fishmonger

U.S. seafood catch at 17-year high Last year's increase, up 23% by weight over 2010 levels, is evidence that fish populations are rebuilding. Still, a number of fisheries remain in trouble. Comments 0 Email Share Associated Press AP September 20, 2012 The U.S. seafood catch reached a 17-year high last year, with all fishing regions of the country showing increases in both the volume and value of their harvests. Commercial fishermen last year caught 10.1 billion pounds of fish and shellfish valued at a record $5.3 billion, according to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . That's a 23% increase in catch by weight and a 17% increase in value over 2010. New Bedford, Mass., was the highest-valued port for the 12th straight year, largely because of its scallop fishery. The increases are evidence that fish populati

Thursday, September 20, 2012 Scallopers facing 30 percent catch reduction in each of the next two years | SouthCoastToday.com Scallopers facing 30 percent catch reduction in each of the next two years | SouthCoastToday.com NEW BEDFORD — The scallop catch could be cut up to 30 percent in each of the next two years in what fishermen say would be a heavy blow to the industry. Deirdre Boelke, a scallop plan coordinator with the New England Fishery Management Council, said the reductions are needed because fewer full-grown scallops are available for harvest. "The projected catch for 2013 and 2014 is in the neighborhood of 40 million pounds," Boelke told The Standard-Times after a meeting of the council's Scallop Oversight Committee in New Bedford on Tuesday. That's down from just under 57 million pounds in 2011, the latest full-year figures available. "It's a big hit that will affect everyone," said boat owner William Wells of Seaford, Va