Nov 29, 2017
2017 has been a heartbreaking year for anyone following the news about the shocking number of North Atlantic right whale deaths. With fewer than 460 remaining, right whales are one of the most endangered whale species in the world, so even one death threatens the species’ existence. Tragically, the number of right whale deaths this year now… Continue reading All Hands on Deck to Save the Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
Nov 21, 2017
When you walk around the shores of Downeast Maine at low tide, you’re sure to see rockweed covering much of the coastline. This critical habitat for shellfish, seabirds, lobsters, and crabs is a vital piece of Maine’s ecosystem – but is it really a plant, or rather, is it a fish? This is the central… Continue reading A Fish or a Plant? Rockweed Identity the Central Question in Maine Court Case
Nov 13, 2017
The MSA has worked in rebuilding fish populations. Now, it should be strengthened to ensure we’re able to save and restore still-struggling species like the iconic Atlantic cod – before it’s too late. Consider these three facts: New England’s commercial fisheries brought in $1.2 billion in revenue in 2012, up from $691 million in 2003… Continue reading We Have an Opportunity to Build Stronger, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations
Nov 08, 2017
We’re not giving in. Yes, approaching a year after President’s Trump’s election, he seems intent on undermining decades of work to protect public health and the environment and fostering an ideology that denies and denigrates the basic facts of science. But we’ve been here before. In the 1970s, oil companies were intent on drilling for… Continue reading One Year Down: Fighting Back and Fighting On for New England
Nov 08, 2017
Building stronger, more sustainable fisheries in New England.
Oct 26, 2017
“Our natural treasures are resources that belong to all of us, and concealing these recommendations sends a strong message that public interest comes second to political expediency,” said Priscilla Brooks, CLF Director of Ocean Conservation. “The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is the only ocean monument in the Atlantic, protecting a vibrant ecosystem full of scientific potential. Withholding recommendations that could decimate this monument’s protections is a slap in the face to New Englanders and to all Americans.”
Oct 24, 2017
Bun Lai is the James Beard-nominated chef of Miya’s Sushi in New Haven, CT. Miya’s is known for being the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. To celebrate National Seafood Month, I spoke to Chef Bun Lai about forging a new path, and why it’s important to think of the environment when choosing seafood. … Continue reading National Seafood Month: Chef Bun Lai Pioneers Sustainable Sushi
Oct 16, 2017
Commonly hailed as “the most important fish in the sea,” Atlantic menhaden could soon be managed a bit differently, as the body that regulates the species hosts an important discussion next month. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will meet November 13-14 with a historic opportunity to solidify the importance of menhaden’s role in… Continue reading You Can Help Safeguard the Future of Menhaden, the Most Important Fish in the Sea
Oct 11, 2017
“Mr. Rafael’s crimes put the health of our fisheries directly in harm’s way, and today’s order helps ensure that he pays a price for that corruption,” said CLF attorney Megan Herzog. “Though this amounts to just a small slice of Mr. Rafael’s assets, it sends a signal that anyone who crosses the line will be held criminally accountable. By reinvesting proceeds associated with this case into stronger monitoring and redistributing Mr. Rafael’s forfeited quota among the fishermen harmed by his egregious crimes, we can begin to turn the page on this dark chapter in New England’s fisheries.”
Sep 29, 2017
On Monday, September 25, a federal court sentenced New England fishing magnate Carlos Rafael – “the Codfather”– to 46 months incarceration, a $200,000 fine, and three years’ probation, during which he is barred from the fishing industry. The sentence sends a strong message that systemic abuse of our fishery resources and management mechanisms will not… Continue reading Codfather Penalties Set New England on Path to Better Accountability
