Again.
The exact figure of fatalities has not yet been published.
http://www.wdsf.eu/index.php/aktionen/faeroeer-walfang
Please take action to protest this horror. Please sign and share these petitions. Thank you.
http://faroeislegrind.blogspot.com/p/stop-grind-petitions.html
The WDSF http://wdsf.eu therefore is currently preparing extensive boycott action to cut off the Faroe Islands from external sources of income, including salmon exports, landings from cruise ships of AIDA and TUI cruises.
The Hamburg Fish Company ~ Gottfried Friedrichs
http://www.gottfried-friedrichs.de/en.html
has agreed not to import any salmon from the Faroe Islands.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaling_in_the_Faroe_Islands
Faroese whalers will need a license from 2015
31 Jul 2013
From 1st May 2015 those taking part in the Faroe Island’s whale hunts must possess the relevant pass certificate. The first whale 'grind' of the year has taken place in the Faroe Islands - a total of 125 pilot whales were killed last week (Monday 22 July) in the bay of Viðvík.
http://www.worldfishing.net/news101/industry-news/faroese-whalers-will-need-a-license-from-2015
However, soon after the whale hunt, Minister of Fisheries of the Faroe Islands, Jacob Vestergaard, announced that as from 1st May 2015 all those taking part in the Faroe Island’s whale hunts must participate in a course in the laws and correct procedures relating to the grinds, and possess the relevant pass certificate.
It is proposed that training will be given in the use of the only grind tools that will be permitted as of 2015 (nostril hooks and spinal lances), the ability to recognise death signals of the prey, and being cognisant of all legislation before they can participate.
Runi Nielsen, who represents marine conservation organisation, Earthrace, said from his home on the Faroe Islands, “A large majority of the participants in the grinds who at the moment just show up and take part, will not bother to take these mandatory courses and by doing so will exclude themselves. The fewer people taking part, the less a part of the Faroese way of life the grinds will become”.
He said, “The announcement of the changes to how grinds will operate in the future in the Faroe Islands is a welcome one. In Newfoundland in the 1960’s, similar new rules were issued. The first grind that took place under their new rules was also the last grind to ever happen there. This may not be a direct move towards ending the grinds in the Faroe Islands yet, but it does, I believe, mark the beginning of the end.”
See more at: http://www.worldfishing.net/news101/industry-news/faroese-whalers-will-need-a-license-from-2015#sthash.OE6kTpyd.dpuf
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| photo courtesy Chris Gomersall |
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-government-backs-trade-sanctions-2109592
31 Jul 2013 16:23
Chris Gomersall
The islands' government has set its own fishing quota more than three times larger than its earlier share, leading to the sanctions on their fish products.
The Faroe Islands has drastically increased its fishing quotaThe Faroe Islands has drastically increased its fishing quota
TRADE sanctions will be used against the Faroe Islands in a dispute about the "overfishing" of herring.
EU states, backed by fishermen and the Scottish Government, made the decision after the islands' government set its own fishing quota more than three times larger than its earlier share.
Herring and mackerel will be included in the sanctions which could be extended to products such as fish oil, fish meal and salmon.
Ian Gatt, chief executive of Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association, said: "We welcome this decision by EU member states and we hope it sends a clear signal to the Faroese that their actions are simply not acceptable in the 21st century and will not be tolerated by those nations committed to sustainable harvesting."
The long-running dispute focuses on Atlanto-Scandian herring which is distinct from herring in the North Sea and west of Scotland.
Scotland and its European neighbours have long argued that Faroe, as well as Iceland, set overly large quotas while other countries try to reduce theirs.
The Faroese economy is overwhelmingly dependent on fisheries, according to its government.
A final decision on the nature of the sanctions will be taken in August, the EU said.
Scotland's Fisheries Secretary, Richard Lochhead, said he is disappointed that sanctions have become necessary.
"We do not take these measures lightly but given the continued overfishing of Atlanto-Scandian herring by the Faroe Islands, and their refusal to come to the table and negotiate, we believe it essential," he said.
"Such action is necessary if we are to save the stock from collapse. We saw this happen to the blue whiting fishery a decade ago under similar circumstances and we must not let it happen again.
"I urge the Faroe Islands to halt their damaging actions and rejoin us at the negotiating table. Only then will we secure a sustainable outcome for the fish stock and our fishermen."
UK Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon said: "Whilst it is regrettable that the situation has got to this stage, the decision is necessary as the irresponsible action of the Faroe Islands puts the future sustainability of important fish stocks in grave danger."
But Faroe Islands prime minister Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen, who has a business background in fish exports, accused the EU of taking steps only to protect its interests.
"It is short-sighted and ill-considered of the EU to take such an unjustifiable step against one of its nearest European neighbours and partners," he said.
"The Faroe Islands may be small but we are strategically placed as an important stakeholder in shared pelagic fish stocks in the north-east Atlantic.
"It is difficult to see what purpose these measures serve other than to protect fishing industry interests within the EU.
"The Faroese industry is already adapting its business and developing new markets elsewhere around the world."
Iceland's fisheries minister, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, said he is disappointed with the EU's approach.
"We don't believe this is best way to settle these types of disagreements between friendly countries," he said.
"This move from Brussels seriously undermines the efforts of the coastal states to find a solution through diplomacy and dialogue."
The EU and Norway must recognise the "massive shift" of the mackerel population into Icelandic waters, he urged.
"Quotas should be set based on the realities of 2013, not on mackerel migratory patterns of a decade ago," he said.
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott welcomed the sanctions.
"The decision of the Faroese and Icelandic governments to increase their quota so substantially without regard for others was wholly unacceptable," he said.
"The fact that we have had to resort to sanctions is unfortunate but the simple fact is that their actions meant that there was no other option.
"Herring and mackerel stocks are hugely important to Scotland and support many jobs in Shetland and other parts of the country. The Faroese now need to show that they are willing to listen to reason."
EU fish quota sanctions against Faroe Islands agreed
European sanctions will be brought in against Faroese herring and mackerel imports from the end of August.
Member states voted overwhelmingly in favour of the ban, following concern over the Faroese government's decision to set its own catch limits.
The legislation will prohibit the import into the EU of both species, and allows for future escalation.
The decision was welcomed by the Scottish government and the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association (SPFA).
The Faroe Islands is a self-governing nation within Denmark. But unlike Denmark, it is not in the EU.
Scottish skippers have been demanding tough action be taken.
'Negotiating table'
Ian Gatt, chief executive of the SPFA, said: "We welcome this decision by EU member states and we hope it sends a clear signal to the Faroese that their actions are simply not acceptable in the 21st Century and will not be tolerated by those nations committed to sustainable harvesting.
"We note that fishmeal, fish oil and salmon products are not included at this stage, but they could be imposed later if there is no movement from the Faroese in resolving this issue."
Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "While I am pleased that action is now being taken I am disappointed that we have reached this point.
"Such action is necessary if we are to save the stock from collapse.
"I urge the Faroe Islands to halt their damaging actions and re-join us at the negotiating table. Only then will we secure a sustainable outcome for the fish stock and our fishermen."
'Seriously undermined'
Iceland's Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, said: "We are disappointed to see that the EU chose to impose sanctions on the Faroe Islands for its herring and mackerel catch.
"We don't believe this is the best way to settle these types of disagreements between friendly countries.
"This move from Brussels seriously undermines the efforts of the coastal states to find a solution through diplomacy and dialogue."
Angling Notes: EU ready to act over Faroe Islands’ and Iceland’s mackerel catch
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/angling-notes-eu-ready-to-act-over-faroe-islands-and-iceland-s-mackerel-catch-1.1483193
EU taking measures to prevent overfishing of mackerel
At the recent Council meeting of the European Union, the Minister for the Marine, Simon Coveney, supported by the UK, France and Spain, succeeded in having trade restrictions imposed by the EU Commission against Iceland and
the Faroe Islands as a result of their unacceptable fishing of mackerel.
These two countries set large unilateral quotas at unsustainable levels this year that amount to 52 per cent of the recommended scientifically advised catch of mackerel in 2013. This is the fifth year in which Iceland has refused to engage in meaningful negotiations with the EU and Norway, the recognised major shareholders in this fishery.
Both Iceland and the Faroe Islands have developed a large fishery of mackerel from a situation in 2006 when they had a combined total share of only 5 per cent of the fishery.
Coveney said he secured the agreement of Commissioner Maria Damanaki to immediately prepare for trade restrictions against Iceland and the Faroe Islands, as they are now fishing more than 50 per cent of the recommended catch level for mackerel.
“We have been left with no choice and must act against these countries being rewarded by their irresponsible behaviour,” said the Minister. “I regret that we have been forced to take this action, but the continued absence of any attempt to negotiate by either country has left us with no alternative.”
The north east Atlantic mackerel fishery, if fished within recommended levels, is worth about €1 billion. The value to the EU, as the largest shareholder, is estimated to be more than €600 million.
“Mackerel is our most important fishery, worth over €125 million, and Irish fishermen are hugely dependent on it. If this irresponsible fishing is allowed to continue this stock will be decimated and our coastal communities will have their livelihoods completely undermined. There are many fish-processing factories in counties Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Cork dependent on this stock.
“I have been calling for the implementation of trade measures for more than 12 months and now the Commissioner has agreed to proceed with these measures,” the Minister concluded.
At Killala Bay, charter skipper Donal Kennedy reports that a group from Larne and District SAC enjoyed their weekend at Enniscrone which included two days of boat fishing, and recorded an impressive 18 species along with four varieties of ray.
Larne angler Samuel Auld said: “We had probably the best weekend fishing experience in over 20 years, with a special thanks to Donal and Jim for their services.”
Simon Tarpey from Oughterard won Thursday’s qualifier in the World Cup Trout Championships on Lough Mask with three fish, weighing 1.8kg . Michael Drinan (Cork) was second with two fish for 1.1kg and Thomas Walsh (Dublin) also had two fish for 1kg.
The grilse run continued at Galway with plenty of fish showing on a daily basis, although fishing has slowed down, with more fish being lost than landed. There were 19 recorded, including the best fish of the week for Brendan Byrne, a fine summer salmon of 5kg taken on the fly.
“Water levels are perfect for the fly, with just one gate open; and, with such a good run of fish, prospects remain excellent in Galway,” said Kevin Crowley.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) staff initiated an investigation in response to a complaint last month of dead fish in the River Tolka, downstream of the Finglas Road Bridge. Up to 300 adult and juvenile brown trout were killed over a section approximately 250m long. Live fish, including brown trout, were recorded in the affected area during the investigation. Samples were taken for analysis; however, results did not identify any deleterious matter which may have caused the kill. In an ongoing investigation of local surface water drainage systems, IFI is liaising with Dublin City Council in an effort to prevent similar events in the future.
Howth Lifeboat Station is hosting an Open Day on Sunday August 11th from 1 to 5pm and all are welcome. Visitors can explore the all-weather and inshore lifeboats, meet the crew, view safety demonstrations and take part in competitions. The sea safety unit will also be available to check lifejackets and give advice on safety at sea.
“The Open Day is an opportunity for us to welcome the public and acknowledge their unwavering support,” said Howth RNLI chairman Russell Rafter.
angling@irishtimes.com
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYou're using one of my images, taken of vice.com.
Can you please remove the image?