Fishing

April 21, 2008 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed several pieces of legislation into law today, including a measure that strengthens consumer rights against unfair business practices by insurance agents and another bill that will help preserve Colorado's rivers, streams and lakes.

House Bill 1228 was sponsored by Rep. Gwyn Green and Sen. Ken Gordon. It authorizes the insurance commissioner to order an insurance agent or company to pay restitution to a consumer for violating state insurance laws or for engaging in unfair business practices. It passed the House 65-0 and the Senate 26-8.    » read more »

04/21/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oregon Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski and Washington Governor Christine Gregoire today sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking her for assistance in obtaining emergency appropriations to help address the economic emergency resulting from the Pacific Fisheries Management Council recommendation to close commercial and recreational salmon fishing because of the near record-low levels of salmon fish.

Seattle fish market: Photo by ashatsea (CC)

April 21, 2008

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515    » read more »

Direct state regulators, scientists to implement management strategies to revive imperiled fishery

COLONIAL BEACH, Va. (April 15, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced their commitment to work together to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s beleaguered blue crab population by directing state regulators and scientists to implement management strategies to revive the imperiled fishery.

Maryland Blue Crab: Photo by fishfoot (CC)    » read more »

04/10/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took a number of steps to aid an industry severely impacted by poor ocean conditions and other environmental factors following today's recommendation by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce close the commercial and recreational salmon fisheries in California for the 2008 season.

Fall salmon run near Sacramento, California: Photo by ascharf (CC)    » read more »

April 11, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s decision to reduce the number of wild salmon that can be harvested off the coast of Washington this year:

“The large reductions in fishing opportunity for commercial and recreational fishing must be made to protect returning salmon this year.

Salmon on display at a Washington fish market: Photo by Christopher (CC)    » read more »

Governor dedicates $500,000 in strategic reserve fund dollars to help affected communities

April 10, 2008 -- (Salem) – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today declared a state of emergency for affected areas of the Oregon coast due to anticipated curtailment of the ocean salmon fishing season. Executive Order 08-10 directs state agencies to take immediate action to help mitigate the impact on Oregon’s communities and fishing related businesses on the coast.

Fish Peddler's Market, Newport, Oregon: Photo by biskuit (CC)    » read more »

April 7, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire said today she will press for federal economic assistance for fishing communities if the Pacific Fishery Management Council declares a shutdown or serious restriction of salmon fishing off the West Coast.

Salmon, Seattle, Washington: Photo by Maureen Reilly (CC)

The PFMC is meeting this week in Seattle to decide whether to restrict wild salmon fishing due to the apparent collapse of wild salmon runs along the California and Oregon coasts.    » read more »

March 1, 2008 -- LEBANON – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt this morning celebrated the opening of trout season with Missouri anglers at Bennett Springs State Park.    » read more »

February 14, 2008 -- The drama of the weigh-in stage is always the high point of a day at the Bassmaster Classic, and the 2008 edition in Greenville, S.C., will be no exception. But this year, nail-biter weigh-ins are not the only parts of the Feb. 22-24 event that fishing fans near and far will be able to experience.    » read more »

Bill would expand Massachusetts Fishing Partnership Health Plan

02/13/2008 -- Washington, D.C.---Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Representatives Barney Frank, John Tierney, and William Delahunt today introduced bipartisan legislation to provide low-cost health coverage to fishermen and their families in Massachusetts and other coastal states. For Massachusetts, where the Fishing Partnership Plan currently provides health care to many fishing families, the bill would offer a valuable infusion of additional funds to keep the program on a firm financial footing.    » read more »

Global Warming Threatens Hunting, Fishing Traditions

Washington, DC (February 12) – More than 670 hunting and fishing organizations from all 50 states, representing the millions of Americans who share America’s sporting tradition, are urging their U.S. Senators and Representatives to target global warming with strong climate legislation.    » read more »

January 28, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna announced today that Washington will sign on to an amicus brief to support the commercial fishermen, seafood processors, tribes and others whose lives were impacted by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.    » read more »

BOSTON - The Coast Guard aided a scallop boat crew today when their boat lost steering ability in frigid waters about 15 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Faced with 10-15 foot seas, 40-knot gusts and and icing conditions, the crew aboard the Charlotte Jean II radioed Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England at about 4 a.m., when their gear failed.

The sector dispatched the Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel, which arrived at about 8:45 a.m., and took the New Bedford, Mass.-based boat in tow.    » read more »

January 25, 2008 -- Waterbury, VT – Vermont anglers will have the opportunity to comment on the draft baitfish regulations at five public hearings around the state starting Tuesday, January 29th.

The emergency baitfish regulation, which was to expire in February, has been renewed and will continue until the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board enacts a permanent regulation that will replace it.    » read more »

January 25, 2008 -- WATERBURY, VT - Vermont's ice fishing action is off to a strong start after a spell of warm weather in early January. Recent cold weather and the state’s excellent fishing opportunities have made ice fishing attractive again.

Vermont’s premier fishing destination, Lake Champlain, offers many ice fishing opportunities. According to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, ice anglers can find quality fishing for many species on this 120-mile long lake, including landlocked salmon, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, walleye, crappie, and smelt.    » read more »