News
This tutorial was designed for mariners and vessel operators like you who work out at sea and want to help protect everyone’s favourite locals.
The objective of this tutorial is to help mariners recognize local whales and to provide suggested navigation strategies when encountering them in the Pacific Northwest coast.
By Undercurrent News March 7, 2019 17:03 GMT
Three Chinese companies say the bigeye tuna fishery they harvest from in the Federated States of Micronesia is now the first to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.
In a press release published Thursday, Liancheng Overseas Fishery (Shenzhen) Co., China Southern Fishery Shenzhen Co. and Liancheng Overseas Fishery Co. said in a press release that they have just achieved MSC certification for bigeye following an independent assessment by Control Union. They said they achieved MSC for yellowfin in the same fishery in October.
The latest stock assessment for bigeye in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) shows that stocks are healthy and being fished at a sustainable rate, the companies said. But the certification is conditional based upon the adoption of harvest strategies by all of the member states of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) by 2021.
For the full article follow the link below:
Chuck Chiang / Business in Vancouver MARCH 10, 2019 07:00 AM
For some of B.C.’s largest export sectors, a potential disruption of trade with China — the spectre of which has risen after the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. CFO Meng Wanzhou last December — would be severe if not catastrophic.
That is the view from several B.C. officials in industries such as forestry, seafood, wine and international education, where efforts to diversify their markets beyond the United States, as promoted by Ottawa and the provincial government in the last decade, have helped build deep links with China’s economy as the latter grew to become Canada’s second-largest trade partner.
For the full article click on the link below:
https://www.vancourier.com/news/b-c-exporters-feel-chill-in-canada-china-freeze-1.23656321
Research surveys in 2018 showed promising signs of rebounding sea life after The Blob, an unprecedented warming event that began in 2014 off the West Coast.
By Lynda V. Mapes Seattle Times environment reporter
Ocean conditions are improving for salmon entering the ocean this year, several years after The Blob, an unusually warm water event that began forming in 2014, scientists announced Friday.Research surveys in 2018 confirmed tiny animals that stoke the food chain were nice and fatty. Anchovies, an important forage fish, were increasing in number. Sea lion pups were numerous and growing well, and fish-eating sea birds going strong.
To read the full article click on the link below:
Transport Canada has released a new form to be used when recording vessel modifications:
Visit: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/bulletins-2019-03-eng.htm for more information.
Transport Canada created the Fishing Vessel Record of Modifications Affecting Stability to:
give authorized representatives a way to record modifications over time and help them meet the requirements of the FVSR
help authorized representatives know when to ask for advice from a competent person and when to update their stability information
When they inspect or monitor a vessel, Transport Canada inspectors will ask to review this form. Inspectors may use this opportunity to discuss the extent and potential impacts of the modifications it lists. They will note any modifications on the vessel’s inspection record.
During an inspection or monitoring inspection, the inspector will also verify that, if required:
There is a signed copy of the stability booklet or record of stability onboard
The signed copy is up to date and accurately reflects the vessel’s configuration (length, breadth, draught, tonnage, equipment onboard, etc.) and fishing activities
A stability notice is posted onboard the vessel
When a vessel is inspected, if the inspector determines it was modified and its stability should have been reassessed or is inadequate, they may require a stability assessment.
When the vessel is modified, the authorized representative must complete this form, noting:
any additions or changes (other than routine maintenance) to lifting equipment and fishing gear
any changes in the fishing method, the type of fish caught or the way the catch is stowed
any modifications to the vessel’s structure, equipment or gear that add, remove or result in the relocation of weights more than 100 kg (220 pounds), along with smaller weights if they adversely affect vessel stability
that the vessel has an up-to-date stability assessment, which accurately reflects the vessel’s configuration and what it is used for
Lastly, add the date of the modification and initial the line. Include any photos or drawings of the modification, if possible. During the inspection, if there were no modifications, write “no modifications,” the date and your initials on the next available line.
For more detailed information on major modifications or a change in activity, read Transport Canada’s TP 15392 – Guidelines for Fishing Vessel Major Modifications or a Change in Activity.
You can get more information about major modifications by contacting your nearest Transport Canada regional office.
Lab-grown meat is not a new industry but recently companies have turned their attention to formulating lab-grown seafood. Plant based “tuna” will be on shelves at Whole Foods and Thrive Market this week. Made from beans legumes and algae, food developers have attempted to capture tuna’s distinct flavour and texture in their newest product although they claim the product does not have the same aroma.
BC Albacore is a sustainable source for healthy marine protein both for the consumer and the ocean it is harvested from. By supporting sustainable fisheries we can ensure our oceans are productive and can employ future fishing generations to come.
An MPA proposed for an area off the Eastern Shore Islands is receiving push back from local lobster fishermen, despite DFO attempting to allay fears.
Canada has committed to protect 10 percent of coastal and ocean waters by 2020.
The proposed MPA would potentially allow lobster fishing as it does not affect the target protected species and habitat such as eel grass and cod habitat.
To read more visit:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/no-mpa-here-signs-eastern-shore-1.4996534
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the BC Tuna Fishermen’s Association is called for and will be held at the Beban Park Social Centre, Room 2 & 3 (2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 3K7) on February 26th 2019 from 0900-1700 for the following purposes:
Receive the reports and statements required by the Societies Act to be placed before the meeting.
Elect directors if there is a vacancy.
Transaction of such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.
If you have a proposal to bring before the association please send a notice of the matter at least 14 days before the date of the AGM (Feb 26).
This notice will also be posted on the bctfa.com website.
Please see the BCTFA constitution https://www.bctfa.com/projects/ for details concerning voting, proxy voting, quorum requirements and other details. If you have any questions please contact Tiare, tiare@leewardltd.com.
Excellent news for the new year:
Sustainability Survey for Canadian Fisheries for 2017 was recently released.
Results indicate that 95% of Canada’s major fish stocks were harvested with in desired levels. B.C. Albacore Tuna remains in the stock status: “Healthy Zone”
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/sff-cpd/survey-sondage/index-en.html
“This year was tough for fishermen in northwest B.C., and while the stewards of the fishing industry hope that 2019 will bring improvements, they understand there are still many challenges to overcome.
“We’re hopeful that we won’t necessarily see the same kind of crisis-like conditions as this year, but we’re still looking at a grim situation for the coming year,” said Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) North Coast area director Colin Masson. “It might not be as bad as last year, but it’s still going to be difficult and these discussions are really important for moving forward.”
Cullen also said that the industry’s next generation of fishermen face more barriers than their predecessors. Citing owner-operator licences as an example, Cullen said changes could be made in policy that would help to level the playing field.
“If you own a fishing licence, you should fish the fishing licence. That’s the reality on the East Coast, but DFO doesn’t have that policy on the West Coast,” he said. “That’s the thing, returning the benefits back to the communities who are the stewards of this resource.”
Read more:
https://www.thenorthernview.com/news/grim-situation-in-coming-year-for-northwest-b-c-fisheries/
