Wildcoast-USA News:10 Mar 2010 at 7:50am
Earth News looks at rocks, global warming and extreme weather to get the lowdown on what the Earth is trying to tell us.
It was the blockbuster environmental deal of a lifetime: Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced in 2008 that the state was going to buy 180,000 acres of wetlands from United States Sugar Corporation. The purchase would effectively close U.S. Sugar's doors ... A Sweet Deal Soured9 Mar 2010 at 8:12pm
Wildcoast-USA News:10 Mar 2010 at 7:23am
Latest headlines from WN Network
RenewableUK says inconsistencies in tariff favour solar panels, which takes microgeneration business out of UK Micro wind turbines will receive smaller government subsidies per KWh than solar panels. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images UK small wind turbine manufacturers say they will lose out to foreign solar panel manufacturers in the race to cash in on the UK government's new feed-in tariff scheme. They claim their products will be penalised because solar panel owners will receive higher government subsidies than wind turbine buyers. As the arrangement stands, a wind turbine would qualify for 26.7-34.5p per KWh in government subsidies, while solar panels would typically bring in 41p... Feed-in tariff 'killing off' burgeoning UK small turbine industry10 Mar 2010 at 7:12am
Featured Coastline:
ENGLAND
Past news: WASHINGTON - President Bush created
the world's largest marine protected area — a group of remote Hawaiian
islands that cover 84 million acres and are home to 7,000 species of
birds, fish and marine mammals, at least a quarter of which are unique
to Hawaii.
At a White House
ceremony, the president designated the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands the
United States’ 75th national monument. The islands have been described
as “America’s Galapagos” and as the most intact tropical marine region
under U.S. jurisdiction.
“To put this area in
context, this national monument is more than 100 times larger than
Yosemite National Park,” Bush said. “It’s larger than 46 of our 50
states, and more than seven times larger than all our national marine
sanctuaries combined. This is a big deal.”
Bush
continued:
-----------------------------
WAILUKU —
State land and natural resources officials on Maui are already
discovering problems with the new lay gill net rules and regulations,
The Maui News
reported.
They restrict lay gill net fishing around Maui and apply new rules to
fishermen on Molokai and Lanai.
Help Keep it Clean
"What we are finding to be problematic is that many within the public
currently believe the (lay net) gear is restricted, period," said Randy
Awo, Maui branch chief of enforcement for the state Department of Land
and Natural Resources.
But lay nets can still be possessed by fisherman who are doing surround
net fishing, Awo said.
It's the lay net practice that is prohibited, he added.
more...
• New lay net rules in effect
statewide
Gov. Lingle has approved amendments to HAR Chap 13-75, restricting
the use of lay nets and prohibiting their use in certain waters. The new
rules are now in effect. Included are requirements for lay net
registration, limits on dimensions and soak times, requirements for
attendance and inspection, and prohibitions on use in streams and stream
mouths. Lay net use is also prohibited around the entire island of Maui,
and in certain waters off Oahu, including Kaneohe and Kailua Bays, and
the south shore between Koko Head and Pearl Harbor. More details can be
found by downloading the following pdf files:
HAR 13-75: Rules regulating the possession and use of certain fishing
gear (3 MB):
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regs/ch75.pdf
Lay net rule summary sheet (84 KB) :
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/pubs/laynetsumm.pdf
Cousteau to plan a 434 acre complex in Ha'u Hawaii
with Sea Mountain 5. The project will include a marine
conservation program and Hawaiian cultural center.
MoreMonk Seal caught
in gil net
Green sea turtles abound - view the vast sea life at Wailea, Maui, Hawaii - accommodations right on the sand and by the reefs. Polo Beach Club.
7/26/2006 3:30:00 PM [A Plus Resorts- Information]
Release from: Maui News
Little Hope For Reef Fish
2/2
The good news is that most everyone is
ready to admit that Maui's inshore fisheries
need regulations and protection. The bad
news is that nearly everyone involved thinks
it is "the other guy" who needs to be
regulated.
Hawaii is the only state in the nation
that allows the use of lay nets, also known
as gill nets, on inshore reefs. In 1998, the
state Department of Land and Natural
Resources set up at Gill Net Task Force.
Some of the task force recommendations were
written into regulations which were given a
round of public hearings in 2002. During the
course of collecting public testimony for
lay net regulations, it became apparent that
the DLNR should consider a ban on the nets.
That required a new round of public meetings
which are now being conducted.
The DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources
held one of those sessions last week in
Kahului. Nearly everyone agreed there were
fewer fish in the waters around Maui. Most
said they weren't to blame because they only
took what they needed. They didn't specify
if what they needed was for food for the
family or cash to pay for the boats, motors,
fuel and monofilament nets.
That same argument has stalled effective
marine life conservation despite decades of
anecdotal and scientific evidence the
islands' inshore reefs are being turned into
coral deserts. As usual, the latest meeting
heard plenty of testimony that the real
culprits ranged from windsurfers to
developers who allowed reef-smothering
runoff.
The suggestion that a konohiki (manager)
be named for each ahupuaa (a
sea-to-mountain-top land division) to decide
how much and what kind of fishing the ocean
could handle at any given time was greeted
warmly and might be cause for the DLNR to
set off in yet a new direction, requiring
another two years or so of analysis, rule
writing and hearings. Besides, the old maps
show Maui alone had more than 60 ahupuaa.
The DLNR's administrative rules allow it
to establish temporary fishing bans on
individual reefs at any time, allowing fish
populations to be replenished naturally. It
worked off Waikiki's Kuhio Beach, but in
Maui waters it would require more
enforcement than the state has been willing
to fund in the past.
Meanwhile, the reef fish disappear, and
no one seems willing to do what needs to be
done to save them.
New law prohibits taking of female
lobsters and crabs
On May 4 Gov. Lingle signed into law Act
77, which prohibits the taking or killing of
female ula (spiny lobsters), Kona crabs, and
Samoan crabs. The law took effect the same
day. Closed season for spiny lobsters and
Kona crabs continues through the end of
August, but there is no closed season for
Samoan crabs. For information on how to tell
the difference between males and females of
these species, http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/fish_regs/mvf.htm.
Map of marine managed areas in the
Hawaiian Islands
Map Game -
World Map Game Quiz is the development of innovative map game
centered on different versions and themes of the world map. It's a
novel method of popularizing geographical knowledge and cultures
from around the world.
At the end of 2003 and beginning of 2004,
DLNR/DAR held a series of public meetings statewide to
discuss a proposal to ban “laynetting” (defined as
“stationary gillnets used in inshore waters”). A complete
statewide ban was proposed, but people were asked to
consider a few possible exceptions to the ban (allowing
netting in designated areas only, making an exemption from
the ban for native Hawaiians, etc.).
In addition to the public meetings, DAR
distributed a written survey. People were allowed to mail,
fax or hand in their surveys for a period of several months.
(See "Background - Public Meetings and Survey" below.)
The results of surveys and public meetings
were quite different. People generally opposed a complete
ban on “lay-nets” in public meetings, but support such a ban
in written surveys. Survey results contained the response
to four distinct questions. Live public testimony tends to
be more spontaneous and people talked about a number of
topics in addition to banning laynetting (other net
management they would prefer, other priorities they thought
DLNR should focus on, etc.). The results also varied by
island. Generally O‘ahu and Maui supported a ban, while
other islands opposed it.
Background - Public Meetings and Survey
In November 2004 the Board of Land and
Natural Resources approved a DAR request to hold public
meetings to discuss a proposal to ban lay nets (gillnet)
generally state wide, with options for exemptions for areas
where they could be used and consideration for
traditional/cultural use. The public meetings were intended
to convey information to the public and to have public
discussion of the proposal and various options (details
below). There were no proposed amendments at that time.
Lay Net Survey
- Persons unable to attend one of the public meetings or
wishing to send in additional comments were asked to fill in
the public laynet survey and mail it or FAX it to the
Division of Aquatic Resources. The survey is in Acrobat PDF
format, and you will need the free Acrobat Reader to view
and print it. Please read the background information and the
documents at the links provided below for details on the
proposal and more information. Please click here for the survey form (PDF 4Kb).
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/pubs/public_laynet_survey.pdf
Background - Lay Net Management by DLNR
The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)
has been working on improving management of lay nets for
some time. The following chronology illustrates some of the
key historical events.
1977 - Maximum soak time limited to
12 hours, previously no limit. Minimum mesh size is 2"
1992 - Report on lay net management
in response to HCR 401 HD1 recommends mesh size increase
and soak time reduction
1993 - Soak time limited to 4 hours
with required inspection at 2 hours
1994 - 2" minimum mesh size increased
to 2 3/4"; to take effect 12/31/96
1998-99 - Gill Net Task Force meets
and recommends lay net regulations
2000-02 - Draft regulations developed
from recommendations and reviewed internally
2002 - State wide public meetings on
proposed lay net management regulations
In 1997, a new type of gillnet appeared
along the Wai'anae coast of O'ahu. This monofilament net was
set on the bottom in depths 200 feet or greater via a
hydraulically operated drum on the bow of a boat and longer
than a mile in length. Concerns about the use of this
gillnet prompted the formation of a Gillnet Task Force
composed of various fishermen concerned about gillnets with
DAR staff in support. Members of the task force came from
Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, and Hawai'i. At first, their
concerns were with the deep-set gillnets, but they broadened
their discussion to include inshore gillnets (lay nets). In
1999, the task force presented a list of recommendations on
managing gillnets to the department.
Recently, there has been increased
interest in implementing a statewide ban on lay nets, from
within and outside the department. At the public meetings in
late 2002, some fishermen volunteered their opinion that
DLNR should ban lay nets. A ban on lay nets was not
presented by DAR at the 2002 public meetings since it was
not part of the Gillnet Task Force recommendations and was
not explicitly discussed as an alternative at that time. In
addition, there are indications that some legislators may
introduce bills aimed at implementing a statewide lay net
ban. We need to go to the public to obtain their input on a
potential statewide lay net ban and to discuss various
options for exemptions to the ban..
For the purpose of these discussions, we
will refer to stationary gillnets used in inshore waters as
lay nets. These are also commonly called set nets or moemoe
nets. The lay net is a passive gear because the net is set
stationarily in one location and left more or less
unattended. The fish are caught as they run into it and
become entangled. The nets are commonly made of monofilament
nylon which has been manufactured into netting available in
125' long pieces from fishing supply stores and sewn
together to make larger nets. A pa'ipa'i net is essentially
the same net used for lay net (moemoe) but actively fished.
The fishermen set the net, usually in an arc, and then drive
fish into the net by splashing the water. Then they pick up
the net to retrieve the fish. The net is not left
unattended. The discussion should include whether paipai
nets should be managed the same way as moemoe nets.
The DAR held ten statewide public meetings
in September/October 2002 to obtain public input on a set of
proposed lay net (stationary gillnet) regulations based on
recommendations from the Gillnet Task Force and in-house
staff discussions. The public meetings were focused mainly
on evaluating the proposals. The proposals focused on more
stringent regulations of lay nets, but did not include
consideration of a ban on lay nets. Two survey forms were
also circulated to attendees to solicit more detailed
comments. In addition, a separate survey was mailed to
commercial marine fishermen.
DAR aquatic biologists prepared a report
reviewing the chronology of the lay net management effort
and summarizing the results of the public meetings and
surveys. It provides detailed information on the lay net
issue and comments expressed at the public meetings. They
compiled a set of recommendations for lay net management
based on input from the public meetings (hereafter known as
the report recommendations).
The current regulations on lay nets set a
maximum soak time of four hours, with a requirement to
inspect the net every two hours. The minimum mesh size is 2
3/4" stretched. There are no other restrictions. The report
recommendations included limits on lay net length and
height, limit to one use in 24 hours, limit on water depth,
retains the 2 3/4" minimum mesh size, sets a minimum space
between nets, and requires permitting by the department and
tagging and marking of nets. The report recommendations
specified a 12 hour maximum soak time for recreational lay
nets (4 hours for commercial), a 1,200' maximum length for
commercial lay nets and a 500' maximum length for
recreational lay nets.
The Department requested that further
public meetings be held to consider a general ban on lay
nets, with various options for exemptions to the ban. As
noted earlier, a ban was not discussed in the 2002 public
meetings because it was not part of the Gill Net Task Force
regulations. However, some ttendees at those meetings as
well as public hearings on the minimum size rule amendments,
asked the department to consider a ban on lay nets.
Forty-two percent of the respondents (total 105) to the
general lay net survey handed out at the 2002 lay net public
meetings favored a ban on lay nets.
A major concern with lay nets is the
entangling and killing of protected species such as sea
turtles or monk seals. The DLNR applied to the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for an Incidental Take
Permit to cover recreational/subsistence/commercial
fisheries managed by the State for sea turtles. The
application is being amended to include monk seals, at the
request of NMFS. One of the gears identified as being
responsible for interactions with sea turtles is lay net. In
applying for the ITP, the DLNR recognizes that further
regulation of lay nets will likely be required.
Following the public meetings, DAR staff
will compile and summarize the public discussions and
recommendations and develop proposed rule amendments for
presentation to the board to request public hearings in the
near future.
The Proposal For Discussion
STATEWIDE BAN ON LAY NET USE
There shall be a statewide ban on the use
of lay nets. This pertains to commercial, recreational and
subsistence lay net uses. This ban does not apply to throw
nets, cast nets, fence/bag nets, aquarium nets, lobster
nets, opelu or akule nets; nor does it apply to lobster
traps or fish traps.
FISHERY- AND RESOURCE-BASED LIMITED
GEOGRAPHIC AREA EXEMPTIONS
Exemptions to lay net prohibition for
certain limited geographic areas may be considered and must
be approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Exemptions will be based on the condition of the resources
in the area to be considered for exemption.
WHERE GEOGRAPHIC EXEMPTIONS ARE GRANTED:
(LAY NET USE, SIZE AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL
FISHERS)
If certain limited geographic areas are
exempted from the statewide lay net ban, then the following
lay net use, size and other restrictions must be adhered to.
The
following restrictions apply to all individuals and user
groups.
Lay net use must be a part of active
fishing with continuous attendance and monitoring (i.e.
net is not to be set, abandoned and then fisher returns
and retrieves.)
Lay nets are to be attended and
monitored at all times (i.e. someone must always be
within 50 feet of the lay net and monitoring the net.)
In the event a threatened and/or
endangered species (i.e. turtle, dolphin, seal, etc.,)
and/or unintended bycatch (i.e. other fish, bird, etc.)
are caught in the lay net, the fisher shall immediately
remove the animal from the lay net. The fisherman shall
follow appropriate state and federal handling and
release guidelines if it is a threatened or endangered
species.
Lay nets must be individually
registered by the owner and tagged. Identification tags
shall be attached at both ends of the net, one on the
floatline and one on the leadline, for a total of four
identification tags. Identification tags will be marked
with a unique serial number identifying each net.
Marker buoys, visible on the water
surface, shall be attached to each end of the net, for a
total of two buoys. The identification tag number will
be permanently marked on each buoy.
A person may fish with only one lay
net per day and may only use (set) the net once per day.
When the lay net is in use, set and
fishing, the registered owner must at all times be
present and fishing with that net.
Lay nets shall be no longer than 250
feet and no higher than 6 feet. No joining of individual
nets if two or more fishers work together.
Lay net mesh shall be no less than
2.75 inches, stretched.
Lay nets must be spaced no less than
500-feet from each other.
Lay net "soak time" shall be a
maximum of 4-hours.
The lay net may only be in the water,
set and fishing between the hours of one-half hour
before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Lay nets that do not meet these
requirements are subject to confiscation by the
Department and the owner and user cited for violation of
the administrative rule.
The Department shall consider any lay
net on or about the water that is not registered and
does not have proper identification tags contraband and
subject to immediate seizure.
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Specializing in preventing over-fishing, and preventing destructive
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other marine life.
the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands the
United States’ 75th national monument. The islands have been described
as “America’s Galapagos” and as the most intact tropical marine region
under U.S. jurisdiction. .jpg)
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