Saving Seafood

State and Local

MAINE: State selects Sears Island as preferred site for Maine’s new offshore wind port

February 21, 2024 — The state has selected Sears Island in Penobscot Bay as its preferred site for the new hub for Maine’s floating offshore wind power industry, where turbines and other components will be assembled and shipped to the Gulf of Maine, Gov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday.

The 100-acre site in Searsport was one of several considered in a more than two-year review by Maine officials. The location is on a one-third portion of Sears Island that the state Department of Transportation has reserved for development. The other two-thirds are in a permanent conservation easement held by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Mills touted the need to generate wind power to fight climate change while boosting skilled manufacturing jobs in a region that a local official said has not recovered from the 2014 shutdown of the Bucksport paper mill.

Read the full article at the Sun Journal

Labeling lawsuits reshaping sustainable seafood marketing strategies

February 21, 2024 — A series of lawsuits related to sustainability claims and eco-labels have changed the seafood industry’s approach to marketing sustainability bona fides. Lawsuits filed against Mowi, Gorton’s, ALDI, Conagra, Bumble Bee Foods, and Red Lobster are either pending or have resulted in settlements.

The suits should be a wake-up call to the seafood industry that it needs to change its marketing practices, according to Arlin Wasserman – the founder and managing director of Changing Tastes, a seafood industry consultancy working at the intersection of sustainability, public health, information technology, demographics, and the changing role of the culinary professional. Wasserman, who was previously the vice president of sustainability at foodservice provider Sodexo, recently discussed how companies can adapt and modernize their marketing campaigns with SeafoodSource. 

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

ASMFC Releases Fish Habitat of Concern Designations for Commission-managed Fish and Shellfish Species

February 21, 2024 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

In recognition of the importance of protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish habitats along the Atlantic coast for the sustainability of fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission announces the release of its newest habitat document: Fish Habitat of Concern Designations for Fish and Shellfish Species. This document focuses on identifying Fish Habitat of Concern (FHOC) for fish and shellfish species managed solely by the Commission, aiming to concentrate conservation efforts on specific habitats that are ecologically invaluable and necessary to support each life stage of these species. It offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory and policy framework for habitat descriptions in Commission fishery management plans and will serve as the primary habitat guidance document for Commission-managed species.

FHOCs constitute a subset of fish habitat, such as submerged aquatic vegetation, spawning grounds, or types of nearshore estuarine habitat, that are of high ecological importance, rare, sensitive, or vulnerable to development threats. These areas are defined based on criteria similar to federally-designated Habitat Areas of Particular Concern under the purview of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA). However, since species solely managed by the Commission do not fall under the MSA, their habitats currently lack federal legal protection, and consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service is not required.
This document addresses this gap in protection by emphasizing the critical role habitats play in fisheries production and ecosystem function. FHOC descriptions will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. The Commission believes that by highlighting the importance of these habitats for the species under its management, stakeholders and policymakers will better understand the need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of Atlantic coast fisheries.
The document is available at http://asmfc.org/files/Habitat/FHOC_Designations_January2024.pdf. For more information, please contact Simen Kaalstad, Habitat Coordinator, at skaalstad@asmfc.org.

Another Year Of Protecting A Precious Population

February 21, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Assessment and recovery camps in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are essential to guiding the recovery of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The completion of the 2023 camp contributes to a proud 40-year conservation science legacy. Throughout August and September, the team conducted a 28-day research mission and established short (16- to 20-day) camps at select locations throughout the monument.

During the 2023 camp, NOAA researchers and partners accomplished much in an effort to recover this endangered species, including:

  • Conducting 27 Hawaiian monk seal interventions to improve seal survival
  • Documenting 170 pups born in the monument
  • Releasing five rehabilitated seals back into the wild

NOAA researchers share their successes and reflections from this important mission and other Hawaiian monk seal monitoring efforts over the past year.

Counting Together—and On One Another

One of the most important parts of researching any species, especially a species with low numbers, is to know exactly how many individuals exist in a population. Without a way to tell individual animals apart, this can be incredibly difficult. When monk seal pups wean from their mothers at a few weeks of age, researchers apply colored tags to their hind flippers—a very important field camp task! Once a monk seal is no longer a pup and more mobile, it is very difficult to apply flipper tags. The tags are engraved with a unique number and letter series that, along with color, can be used to identify that particular seal. Tag colors represent the place in Hawai‘i they were born.

Thanks to the ability to uniquely identify individual monk seals, NOAA researchers have estimated the population size of Hawaiian monk seals to be 1,605 (2022). Annual field camps and tagging are necessary for monitoring population estimates. The past year underscored just how important partners are to this large undertaking. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project all contributed to monitoring and tagging efforts throughout the monument. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rescued a seal without a clear path to the ocean due to aging infrastructure at Sand Island, Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project team even removed an eel from the nose of a monk seal pup!

Thanks to the ability to uniquely identify individual monk seals, NOAA researchers have estimated the population size of Hawaiian monk seals to be 1,605 (2022). Annual field camps and tagging are necessary for monitoring population estimates. The past year underscored just how important partners are to this large undertaking. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project all contributed to monitoring and tagging efforts throughout the monument. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rescued a seal without a clear path to the ocean due to aging infrastructure at Sand Island, Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project team even removed an eel from the nose of a monk seal pup!

ALASKA: Biden-Harris Administration announces $1 million to support climate resilience in remote Alaska communities as part of Investing in America agenda

February 21, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced the availability of $1 million for multi-year funding opportunities that will be distributed through the Alaska Fisheries Science Center Indigenous Engagement Program to support remote Alaska communities. This investment — funded by the Inflation Reduction Act — will help NOAA Fisheries advance efforts to promote climate resilience and food security in remote Alaska communities, strengthen collaboration with tribal governments and Indigenous communities and engage Indigenous Knowledge holder voices in NOAA Fisheries science. The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in climate resilience and adaptation, including more than $50 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda.

“This opportunity will enable entities working to benefit Indigenous Knowledge holders, including tribes and Alaska Native community members to advance equity and environmental justice — including just treatment, equal opportunities and environmental benefits for all people and communities and respect for tribal sovereignty,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Through this effort we hope to support research projects that address community concerns while enabling NOAA Fisheries to meet its research mission through collaborative and co-produced research.”

Up to $500,000 will be available in fiscal year 2024, with remaining funding potentially available in future years for continuation of work. Under this funding opportunity, projects will address one of three priority areas:

  • Support and collaborate with existing Indigenous Knowledge networks to build capacity in remote Arctic communities in line with the NOAA Fisheries Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy.
  • Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into existing science, where possible, to build climate resilience in communities on the front lines of climate change in the Arctic. This requires NOAA services in the form of partnerships, internships and education opportunities.
  • Conduct collaborative and co-produced research providing opportunities for the co-development of research and knowledge needs with academic, international and Indigenous partners at the Inuit Circumpolar Council. 

“NOAA Fisheries recently produced its first Equity and Environmental Justice Policy with a goal of better serving all communities more equitably and effectively,” said Janet Coit, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Through this funding opportunity, we hope to put that policy into practice by supporting efforts that build partnerships and promote knowledge sharing to advance climate adaptation and planning for Alaska communities on the frontlines of climate change.”

This multi-year funding opportunity aims to provide crucial support for 5-15 innovative projects per year, with individual project funding ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. In an effort to foster impactful and diverse projects, NOAA encourages project proposals within the specified funding range. 

In December 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a first-of-its kind Indigenous Knowledge guidance on incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in federal research, policy and decision-making at the Tribal Nations Summit. The Biden-Harris Administration formally recognizes Indigenous Knowledge as one of the many important bodies of knowledge that contribute to the scientific, technical, social and economic advancements of the United States and our collective understanding of the natural world.

Interested organizations are invited to submit their applications by Friday, April 26, 2024. To access detailed guidelines and submit a proposal, please visit the NOAA Fisheries website. Questions regarding this funding opportunity may be directed to Laura Hoberecht via phone (206) 526-4194 or email Laura.Hoberecht@noaa.gov. NOAA Fisheries will also host public webinars to answer questions regarding this funding opportunity. 

As part of NOAA Climate-Ready Fisheries, NOAA is committed to bolstering the nation’s $370 billion fishing industry and the states, communities and tribes who rely upon it. In addition to the funding opportunity outlined above, NOAA will invest $145 million to address NOAA Fisheries’ data acquisition priorities. More details about this funding will be coming soon. 

Please visit NOAA’s Inflation Reduction Act website for updates on current and future funding opportunities. 

More areas around Kodiak Island could become critical habitat for endangered North Pacific Right Whales

February 21, 2024 — The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is in the process of expanding the critical habitat of North Pacific Right Whales off the coast of Alaska. If finalized, the rare marine species could have further protections near Kodiak Island and other waters across the Gulf of Alaska.

It’s estimated that less than 50 North Pacific Right Whales exist today in a range that extends from Hawaii to the southeastern Bering Sea and beyond. The rare species of whale has been on the Endangered Species List since 1970 after historical whaling activities decimated the population.

Conservation areas for the whales already exist in parts of the Southeastern Bering Sea and a small area south of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, totaling over 35,000 square miles. They were established 15 years ago in 2008, when the NMFS established critical habitat for the endangered whale.

But in 2022, two environmental groups: the Center for Biological Diversity and Save the North Pacific Right Whale, petitioned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to add thousands more square miles to the animals’ critical habitat area in Alaska. NMFS announced its intent to expand those boundaries last fall after completing a year-long review.

Read the full article at Alaska Public Media

VIRGINIA: Northumberland makes support for Reedville menhaden operations official

February 21, 2024 — Northumberland has made an official show of support for Omega Protein and their fishing partner, Ocean Harvesters, in a resolution that states the companies “have proven to be extremely environmentally conscious.”

The move comes in response to an ongoing push for action by opponents of the Reedville-based menhaden operations.

There’s one thing we need to jump on fast, Supervisor James Long said last month at a tri-body meeting including the Supervisors, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Commission. He noted that  Northumberland Supervisors received word that forces in Northampton County were trying to hurt the Reedville fishing industry and shut it down.

Long said it was very important for the County to get in contact with the leadership at Omega Protein and see what the County could do. “Because if that is closed or hurt, we are talking about a lot of men in Lancaster and Northumberland losing jobs,” he said.

Seemingly emphasizing that this matter should be met with action, Long noted that when there were issues stirring around the Reedville operations about 10 years ago, he went to Colonial Beach to speak with some people.

Read the full article at News On The Neck

Portion of Washington hydroelectric dam harms salmon and must be removed, federal judge rules

February 21, 2024 — A portion of a dam on the Puyallup River in Washington, operated by the utility company Electron Hydro, must be removed because it harms fish protected by the Endangered Species Act, a federal judge ruled Friday morning.

In December 2020, Electron Hydro attempted to replace a central portion of the dam, which lies on the Puyallup River near Tacoma. A temporary bypass channel was lined with field turf, rubber and other materials. Then it ruptured, spilling its contents into the river.

Once authorities were notified of the spill, Electron Hydro was ordered to clean up the river before continuing any construction on the dam. Where the temporary bypass channel once stood, Electron erected a temporary rock dam which remains in place to this day.

The Puyallup Tribe, a federally recognized tribe in western Washington, sued Electron Hydro in 2020, claiming that the company polluted the river with toxic materials when the the temporary bypass ruptured.

The tribe also claimed the rock dam impeded the upstream travel and spawning of endangered Chinook salmon, bull trout and steelhead trout. This amounts to an illegal taking of the fish, the tribe says, because Electron Hydro does not possess permits to take any of the fish.

In an 11-page opinion, Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour found the tribe presented extensive evidence that the rock dam impedes safe passage for the fish. (Electron Hydro had not argued otherwise.) Since the case is an Endangered Species Act case, he wrote, the tribe needs only to prove that irreparable injury has occurred.

A Reagan appointee, Coughenour pointed to evidence presented by the tribe of “attraction flows” — that is, accelerated water which attracts migrating fish to the rock structure and away from the fish ladder that would allow them to continue upstream.

Read the full article at Courthouse News Service

WASHINGTON: A company linked to Patagonia’s founder got the edge in Washington’s land-based salmon race. Some wonder why.

February 20, 2024 — An introductory meeting was enough for a little-known Canadian group with links to the founder of outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia to initiate a partnership giving it first crack at revolutionizing the salmon farming industry in the US state of Washington.

Nova Scotia-based Sustainable Blue left that meeting, in January 2023, with agreement to draft a Letter of Intent (LOI) to develop the first land-based salmon farm in the state, according to multiple emails and documents obtained by IntraFish.

Just three months later, Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz – a key decision-maker on aquaculture policy in the state, and a participant in that meeting – announced the partnership to the public.

The unusual speed of the deal between Sustainable Blue and Washington’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has raised questions among established aquaculture companies, several of which say they were excluded from the selection process or consulted only after the LOI was signed.

The agreement has also invited scrutiny of the relationships between Franz, Patagonia and a non-governmental organization by the name of Wild Fish Conservancy, each of which has campaigned on different fronts against farming salmon in netpens.

This month, Franz was a keynote speaker in Reykjavik at the launch of Patagonia’s new film, “Laxaþjóð: A Salmon Nation”, which is part of a campaign to end netpen salmon farming in Iceland.

Read the full article at Intrafish

Another death of critically endangered North Atlantic right whale renews calls for shipping regulations

February 20, 2024 — Another death of a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has renewed calls for regulation of shipping lane speed limits to protect the dwindling species and other marine life.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported a dead right whale floating about 20 miles off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia, on Thursday. NOAA Fisheries was first alerted to the juvenile female whale, an offspring born to a tracked whale named Pilgrim, the previous Tuesday.

Read the full article at ABC News