From FISH1IFR@aol.com Sun May 21 10:37:30 2000 Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 05:04:48 EDT From: FISH1IFR@aol.com To: AFS@wyoming.com, ACN-L@pinetree.org, crab-l@ios.bc.ca, fishhabitat@mail.orst.edu, oceancoalition@onelist.com, salmon@riverdale.k12.or.us Subject: Salmon_List: ~~>FISHLINK SUBLEGALS 5/12/00<~~ sub1-19.txt <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>><< ~~>FISHLINK SUBLEGALS 5/12/00<~~ <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>><< A WEEKLY QUOTA OF FISHERY SHORTS CAUGHT AND LANDED BY THE INSTITUTE FOR FISHERIES RESOURCES AND THE PACIFIC COAST FEDERATION OF FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATIONS VOL 1, NO. 19 12 May 2000 <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>><< MORE FARM FISH ESCAPE IN BC: A spokesman for Marine Harvest Canada confirmed last Friday that there had been an escape of 30,000 female smolts from a net pen in Kyuquot Sound, after it was cut by a boat propeller. This is the first major escape reported this year. Charges that Atlantic salmon were escaping into the wild have been at the center of opposition to further expansion of salmon farming in British Columbia. However, the Canadian government released a report just last year that said these aquaculture operations could be expanded with the proper precautions. For the 8 May Seafood.com news article go to: http://www.seafood.com/newsbookmark.html. CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON ADVERSE IMPACTS OF GMOs ON THE ENVIRONMENT: The California Legislature's Select Committee on Higher Education will hold a hearing Monday, 15 May, on the potential adverse impacts of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) on the environment. PCFFA has been asked to present testimony at the hearing on the problems associated with genetically engineered salmon getting loose into the wild. This issue came up following the 1 May article that appeared in the New York Times (see Sublegals, 5 May 2000). While most salmon farmers are stating publicly they have no intention of using genetically engineered salmon, the company that developed the altered fish, Aqua Bounty Foods, states it has been contacted by salmon growers throughout the world interested in using the company's genetically engineered salmon broodstock. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Kenya, beginning the 15th and ending on 26 May, there will be negotiations on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This protocol was agreed upon in Montreal in January to create a global regulatory structure on biotechnology. While the protocol is not as strong as some wanted to better regulate trade in bio-engineered drugs and foods, it does, at least, require that shipments of commodity grains for food, feed, and processing contain a statement that they "may contain GMOs" unless they are specifically certified as GMO-free. The protocol leaves open the possibility of more specific labeling later. According to an op-ed in the 28 April issue of Science, "Opportunities for Agricultural Biotechnology," it also allows countries to reject GMOs unilaterally. The protocol specifies: "Lack of scientific certainty due to insufficient relevant scientific information and knowledge regarding the extent of the potential adverse effects....shall not prevent the party from taking a decision." To date, there are still no labeling requirements or other measures in place in either California, other states or the U.S. to regulate GMOs or trade in genetically engineered products. In other news related to GMOs, the Associated Press reports that the McDonalds food chain has decided not to use genetically engineered potatoes in their french fries. Kellogg's, the breakfast cereal manufacturer, however, has said it will not refuse genetically altered crops for use in its foods. SALMON AQUACULTURE LAWSUIT: On 26 April, the National Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and four of its Maine members, sent formal 60-day notice to three Maine salmon farms announcing their intent to file suit in U.S. District Court (Bangor, ME) against the companies for releasing fish waste, food, and chemical pollutants in violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) because they have no federal discharge permits. The farms claim that they are exempt from the permit requirements because the CWA treats aquaculture uniquely. For more information contact the National Environmental Law Center, 29 Temple Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02111, (617)422-0880. NOAA/NMFS REQUEST FOR AQUACULTURE PROPOSALS TO FUND: The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research and its National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are soliciting proposals to fund marine aquaculture. $600,000 is being made available in FY 2000 "for research, developmental and programmatic activities." Areas of priority for the government grants to private aquaculture are: 1) improvements to the regulatory framework for aquaculture; 2) definition of elements to be included in a code of conduct for marine aquaculture and stakeholder acceptance of the code; 3) demonstration of the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) based use-mapping of Federal and/or state waters useful to the potential siting of aquaculture installations; 4) "environmentally sound" technologies and evaluation of impacts associated with grow-out and enhancement activities; and 5) regional planning and coordination efforts which further regional or national marine aquaculture goals. Proposals are due by 1600 (EDT), 15 May 2000. For further information, visit the Sea Grant website at: http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/research/rfp/index.html. MAINE TO RECEIVE $5 MILLION IN SALMON RESTORATION FUNDS: Seafood.com reports on 11 May that Maine's two senators say they have secured $5 million in funding for salmon conservation efforts in Maine in an effort to show that the species does not need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to receive funds from the federal government. Both senators have questioned the data on which the government is basing its plan to list Atlantic salmon as endangered, and the money will both provide for some additional watershed protection, and for a review of the data on which the listing is being based. This is twice the amount originally requested. Salmon protection groups say that this money is welcome, but that a listing should still go forward in order to provide the maximum protection from land uses and aquaculture practices that have already devastated the species in all but a handful of small rivers. See Seafood.com's news archive at: http://www.seafood.com/newsbookmark.html. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON SALMON HABITAT RESTORATION FUNDING: The House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife & Oceans will hold a hearing 18 May on HR 2798, the Pacific Salmon Recovery Act, authored by California Representative Mike Thompson (D-Saint Helena) and 58 co-sponsors. The bill would guide the appropriation of federal salmon restoration funds to the States of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington. To date, the funds have come to the states as a result of language in the appropriations bills. This year the states each received just under $10 million each for salmon restoration and the Administration is proposing a $100 million package for the four states and tribes for this upcoming fiscal year. Thompson, when he was in the California Legislature, authored SB 271 which provided state tidelands oil revenue funds for salmon restoration and set-up an oversight group ("SB 271 Committee") to prioritize restoration funding, judge restoration proposals on their merits and recommend funding accordingly. PCFFA Northwest Regional Director Glen Spain has been invited to testify at the hearing on Thursday. In a related matter in California, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, its water agency and a local newspaper, the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, have been complaining vociferously regarding the California allocation of the federal salmon monies. According to at least one Sonoma County Supervisor and the head of the Sonoma County Water Agency, the federal salmon monies were solely "the result of the lobbying by the Supervisors and water agency." Depending on whose figures are to be believed, the County spent between $485,000 and $1 million in lobbying fees (plane tickets, hotel rooms, dinners, DC lobbying firms). The County and its newspaper have been incensed that neither the California Resources Agency, nor the National Marine Fisheries Service, are treating the funds as block grants to the counties (to fix road culverts or pay ongoing county obligations to fix salmon destroying projects). Sonoma County has been turned down numerous times for project funding by the SB 271 Committee which felt the County's proposals either lacked any real salmon benefits or were simply "gold plated." The County and its newspaper's editor have also been incensed that some of the federal dollars will go to fix salmon and steelhead problems in southern California watersheds. In response to the tumult caused by Sonoma County, its water agency and newspaper, regarding the State-Federal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the expenditure of the federal salmon dollars in California, State Assemblywoman Virginia Strom-Martin, chair of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Fisheries & Aquaculture, has called for an investigation into the Board of Supervisors and Sonoma County Water Agency's expenditure of funds to lobby for the federal money. Apparently only $250,000 was officially approved for this purpose. There has also been a question of why any money was spent, given solid Clinton Administration and Congressional support (e.g., Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, chair, of the Senate Appropriations Committee), to lobby this issue. For more information on the hearing, visit the Resources Committee website at: http://www.house.gov/resources/. PROPOSITION 13 GRANT PROJECTS SOUGHT: In March 2000 California voters passed Proposition 13 (Water Bond) which provides $90,000,000 for the Watershed Protection Program for grants to municipalities, local public agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions. These grants will fund a variety of projects such as watershed planning, implementation projects for flood control, enhancement of riparian and wetland areas, aquatic and terrestrial habitats, monitoring, assessment, GIS, erosion and sediment control, groundwater recharge, and reduction in nonpoint source pollution. The North Coast Regional Water Board is putting together a list of potential projects in anticipation of the release of the Request for Proposals, due out this summer, and to demonstrate the need for project funding in the North Coast Region. For more information on Prop 13 funding go to the State Water Resources Control Board's web site at: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov . INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FISHERY MANAGEMENT AND SEAFOOD TRADE: An international fisheries conference representing industry, academia, and government will be meeting 10-14 July 2000 at Oregon State University in Corvallis and Newport, Oregon. Industry members from fishing, processing, retailing, and other sectors of the seafood industries are welcomed and encouraged to join other fishing and seafood experts from all over the world. The four day conference in Corvallis plus a one day field trip to Newport will cover a huge variety of topics from the health effects of consuming seafood and their marketing implications, to ecolabelling, HACCP, fisheries management policies across the world and cultural perspectives on resource use. Friday's field trip to Newport will feature the history of West Coast fisheries from the perspectives of well-known fishermen, companies and fishing organizations. Wednesday 12 July will be "Industry Focus Day." For further information see their conference website at: http://www.orst.edu/Dept/IIFET/2000/. ANNUAL SEA URCHIN MEETING OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: The sixth annual meeting of the Sea Urchin Harvesters' Association of California (SUHAC) will be held in the Veteran's Hall in Santa Barbara, California on 20 May 2000. The meeting will start at 0800 hrs and go until 2100 hrs. Activities will include General Business, and a workshop detailing the Marine Life Management Act (MLMA). There will also be a Barbeque, complete with a raffle and entertainment. For more information go to: http://wfcb.ucdavis.edu/www/chrisdewees/urchinflyer.htm. Or email Pete Halmay at phalmay@earthlink.net. WORKSHOP ON SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY IN A CHANGING CLIMATE IN THE NORTHEAST PACIFIC OCEAN AND COASTAL ZONES: A participatory workshop to develop solutions and recommendations for research and policy to sustain the fisheries during anticipated climate change will be held 25-26 May at 1996 Classroom Block, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. Attendees should include researchers, policy-makers and those directly involved in the various facets of the fisheries and aquaculture business. Purpose of the workshop is share your knowledge, learn about the possible impacts of climate change on your industry, and participate in developing recommendations for future research and policy. Speakers will include the Hon. John Fraser of the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council and Dr. John Davis, Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) as well as many others. For further information call (250)472-4291 or visit the Workshop website at: http://www.cics.uvic.ca/workshop. NOAA "INTERNET TOWN MEETING" ON FUTURE OF COAST: The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is hosting an internet meeting "Coastal Futures 2025" to gain public input on the directions desired for the future of the nation's coast, including its fishing industry and fishing communities. To participate, visit the website at: http://state-of-coast.noaa.gov/natdialog. INCREASES IN GLOBAL TEMPERATURE COULD ACCELERATE HISTORICAL RATE OF SEA-LEVEL RISE: A new report released recently by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change predicts that global climate changes already underway will lead to a rise in sea levels through the warming of oceans and melting of ice. The report concludes that sea levels have already risen between 10 and 25 cm (4 and 10 inches) over the last century and climate change will greatly accelerate these rates, with sea levels projected to rise by 50 cm (20 in) by 2100. Low-lying areas in the Gulf Coast, the South, and the mid-Atlantic regions are especially at risk. The report, Sea-Level Rise & Global Climate Change: A Review of Impacts to US Coasts, estimates the impacts of a 50 cm (20 in) sea-level rise by 2100 on coastal property ranging from about $20 billion to about $150 billion. In addition, although current assessments do not include the monetary costs of impacts to wetlands, the implications of this loss could also be significant for salmon, shrimp and many other species that depend upon coastal wetlands for part of their life cycle. A copy of the report, as well as other Pew Center reports on global climate change, can be obtained from their web site at: http://www.pewclimate.org/projects/index.html. STANDING FORESTS AN ECONOMIC BOON: A new economics report finds that logging on national forests is "a money losing proposition" whose economic costs far outweigh any benefits. The report looks at the heavy taxpayer subsidies for public lands logging and analyzes the value of ecosystem services, such as "flood control, water purification, pest control, and pollination" to rural communities. Some three years of research went into the report which consistently found "more jobs, more income and more public revenues" associated with forests as intact ecosystems. A recent article on the report can be viewed by visting: http://www.enn.com/enn-news-archive/2000/03/ 03162000/ecolog_1106775315141348.asp. A copy of the report itself, The Economic Case Against National Forest Logging, can be ordered from Forest Conservation Council, PO Box 22488, Sante Fe, NM 87502 (505)986-1163. COMMENT PERIOD ON FEDERAL WATERSHED POLICY EXTENDED TO 24 MAY 2000: The comment period for the Unified Federal Policy for Ensuring a Watershed Approach to Federal Land and Resource Management has been extended to 24 May. For more information, on the Watershed Approach visit: http://www.cleanwater.gov/ufp/introduction.html. FEDERAL HYDROPOWER BILLS THREATEN SALMON PROTECTIONS: A package of bills in the Congress related to hydropower threaten salmon and other fish protections in hydro electric operations. S.422 would exempt small hydro (less than five megawatts) operation in Alaska from regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ironically, Alaska with the healthiest natural salmon runs in the world continues under constant threat from hydro, mining and timber interests seeking to trash the State's watersheds. And then there are two companion bills in the Congress (S.701 by Idaho Senator Larry Craig, and HR. 2335 by New York Congressman Edolphus Towns) sponsored by the hydropower industry that would denigrate fish protections in the federal licensing of hydro projects. The House Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy & Power is scheduled to mark-up the two House bills on 23 May. For more information, contact, Steve Malloch with Trout Unlimited at: smalloch@tu.org. CALIFORNIA INTERIM NEARSHORE FISHING REGULATIONS SET FOR ADOPTION IN JUNE: The California Fish & Game Commission is set to adopt four interim measures for the State's emerging nearshore and livefish fishery. The interim regulations are authorized pursuant to the Marine Life Management Act (AB 1271-Keeley (1998)) as part of the program in developing a long-term management plan for this fishery. Measures for adoption include a moratorium on permits in the fishery and a control date for limited entry (1April -31 December 1999 proposed). Two other measures will be put over: rings on traps for sea otters andnight baiting of traps north of Point Arguello. The Commission meeting will take place on 15 June in Truckee. For more information, visit its website at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fg_comm/. GOT NEWS?: Submit news items to Molly Thomas, Editor at: ifrfish@aol.com or call the IFR office with the news and a source at either: (415) 561-FISH (Southwest Office) or (541) 689-2000 (Northwest Office). ########################################################## Sublegals are a weekly fisheries news bulletin service of Fishlink. For a free subscription to Fishlink, contact with the words "subscribe fishlink" in the body of the text (the request is not case sensitive). You will be subscribed as soon as the request can be approved. To remove your name from our list, follow the same instructions with the command "unsubscribe fishlink." If you have any problems, you can contact us directly at: . ########################################################## "Fishlink" is a registered trademark of the Institute for Fisheries Resources. All rights to the use of this trademark are reserved to IFR. This publication, however, may be freely reproduced and circulated without copyright restriction. If you are receiving this as a subscriber, please feel free to pass this on to your colleagues. Thanks! ########################################################## ======================================== This message was sent from the Salmon Listserv. For information on subscribing and unsubscribing, see http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/salmon/listserv.htm or send mail to pnelson@riverdale.k12.or.us