Fishing Fatalities Continue to be Major Concern For TSB
The high number of accidents involving loss of life on fishing vessels remains one of the key priorities for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
Commercial fishing industry fatalities was one of eight significant safety issues identified by the TSB in its 2014 Watchlist — released in late November of last year.
According to the TSB Watchlist, an average of 134 fishing vessel accidents per year were reported between 2009 and 2013 in Canada, which together comprised 40 per ...
Steady Lobster Landings off SW Nova Scotia
Prices Currently in the $5/Pound Range
Reports indicate lobster landings in LFA 34 have not been as good as last year, but harvesters in LFA 33, 35, 36 and 38 are performing well.
The weather played havoc with days at sea, well into the new year. Prices also weren’t as high as anticipated considering the demise of the Canadian dollar — a good 10 cents from a year ago - and the burgeoning Asian market for lobsters.
The opening was delayed in LFA 34, which was probably a good thing ...
Another Successful North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show
Three New NL Inductees Welcomed into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame
Oil and gas, fish processors, commercial fisheries and aquaculture were just some of the industries represented at the 2014 edition of the North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show, held November 28-29 at Mile One Centre in St. John’s.
This year’s show marked the fourth biennial edition of this all-encompassing commercial marine event. A broad exhibitor base showcased new and innovative products to 3,177 ...
P.E.I. Lobster Industry Finishes MSC Certification
The Prince Edward Island seafood industry announced in November it has completed the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification for lobster.
The certification is essential because domestically larger food retail companies such as Sobeys, Loblaws, Whole Food and Walmart now have requirements for all seafood to be sourced from sustainable fisheries. MSC is one of the third-party eco certification standards.
The MSC certification of the P.E.I. lobster trap fishery was the result of the ...
Atlantic Charger Living up to Expectations
Captain Brad Watkins has had more than a year to reflect on the performance of his new vessel, the Atlantic Charger and he really likes what he has seen to date. In mid-July, 2013, the Atlantic Charger was launched — a versatile 68.5-foot multi-species vessel, designed by TriNav Marine Design and built by Val Cull of Northern Boat Building and Repair in Port Saunders.
The Atlantic Charger has a bulbous bow, a nozzle, fuel efficiency components and the first autopilot system of its kind to ...
Bluefin Quota Increase Could Mean Additional $2 Million for Atlantic Fishermen
Things were a bit different at an ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) meeting in Italy in November.
A change in the make-up of the U.S. delegation meant support for tuna fishing quota increases.
At previous meetings, the U.S. delegation was led by a former employee of the PEW Foundation, a group dead-set against any quotas for bluefins, although scientific advice and fishermen lobbied heavily for increases.
The major factor in the decision for the ...
High Winds Delay LFA 33-34 Openings
Early Prices in $4/Pound Range
Sometimes Mother Nature works in your favour.
Lobster harvesters had been going through a rough time price-wise for a few years when a vote was taken a year ago last fall to delay the opening of the LFA 33-34 fishery by one week. The theory was it would enable the shells to harden and prevent a glut of sub-par lobsters on the market which depress prices.
The motion was narrowly defeated but the weather turned cold and windy for that first week so mission ...
