From: Kate Wing <[log in to unmask]>
Sharks. On Apr. 22, 1997, the VA Marine Resources Commission
voted to prohibit the commercial landing of sharks less than 58
inches in length. On May 2, 1997, a coalition of commercial
fishermen filed suit against the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in
federal District Court, arguing that catch limits for Atlantic
sharks are arbitrary and capricious and contending that NMFS
violated its regulatory procedures. {On May 14, 1997, NMFS
announced that the commercial quota for large coastal Atlantic
sharks for the season beginning July 1, 1997, was being reduced
from 642 metric tons to 326 metric tons to compensate for
overharvesting BY 316 METRIC TONS during the first six months of
the year.} [NMFS press release, Assoc Press]
French Port Blockade. On Apr. 22, 1997, French fishing vessels
blockaded the French ports of Calais, Boulogne, and Dunkirk, in a
protest of EU regulations increasing mesh size for fixed sole
nets from 80 mm to 120 mm in Jan. 1998. On Apr. 23, 1997, a
French court ordered the fishermen to lift the blockade. The
fishermen complied on Apr. 24, after French officials promised
to raise fishermen's concerns at a June 17 EU ministers' meeting
and negotiated for shipping companies to drop claims for
compensation from the fishermen for losses during the blockade.
[Dow Jones News, Reuters]
Navy Pays for Coral Reef Damage. On Apr. 22, 1997, the FL Dept.
of Environmental Protection signed a settlement agreement with
the U.S. Navy, whereby the Navy will pay FL $750,000 to settle a
$2 million lawsuit over coral reef damage by a nuclear submarine
on Feb. 25, 1993, near Hollywood, FL. [Assoc Press]
Japan-China Fishery Agreement. On Apr. 21-22, 1997, Japanese
and Chinese negotiators conducted working-level discussions on a
new provisional bilateral fishery agreement. Negotiators agreed
to consider a fishery agreement separately from territorial
disputes. Negotiators will resume discussions in May 1997 in
Beijing, with the objective of concluding an agreement by summer
1997. [Dow Jones News]
New England Groundfish. On Apr. 21, 1997, the U.S. Dept. of
Commerce/NOAA charged 2 New Bedford, MA, seafood companies with
113 violations for illegally buying and selling groundfish and
scallops over an 18-month period. NOAA alleges that false
reporting permitted vessels to fish longer than allowed and to
land more fish than permitted. NOAA is seeking $4.7 million in
civil penalties and revocation of dealer permits held by the 2
companies. On May 3, 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard seized the
catch from 2 vessels found fishing in closed waters off Cape Cod,
MA. [Assoc Press, NOAA press release]
AK IFQ Case. On Apr. 21, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a
hearing on the lawsuit of the Alliance Against IFQs (individual
fishing quotas) against the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, wherein the Alliance
argued that the federal quota system unfairly eliminated
fishermen from AK's halibut and blackcod fisheries. [Assoc
Press]
Salmon Along the Pacific Coast
{TRIBES ABANDON SALMON POLICY REVIEW PROCESS. ON MAY 15, 1997,
THE YAKAMA, WARM SPRINGS, UMATILLA, AND NEZ PERCE TRIBES
ANNOUNCED THAT THEY NO LONGER WOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE FORMED TO CONSIDER DISPUTE RESOLUTION CONCERNING
FEDERAL SALMON RESTORATION POLICY. THE TRIBES EXPRESSED CONCERNS
THAT FEDERAL POLICY DECISIONS APPEARED TO GIVE LIMITED
CONSIDERATION TO THE TRIBES' POSITION ON THE ISSUES.} [ASSOC
PRESS]
{License Plates for Salmon. On May 9, 1997, the OR House
Transportation Committee approved a license plate design showing
a salmon, with a portion of the funds from plate purchase to be
dedicated to salmon restoration.} [Assoc Press]
Umpqua River Cutthroat Trout Lawsuit. On May 7, 1997, a
coalition of fishing and environmental groups filed a lawsuit in
U.S. District Court (Portland, OR) against the U.S. Forest
Service, Bureau of Land Management, and NMFS, challenging NMFS's
opinion that the Northwest forest plan was adequate to protect
endangered Umpqua River cutthroat trout. The plaintiffs are
asking for specific measures to better protect this species.
[Assoc Press]
Nitrogen Supersaturation. In early May 1997, nitrogen saturation
levels were reported to have reached 140% below John Day Dam on
the Columbia River and 128% below Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake
River. [Assoc Press]
Canadian Salmon Fishery. On May 2, 1997, BC Premier Glen Clark
released a 38-page discussion paper calling for renewed
discussion with the federal government to reduce duplication of
government services and outlining a sport fishing proposal with 3
goals for fisheries -- 1) protection of fish stocks and habitat,
2) creating sustainable fishery jobs and stable communities, and
3) enhancing BC's role in fisheries solutions. On May 5, 1997,
BC Premier Glen Clark announced a C$1.5 million grant to a
Community Fisheries Development Centre to select and manage a
range of community-based fisheries initiatives over 3 years to
support displaced fishery workers and fund
Salmon habitat restoration work. [Assoc Press]
Bristol Bay Price-Fixing Suit. On May 2, 1997, two seafood
processors agreed to pay $2 million to settle a 1995 $1 billion
class-action lawsuit alleging price-fixing in the Bristol Bay
salmon fishery from 1989 through 1995. Although 14 smaller
processors previously settled for about $500,000, about 40
defendants remain. [Assoc Press]
Salmon Habitat Restoration. The May 1997 issue of Fisheries
published the results of a study by three Pacific Northwest
fishery scientists concluding that few in-stream habitat
enhancement projects have resulted in any long-term success for
the fish. To succeed, such efforts must be combined with
restoration of ecological processes within an entire watershed
including modification of upslope and riparian conditions, these
individuals suggest. [Fisheries]
ESA Listing of Coho Salmon. On Apr. 25, 1997, NMFS announced
that northern CA and southern OR coho salmon would be listed as
"threatened" while northern and central OR coastal coho salmon
would not be listed in response to the state of OR's negotiated
recovery plan, but identified as a "candidate" species for future
consideration. On Apr. 30, 1997, a coalition of 25
environmental and sport/commercial fishermen's groups notified
NMFS that they intend to file suit on the decision not to list OR
coastal coho salmon under the Endangered Species Act. [Assoc
Press, Reuters]
Pacific Salmon Treaty. On Apr. 25, 1997, talks among Canadian
and U.S. fishermen and fishing industry representatives in
Juneau, AK, ended with negotiators agreeing to consider setting
catch quotas for two southern southeast AK salmon fisheries (one
seine and one gillnet) using "abundance-based management" wherein
harvest would reflect increases or decreases in pink, sockeye,
and chum salmon populations. Additional discussions are
scheduled for May 5-9, 1997, in Vancouver, BC. {On May 9, 1997,
discussions among stakeholders broke down amid reports of some
progress on southeast AK seine and gillnet fisheries. Treaty
negotiators are scheduled to meet on May 20-21, 1997, in Seattle,
WA.} [Assoc Press]
Columbia River Spring Chinook. In late April 1997, state,
federal, and tribal biologists increased their projection of the
1997 Columbia-Snake River spring chinook salmon run from 68,000
to 90,000 fish, after almost 55,000 spring chinook were counted
passing Bonneville Dam as of Apr. 25, 1997. On May 8, 1997, the
ID Fish and Game Commission approved a sport fishery on hatchery
spring chinook in the Little Salmon (400 fish) and Clearwater
(500 fish) Rivers beginning May 17 to possibly as long as July 6,
based upon increased adult returns. This is the first hatchery
spring chinook fishery in ID since 1993, but it is subject to
approval by NMFS. [Assoc Press]
Fishing Community Diversification. On Apr. 24, 1997, officials
of the Ford Foundation announced a $2 million grant to create the
nation's first bank holding company dedicated to promoting
environmentally sound economic development, including economic
diversification in coastal communities suffering from salmon
season closures. The conservation group Ecotrust (Portland, OR)
will join with the Shore Bank Corp. (Chicago, IL) to form the
new holding company. The holding company will offer loans for
conservation-based development in coastal communities from
northern CA through Prince William Sound, AK. [Assoc Press]
AK Fishing Guides. On Apr. 23, 1997, the Kenai River (AK)
Special Management Area Advisory Committee held a hearing and
received testimony on whether to limit the number of sport
fishing guides on the river, charge guides higher license fees,
conduct a study of overcrowding in the river's sport fishery, or
take other action. On Apr. 30, 1997, the AK House approved a
bill that would authorize the state to regulate and license sport
fishing guides. [Assoc Press]
Clinton Administration Western Land Management Strategy. On Apr.
23, 1997, officials of the Clinton Administration announced
details of a draft $125 million-per-year land management
strategy, prepared by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management, to increase logging, create jobs, and better protect
fish in 7 western states. Land use restrictions near streams
inhabited by fish on more than 72 million acres of national
forest and other public lands would be broadened. This strategy
was the preferred alternative in a draft environmental impact
statement for the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management
Project. The draft strategy now begins a 120-day public comment
period. {ON MAY 15, 1997, THE SENATE ENERGY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON FORESTS AND PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT HELD
A JOINT HEARING WITH THE HOUSE RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON FORESTS
AND FOREST HEALTH TO REVIEW THE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.} [Assoc Press, Reuters]
Aquaculture and Aquaria
{SC Shrimp Virus. In early May 1997, two SC scientists reported
to the SC Marine Advisory Committee that a virus similar to the
Asian white spot virus is present in many SC marine species and
widespread along the SC coast. Scientists are having difficulty
determining whether mortalities at shrimp farms are caused by the
Asian white spot virus or the similar virus.} [Assoc Press]
Freshwater Fisheries
Sikes Act Hearing. On May 22, 1997, the House Resources
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has
tentatively scheduled a joint hearing with the House Committee on
National Security on H.R. 374, proposing to amend the Sikes Act
to enhance fish and wildlife conservation and natural resource
management programs on military installations. [personal
communication]
Red Lakes Commercial Fishery. On Apr. 19, 1997, the Red Lake
Band of Chippewa Fisheries Association voted to cancel its 1997
commercial fishing season on Upper and Lower Red Lakes, MN,
because of declining walleye, perch, and crappie populations.
The Red Lakes fishery is reported to be the only commercial U.S.
walleye fishery and largest Tribal fishery on the continent; this
is the first closure since 1929 when the Band began exercising
Treaty fishing rights. [Assoc Press]
Marine Mammals
{Hawaiian Whale Sanctuary. June 6, 1997, is the deadline by
which HI Governor Ben Cayetano must decide how much, if any, of a
proposed 1,680 square miles of state waters and submerged lands
should be included within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary and managed under its federal
management plan.} [Assoc Press]
Norwegian Whaling. A Dutch court hearing on the possible
extradition of Paul Watson to Norway is tentatively scheduled for
May 26, 1997. Lofoten Islands police have announced that legal
proceedings in Lofoten County Court are scheduled against Watson
in Norway on Sept. 1, 1997, relating to alleged negligent
navigation and collision with a Norwegian coast guard vessel in
the summer of 1994. Compensation for damages of $120,000 with
possible interest is sought by the Norwegian Navy for this
collision. On May 2, 1997, Norway began its 1997 commercial
minke whale hunt for a quota of 580 animals. The season will end
on July 21, 1997. Individual vessels are limited to six weeks of
whaling, when an inspector is aboard. [Assoc Press, High North
Alliance News]
{WHALEMEAT SMUGGLING REPORT. ON MAY 15, 1997, THE BRITISH
TRAFFIC NETWORK RELEASED A REPORT ENTITLED "WHALE MEAT TRADE IN
EAST ASIA," WHICH REPORTED THAT WHALEMEAT IS SMUGGLED ILLEGALLY
FROM JAPAN AND AVAILABLE ON THE MENUS OF NUMEROUS RESTAURANTS IN
HONG KONG.} [DOW JONES NEWS]
{CA SEA LION DEATHS. ON MAY 14-15, 1997, MEXICAN AUTHORITIES
REPORTED FINDING THE CARCASSES OF 14 CA SEAL LIONS ON BEACHES
JUST SOUTH OF THE U.S.-MEXICAN BORDER. THE ANIMALS WERE CLUBBED
OR SHOT AND COULD HAVE DRIFTED SOUTH FROM U.S. WATERS. EARLIER
THIS MONTH, 5 SEA LION CARCASSES WASHED ASHORE IN THE TIJUANA
SLOUGH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, JUST NORTH OF THE U.S.-MEXICAN
BORDER.} [ASSOC PRESS]
Tuna-Dolphin Legislation. {On May 14, 1997, the Senate Commerce
Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries held a} hearing on S. 39,
amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act relating to the
International Dolphin Conservation Program. {H.R. 408 HAS BEEN
TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE FULL HOUSE DURING
THE WEEK OF MAY 19, 1997.} [Federal Register, PERSONAL
COMMUNICATION]
{CITES Downlisting of Certain Whales. In early May 1997,
Norwegian sources reported that the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Secretariat had recommended that 5 proposals to downlist various
whale stocks (minke whales in the northeast and central north
Atlantic, Southern Hemisphere, and Okhotsk Sea-West Pacific;
eastern Pacific grey whales; northwest Pacific Bryde's whales)
from Appendix I to Appendix II be accepted with a zero harvest
quota, based on these populations not meeting the criteria for
inclusion on Appendix I. Downlisting to Appendix II could permit
controlled international trade in these species' products only if
a 1979 CITES resolution recommending no permits for trade in
whale products protected by the International Whaling Commission
were repealed. Japan has proposed to appeal the 1979 CITES
resolution.} [High North Alliance News]
Keiko's Recovery. On May 6, 1997, the Free Willy Keiko
Foundation announced that, by spring 1997, Keiko could be in a
fenced-off pen in the North Atlantic as the next step toward
release to the wild. Details of cost and potential sites are
under research and negotiation. [Assoc Press]
Japanese Scientific Whaling. On May 1, 1997, a fleet of 4
Japanese ships departed for the northwestern Pacific with the
objective of killing as many as 100 minke whales for research
purposes. Research is scheduled to be completed by the end of
July 1997. {On May 12-16, 1997, the International Whaling
Commission's Scientific Committee is meeting behind closed doors
in Tokyo, Japan, to review Japan's scientific whaling program.
Results of this review will be presented at the IWC's annual
meeting in Monaco in October 1997.} [Dow Jones News, Reuters]
Steller Sea Lion Listed as Endangered. On Apr. 30, 1997, NMFS
announced that it will list the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea
population of Steller sea lion as "endangered," as the population
continues to decline between 5% and 7% annually. A second
distinct, but stable, population of Steller sea lions, from
southeast AK through CA remains listed as "threatened." NMFS is
planning a workshop to design an experiment on assessing whether
fishing area closures might benefit Steller sea lions without
unnecessarily restricting commercial fishing. [Reuters, Assoc
Press, NOAA press release]
Polar Bear Trophies. The House Resources Committee held a
hearing on Apr. 30, 1997, on H.J.Res. 59, a joint resolution to
disapprove a rule affecting applications to import polar bear
trophies from Canada issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS). On Apr. 25, 1997, FWS announced that it had
approved 24 permits to import polar bear trophies from Canada.
Five Canadian polar bear populations have been approved from
which trophy bears can be imported. [personal communication, FWS
press release]
Atlantic Large Whale Protection. On Apr. 26, 1997, the Senate
Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries held a field
hearing in Portland, ME, on the proposed regulations. Four
public hearings will be held from Apr. 30-May 3 on fishing gear
modification regulations; additional public comment will be
received until May 15, 1997. On May 7, 1997, MA Dept. of
Environmental Affairs officials lifted an emergency ban on
fishing gear aimed at protecting northern right whales since
these whales appear to have left MA waters several weeks earlier
than normal this year. [Assoc Press, Federal Register]
....
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