North American Lobster Industry Confronts 'Ropeless' Traps After Whale Entanglements
An emerging technology to fish for lobsters virtually ropeless to prevent whale entanglements is exciting conservationists, but getting a frigid reception from harvesters worried it will drive them out of business and upend their way of life.Injuries to endangered North Atlantic Right Whales ensnared in fishing gear have fueled a prominent campaign by environmental groups to pressure the industry to adopt on-demand equipment that only suspends ropes in the water briefly before traps are pulled from the water.The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch…
Threat to Whales Complicates US Research into Seaweed for Biofuel
In Cape Cod Bay, 10-year-old Pilgrim and her calf skim the water's glassy surface alongside the Shearwater research vessel to feed on tiny crustaceans.The two are among the last surviving 340 or so North Atlantic right whales left migrating along the U.S. East Coast – down from 480 right whales in 2010.The biggest threats they face include being struck by passing ships or getting entangled in ropes used for lobster fishing off the U.S. East Coast - scientists have recorded 98 such injuries or deaths of whales since 2017.Now, the whales face another threat as the U.S.
Captains, Crew Recoup Lost Wages by Arresting Megayacht
Most yacht crew are compensated every payday, via wire transfer or check. But for some yachties, the only way to get paid is the hard way: by filing a lawsuit in federal court and literally arresting the megayacht for back pay owed.While many captains and crew are reluctant to initiate expensive litigation to arrest the boat they’ve served on, pursuing their seaman’s lien is the best route for compensation. If the legitimate amount due is well over $10,000, crew should stand on their rights and act on their valid claim immediately.
Coast Guard Foundation to Honor USCG in Miami
The Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that its annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District will take place on November 13 at the Marriott Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. During the event, emceed by Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, chairman and CEO of Active Interest Media, Inc., the Coast Guard Foundation will pay tribute to former Commandant of the Coast Guard and former Seventh District Commander, retired Admiral Thad Allen.
University of Mich. To Host Panel on Low Great Lakes Levels
The University of Michigan will host a seminar and panel discussion entitled “Low Great Lakes Water Levels: Understanding the causes and potential consequences” on May 30 from 3-5 p.m. at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The two-hour seminar and panel discussion will address the drivers of decreased lake levels as well as the management and potential economic implications. North America's Great Lakes hold the largest amount of available surface freshwater in the world, comprising approximately 21% of the world’s total freshwater supply.
Offshore UK: Government Brokers Use of BP Emergency Vessel
The agreement between the government and BP allows HM Coasguard to call on a BP-chartered vessel in the event of a pollution incident. An operational and commercial model has been brokered with the oil industry allowing HM Coastguard to call on a BP-chartered vessel, the Grampian Frontier, to provide support in the event of a pollution incident. The Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel (ERRV) operates west of Shetland and the owner North Star Shipping is working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure that the crew and equipment are able to respond. The involvement of the Frontier builds on the UK Government’s commitment last year to fund an Emergency Towing Vessel in waters around Scotland for the duration of the current Spending Review.
ISS Names Board of Directors
Change in Organization’s Bylaws Specify Revised Board Tenure and Structure. The ISS (International Superyacht Society) announces its 2012-2015 Board of Directors and Past Presidents Council. ISS elections are held annually by peer selection. During 2011, ISS membership ratified changes to the Association’s Bylaws which now state that a total of 24 elected Board members will serve three-year terms. During the 2012, 2013 and 2014 election cycles, the ISS Board will be in transition. For the current year and based on a democratic voting system, ISS members have awarded eight Board positions for three years and four Board positions for one-year terms with the opportunity to re-run for the 2013-2016 term.
Int’l Superyacht Society 2010/2012 Board
The International Superyacht Society (ISS) announced its 2010-2012 Board of Directors and Past Presidents Council. ISS elections are held annually by peer selection. Sylke auf dem Graben, Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co. John D. Dieter Jaenicke, Viking Recruitment Ltd.
