced a bill to stop the FDA's plan. Seafood Captain Ahab Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:39:11 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/as-oceans-fall-ill-washington-bureaucrats-squabble.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/as-oceans-fall-ill-washington-bureaucrats-squabble.html The danger signals are everywhere. Environment Captain Ahab Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:33:41 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nmfs-proposes-adjustments-to-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-regulations.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nmfs-proposes-adjustments-to-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-regulations.html NMFS would increase the General Category maximum daily retention limit and allow the full January General Category subquota to be reached. NMFS Captain Ahab Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:18:17 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/requests-for-help-skyrocket.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/requests-for-help-skyrocket.html Jay Burrus, director of Dare County Department of Social Services, recently told members of the North Banks Rotary Club that the past year had been record-setting for his agency. Hatteras Connection Captain Ahab Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:21:09 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/good-news-bad-news-hatteras-islanders-feel-the-impact.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/good-news-bad-news-hatteras-islanders-feel-the-impact.html The state of Dare County's economy is a classic example of whether one chooses to view the glass half empty or half full...or acknowledge the fact that there's plenty of room for improvement. Hatteras Connection Captain Ahab Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:18:50 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/hatteras-connection-will-help-island-food-programs.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/hatteras-connection-will-help-island-food-programs.html Hatteras Connection will hold a seafood fundraiser for Hatteras Island Food Pantry and Hatteras Island Meals, Inc. on Tuesday, December 8, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Hatteras Village Civic Center. Hatteras Connection Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:06:35 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/sport-anglers-applaud-decision-on-striped-bass-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/sport-anglers-applaud-decision-on-striped-bass-.html If the proposal had passed, states with commercial fisheries would have been allowed to carry over unused quotas from one year to the next. Atlantic States MFC Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:55:09 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nantucket-scallops-open-at-8-per-pound.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nantucket-scallops-open-at-8-per-pound.html Island fish markets were paying scallopers $8 a pound for shucked meat, and charging $12 retail. Odds and Ends Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:51:29 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/mississippi-fishing-boat-captains-to-bring-complaints-to-state-officials.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/mississippi-fishing-boat-captains-to-bring-complaints-to-state-officials.html Like a chum slick on a strong tide, angler discontent over federal fisheries management decisions is spreading across the country. NMFS Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:45:23 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/whale-watch-endangered-designation-in-danger-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/whale-watch-endangered-designation-in-danger-.html In a critical test of population genetics and global conservation management, federal experts are expected to use all of that new data to revamp the way they evaluate humpback whales under the Endangered Species Act. Protected Resources Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:40:57 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/tbfs-peel-representing-us-as-commissioner-to-iccat-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/tbfs-peel-representing-us-as-commissioner-to-iccat-.html The Billfish Foundation President Ellen Peel in Brazil for 10 day worldwide summit but is not overly optimistic about strong conservation measures being passed. Politics Recreational Fishing Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:34:23 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/rfa-allies-officially-file-suit-on-sea-bass-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/rfa-allies-officially-file-suit-on-sea-bass-.html Charges NMFS With "Failure to Comply With The Law" November 6, 2009 - In a 40-page legal challenge submitted before the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on November 4, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and industry allies have officially... Recreational Fishing Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:53:01 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/proposed-quota-frustrating-for-sustainable-fishery.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/proposed-quota-frustrating-for-sustainable-fishery.html Just two weeks later, however, the New England Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee spoiled the party and stunned the industry by recommending that the allowable catch for 2010 be pegged at the 2007 level. New England FMC Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:49:45 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/asmfc-weakfish-board-adopts-addendum-iv-in-response-to-depleted-stock-status-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/asmfc-weakfish-board-adopts-addendum-iv-in-response-to-depleted-stock-status-.html The Commission's Weakfish Management Board approved measures to reduce exploitation by over 50 percent in both the recreational and commercial sectors. Atlantic States MFC Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:17:08 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/congressman-frank-to-noaa-chief-many-questions-on-catch-shares-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/congressman-frank-to-noaa-chief-many-questions-on-catch-shares-.html Frank said his "biggest fear" in the transformation of the New England groundfishery from a system viewing fish as a common resource to one opening the door to market principles "is the real threat of significant consolidation." Limited Access Captain Ahab Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:12:10 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/pews-catchshare-paper-reiterates-need-to-push-back-catch-shares-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/pews-catchshare-paper-reiterates-need-to-push-back-catch-shares-.html The words from Lee Crocker, director of Pew's federal fisheries policy — outlined during a nationwide teleconference Tuesday and reported in yesterday's Times — took many by surprise. Limited Access Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:05 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/seafood-by-the-roadside-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/seafood-by-the-roadside-.html Keesee operates Bubba John’s Shrimp and Seafood, a pristine roadside seafood stand. Business & Ventures Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:09:05 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/asfmc-denies-increase-in-commercial-striped-bass-harvest.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/asfmc-denies-increase-in-commercial-striped-bass-harvest.html The proposal would have allowed commercial fishermen to add at least half of their uncaught commercial striped bass quota to their quota for the following year. Atlantic States MFC Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:17:46 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/catch-share-slowup-hailed-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/catch-share-slowup-hailed-.html Congressman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said he would take up the possibility of hearings with the chairwoman of the House Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. Limited Access Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:14:20 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nominating-committee-to-meet.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/nominating-committee-to-meet.html The committee will select candidates for nomination to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council obligatory seat for North Carolina. NC MFC South Atlantic FMC Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:35:00 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/economy-forces-crockers-marine-to-close.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/economy-forces-crockers-marine-to-close.html Boats are “not a viable business right now." Boats and Safety Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:10:21 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fisheries-director-announces-waterfront-access-sites.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fisheries-director-announces-waterfront-access-sites.html The funding is pending state appraisals, successful price negotiations for property acquisition and possible supplementary finances through other sources. Working Waterfronts Captain Ahab Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/thursday-meeting-reminder.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/thursday-meeting-reminder.html Please attend a planning meeting Thursday, November 5, 2 p.m., at the Fessenden Center in Buxton. Hatteras Connection Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:28:42 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/asmfc-atlantic-striped-bass-assessment-update-finds-resource-not-overfished-and-overfishing-not-occu.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/asmfc-atlantic-striped-bass-assessment-update-finds-resource-not-overfished-and-overfishing-not-occu.html The 2009 Atlantic striped stock assessment update indicates that the resource remains in good condition. Atlantic States MFC Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:26:53 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/request-for-oversight-hearings-on-catch-shares.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/request-for-oversight-hearings-on-catch-shares.html We are concerned that without specific conditions to protect community-based fishermen, catch shares will essentially permanently consolidate our fisheries in the hands of a few individuals and corporations and effectively exclude most others. Limited Access Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:42:50 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/falling-for-fig-cake.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/falling-for-fig-cake.html Fig trees flourish in the island's sandy soil and benefit from the nutrients released by the clam and oyster shells that locals use as mulch around the trees' trunks. Coastal Culture Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:23:26 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/pew-go-slow-on-catch-shares-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/pew-go-slow-on-catch-shares-.html "One size fits all is inappropriate and ignores local variability." Limited Access Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:57:27 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/observer-coverage-of-nmfs.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/observer-coverage-of-nmfs.html I am very surprised there has not been a class action lawsuit concerning the shortfalls of the current VMS system. Boats and Safety NMFS Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:05:00 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/sample-letter-supporting-rothschild-for-nmfs-chief.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/sample-letter-supporting-rothschild-for-nmfs-chief.html We in the fishing community are convinced that his nomination would help to balance the disproportionate amount of agenda driven people recently appointed to several posts at NMFS/NOAA. Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/state-wildlife-conservation-group-calls-for-restoration-of-integrity-for-state-wildlife-commission.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/state-wildlife-conservation-group-calls-for-restoration-of-integrity-for-state-wildlife-commission.html The state's leading conservation organization dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-based outdoor recreation has asked Governor Beverly Purdue to investigate allegations that appointments to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission were made in return for political donations Politics Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:31:12 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/edfs-kate-bonzon-responds-to-the-pew-catch-share-report.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/edfs-kate-bonzon-responds-to-the-pew-catch-share-report.html "I found it over-simplistic, somewhat confusing and lacking any new insight into catch shares and effective design." Limited Access Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:26:51 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/the-pew-environment-groups-catch-share-white-paper-design-matters.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/the-pew-environment-groups-catch-share-white-paper-design-matters.html Zeke Grader of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, expressed concern about any mandate that catch shares have to be considered for every fishery. Limited Access Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:17:30 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/us-senate-hearing-on-ocean-policy-wednesday-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/us-senate-hearing-on-ocean-policy-wednesday-.html The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on The Future of Ocean Governance: Building Our National Ocean Policy. Politics Captain Ahab Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:09:05 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fish-share-proposal-rankles-activists.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fish-share-proposal-rankles-activists.html And consumers will be able to get fresh fish more often than before, said Johanna Thomas of the Environmental Defense Fund, a supporter of catch shares. Limited Access Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:40:55 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/oysters-bountiful-in-tangier-sound-just-250-oystermen-now-work-bay.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/oysters-bountiful-in-tangier-sound-just-250-oystermen-now-work-bay.html While oysters have made a partial comeback since the late 1980s when the oyster diseases MSX and dermo devastated the population, the annual harvest last year was 100,000 bushels compared to 2 million two decades ago, said Mike Naylor, assistant director of the state's Fisheries Service. Odds and Ends Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:29 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/hitandrun-may-have-caused-boat-to-sink-off-nj-coast.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/hitandrun-may-have-caused-boat-to-sink-off-nj-coast.html The voice, with a southern accent, sounded scared and appeared to say a single word: "Mayday!" Boats and Safety Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:25:47 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/council-weighs-what-to-save-fish-or-jobs.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/council-weighs-what-to-save-fish-or-jobs.html The moves affect both recreational and commercial fishing, and could eventually affect tourism if people can't come and catch the fish they want, or if they can't dine on the local fresh-caught fish they expect. South Atlantic FMC Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:21:57 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/a-maine-idea-that-could-help-the-nation.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/a-maine-idea-that-could-help-the-nation.html If we are to continue to save what is left of this country's working waterfront, local and state groups need the help of the federal government in this effort. Working Waterfronts Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:13:37 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/dnr-retires-530-crab-catcher-licenses-through-buyback-program.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/dnr-retires-530-crab-catcher-licenses-through-buyback-program.html The agency will continue to pay $2,260 per license until the budget is exhausted, or until it has purchased 1,327 — more than one-third — of the 3,676 existing LCC licenses. Blue Crabs Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:50 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fishermen-friends-protest-at-homeless-panhandling-spot--1.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fishermen-friends-protest-at-homeless-panhandling-spot--1.html “Save a fisherman and our fish, uproot a Crabtree.” NMFS Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:57:07 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fishermen-friends-protest-at-homeless-panhandling-spot-.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/fishermen-friends-protest-at-homeless-panhandling-spot-.html “Save a fisherman and our fish, uproot a Crabtree.” NMFS Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:57:04 -0500 http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/study-shows-fish-diverting-north-to-cooler-waters.html http://ahabsjournal.typepad.com/ahabs_journal/2009/11/study-shows-fish-diverting-north-to-cooler-waters.html The fish migration northward could mean that fishermen will have to travel farther to catch familiar species but might also see new opportunities in species coming up from southern waters. Environment Stock Assessments & Research Captain Ahab Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:18:13 -0500