ABC of Fishing News Feed

The Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center Opens

On Friday October 29, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will hold a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m., for the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center (AABC). The dedication will take place at the AABC, located at 2200 Highway 175, Marion, Ala., 36756. Various local, federal and state officials, including Gov. Bob Riley, are scheduled to attend.

The mission of the AABC is to conserve and restore rare and endangered native freshwater mollusks (mussels and snails) to Alabama waters -- the largest state-run non-game recovery program of its kind in the U.S. Future projects to support non-game fishes and other aquatic species are planned. Facilities include three aquatic culture buildings, an administration building with offices and laboratory space, and 30 surface-acres of aquatic culture ponds in which to raise animals for study and release into Alabama waters.

The facility was last operated by the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division as the Claude Harris National Aquaculture Research Center, which closed in 1995. The property was deeded to the State of Alabama in 1999. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) began renovations to the facility in 2005.

"Aquatic habitat and species recovery go hand-in-hand with the quality of water in Alabama,� said Barnett Lawley, ADCNR Commissioner. "Alabama is proud to be taking a lead in this effort.�

WFF Fisheries Section Chief Stan Cook agrees. "Conservation efforts like those of the AABC affect everyday practical issues such as the quality of our drinking water. Improving the water quality in Alabama also improves game-fish habitat, which is a win-win situation for everyone,� said Cook. "This is just one piece of the puzzle that helps to improve the quality of life for all Alabamians.�

According to AABC director Dr. Paul Johnson, Alabama has historically had the greatest number of freshwater mollusk, fish, and crayfish species of any state in the nation. For mussels and crayfishes, the region contains the highest species diversity on the planet. "Unfortunately that translates into Alabama also having the highest number of imperiled species in the nation as well,� said Johnson.

To date Alabama has lost 67 species of freshwater mollusks to extinction and an additional 17 species cannot be found in state waters. For freshwater fishes, two species are considered extinct and nine cannot be found in state waters. Currently Alabama has 51 mollusk and 13 fish species considered Threatened or Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

"We have more than 12 federally listed and candidate species being raised at the facility, with plans for more in the future,� Johnson said. "Prior to the dedication ceremony, we will be releasing several species into rivers and streams around the state in an effort to bolster or re-establish local populations.�

Other AABC activities include joint projects with the Smithsonian, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the University of Alabama, and Auburn University. The AABC also developed a Strategic Habitat Program for the Mobile River Basin in cooperation with the FWS, the Geological Survey of Alabama, and the Alabama Clean Water Partnership. This is an effort to gather data and promote habitat recovery efforts in critical watersheds within the Mobile River Basin. There are 22 separate watersheds outlined in the program.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit, www.outdooralabama.com .

Federal Waters in Gulf Reopened to Fishing

A day after reopening 5,130 square miles of federal waters off the coasts of Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle to commercial and recreational fishing, NOAA Fisheries reopened another 3,114-square-mile block in the north central Gulf at 5 p.m. Friday

The area reopened Thursday is north of the 29-degree, 30-minute latitude, about 45 miles south of Alabama's coastline. Visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/deepwater_horizon/BP_OilSpill_FisheryClosureMap_090210.pdf for a map of the area.

On Friday, the area south of the Pensacola to Panama City area � highlighted at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/deepwater_horizon/BP_OilSpill_FisheryClosureMap_090310.pdf - was reopened just in time for Labor Day fishing tournaments.

NOAA Fisheries collected shrimp and finfish samples from the areas that had been closed because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Samples from the reopened areas passed sensory analysis and chemical analysis results were well below levels of concern.

Major Chris Blankenship, acting director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division, said all Alabama hunting and fishing licenses expired on August 31, and 2010-2011 licenses must be purchased before attempting to fish or hunt. Visit www.outdooralabama.com for license information or call 1-888-848-6887 to purchase licenses by phone.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Source:
David Rainer
Outdoor Writer
Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources
(251) 945-6889
(251) 454-6543
www.outdooralabama.com

Nautical "Bargains Galore" at Stuart, Florida

It's that time of year again! The 2nd Annual Martin County Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Fest will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 17-19, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Martin County Fairgrounds in Stuart, FL. Once again, the theme of this year's festival will be "Bargains Galore."

Bargain hunters looking for deals can visit over four hundred vendor booths that will exhibit and sell their nautical and marine related merchandise and services during the three day festival. In today's economy, the Nautical and Marine Flea Market will provide an outlet for the marine industry and private individuals to sell overstocked, new and used marine equipment at a fraction of the original retail cost. Many boaters, fishermen and divers will find valuable items for their maritime lifestyle at bargain prices and the best value for their dollar. The Martin County Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival will be the answer for buyers and sellers alike. A wide variety of items including fishing rods, reels, lures and lines, kayaks, teak furniture, nautical arts and crafts, jewelry, marine artifacts, boating apparel, taxidermy and fish reproductions, diving equipment, marine accessories and parts and floating docks will be offered. In addition to local boat, truck, and RV dealers, individuals will be selling privately owned boats.

As well as indulging their cravings for the latest marine gear, nautical buffs can enjoy live music throughout the day provided by favorite local and regional entertainers. To satisfy hungry customers, seafood vendors will offer delicious seafood and beverages.

The Martin County Fairgrounds is located at 2616 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, FL with easy access from I-95 and US 1. There is plenty of free parking. Admission is $7 for adults, children under 12 will be admitted free. Bring the family, enjoy a full day of browsing bargains, listening to music and enjoying seafood.

Visit the Martin County Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Fest website for more information, discount tickets, vendor applications, special hotel rates and specific driving directions: http://www.flnauticalfleamarket.com or contact Under the Sun Promotions, Inc. at 954-205-7813, FAX: 561-395-5389 or e-mail: info@flnauticalfleamarket.com.

Source: www.prnewswire.com

Arctic Storm Participates In Rationalized Fishing

In an interview with Business Review USA, Arctic Storm President Doug Christensen describes the importance of his company's involvement in conserving the ocean and its resources.

Arctic Storm's four vessels fish pollock and whiting in Alaska and the West Coast, and are members of fishery cooperatives that allocate catch shares among their members who are committed to the conservation and utilization of marine resources. The rationalized fishery allows Arctic Storm and other participants an opportunity to improve the quality of the harvest and practice innovation. It allows them to increase utilization of the resources by increasing the recovery rate and producing more products for consumers.

Christensen said, "There's a strong focus on continual innovation on what we do with our fish. We're constantly trying to figure out ways to make more products with the same amount of fish. By doing so, we've increased our fishmeal output, added fish oil output and added high recovery lines that increase our frozen human consumption food output.� Read the full company report at http://www.businessreviewusa.com/company-reports/arctic-storm.

About Arctic Storm
Seattle-based Arctic Storm operates four vessels that catch pollock and whiting in two fisheries that have been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. The company harvests, processes, packages and freezes its catch before distributing its products around the world, specifically North America, Europe and Asia. Some of those food products include fillets, surimi and fish roe, while fish meal and fish oil is produced from inedible parts of the fish.

Source: www.prlog.org

Storyville "Save Our Coast� T-Shirt

Baton Rouge, LA -- The BP oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig is the largest oil spill ever in the Gulf of Mexico, according to federal government estimates. The amount of oil that has leaked into the gulf has recently hit the 140.6 million gallon mark.

The spill has had an extensive impact on marine and wild life, fishing and tourism.

"Businesses are going under, fishermen are out of work and families have been devastated,� said Josh Harvey, owner of Storyville. "We have to do our part by contributing whatever we can to help those affected.�

On May 24, 2010, the federal government declared a fisheries disaster for the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Petroleum toxicity and oxygen depletion threaten more than 400 species that live in the area including pelicans, dolphins and turtles.

"The cost to the Louisiana fishing industry could be $25 billion,� he said. "While cleanup will take years those affected in the seafood industry need immediate assistance. That is why we chose to donate proceeds to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund, which will go toward emergency grants for victims of the oil spill.�

The Oil Spill Fund was created to help fishermen and their families in the following Louisiana parishes: Plaquemines, St. Bernard, lower Jefferson, Terrebonne and Lafourche.

The "Save Our Coast" T-shirt is printed on a 100% cotton baby blue American Apparel shirt with white, blue and dark red ink. The design was created by Sara Silvestri and is available in both the unisex and female-specific cut.

To see more about "Save Our Coast" T-Shirts and Storyville, visit http://www.wearyourstory.com/save-our-coast.html

source: www.pr.com
photo credit: http://www.wearyourstory.com/save-our-coast.html