Nathan Strout

The European Union and India have agreed to a massive free trade agreement (FTA) that will slash or eliminate tariffs on most goods. “The E.U. and India make history today, deepening the partnership between the world's biggest democracies,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a release. “We have created a free trade zone of 2 billion people, with both sides set to gain economically. We have sent a signal to the world… Read More

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a USD 248,000 (EUR 207,773) settlement with Vernon, California, U.S.A.-based seafood distributor and processor Pacific American Fish Company (PAFCO) to resolve allegations of undisclosed high levels of heavy metals in its frozen seafood products. “At a time when putting food on the table can be difficult, no one should have to question whether that food is safe to eat,” Bonta said in a… Read More

The U.S. state of Oregon has moved up its “late-season” Dungeness crab gear regulations by a month in an effort to reduce the likelihood of whale entanglements. The late-season rules – which prohibit setting gear in waters deeper than 40 fathoms and require fishers to use 20 percent fewer pots and special buoy tags on each pot – were slated to go into effect 1 May. However, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has decided to… Read More

Chinese and Philippine officials are accusing each other of escalating tension over disputed territorial waters in the South China Sea. Both nations claim exclusive territorial ownership of parts of the South China Sea. According to the Philippines, the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy have used aggressive tactics to enforce its territorial claims, using risky maneuvers to intimidate fishers and Filipino vessels and spraying Filipino fishers with… Read More

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDFW) enforcement agents seized 236 pounds of catfish from an individual accused of illegally harvesting them for commercial use. According to LDFW, agents spotted Des Allemands-resident Jacob Breaux while patrolling Bayou Des Allemands on 15 January. The agents made contact with Breaux when they learned he did not have a commercial gear license and was setting lines without the associated… Read More

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia has introduced higher financial penalties for violations of the nations Fisheries and Coast Resources Act to discourage illegal fishing activities. “We’ve heard the concerns of the seafood industry and are taking strong action,” Nova Scotia Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Kent Smith said in a release. The provincial government claims that up to 30 percent of lobster landings in Atlantic Canada go… Read More

Two environmental organizations have sued a Pacific Seafood subsidiary, alleging that its Warrenton, Oregon, U.S.A. facility has repeatedly violated wastewater regulations and its Clean Water Act permit. "For years, Pacific Seafood has reported discharge data showing it is consistently violating pollution limits in its Clean Water Act permit," Northwest Environmental Defense Center Executive Director Jonah Sandford said in a release. "These… Read More

The U.S. state of California has announced USD 10 million (EUR 8.4 million) in funding for salmon recovery projects as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to support the species’ growth. “These investments are another step forward to help California salmon,” California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said in a release. “The projects we’re funding will improve the health of creeks and rivers across the state, which will help… Read More

The U.S. state of California is set to open up the last section of its coast to commercial Dungeness crab harvesting after testing revealed domoic acid levels in the area had gone down. Although the rest of the state’s coastline opened for commercial harvesting earlier in January, a small stretch from the southern tip of the Reading Rock State Marine Protected Area to Cape Mendocino was further delayed due to elevated levels of domoic acid in… Read More

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canada if it follows through in finalizing a trade deal with China. “The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. It’s NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump said in a 24 January social media post. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a trade agreement with Chinese… Read More