Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has taken delivery of a new catamaran research vessel built by compatriot shipyard Seacrest Marine. The 25-metre aluminium catamaran has a range of features and equipment to help its crew monitor and protect sensitive coastal areas while...
Regulation & Enforcement
OPINION | China’s grey-zone provocations: time to reciprocate
It’s time to send a signal to Beijing that a crisis is approaching. China’s use of grey zone tactics is intensifying. This worsening trend line has been evident for several years and seems headed towards an unintended violent incident, a crisis, and possibly armed conflict. Attempts need to be made...
East Coast fishermen file lawsuit against US National Marine Fisheries Service
In January, three New Jersey commercial fishermen who own and operate vessels in the herring fishery had a hearing before the US Supreme Court. Their lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service challenges a 2020 federal rule requiring commercial fishing boat captains to pay for monitors...
EU heeds calls for more efficient accident investigations in maritime transport
To ensure safer maritime journeys in Europe, the European Council presidency and the European Parliament’s negotiators have reached a provisional agreement to revise the 2009 directive on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. The new legislation forms part of the so-called “maritime safety” legislative package. The revised directive aims to simplify and […]
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EU fisheries sector criticises French authority’s “urgent” closure of Bay of Biscay
After a decision by a French court to close fishing to French vessels over eight metres in length using pelagic trawlers (OTM, PTM), demersal pair trawlers (PTB), gillnetters trammel (GTR), set nets (GNS), and purse seines (PS) in the Bay of Biscay, France is extending this ban to other vessels,...
OPINION | Why all the hysteria about sharks?
The world of the environment is dominated by dramas and driven by hysterias. Inspired by our political and institutional (UN) masters, and guided by our proverbial generosity, we have fallen into the traps set by those interested in anything else but conserving wild species. In the mid-90s, we were...
EU fisheries control system to undergo major revamp
New rules for a reinforced fisheries control system entered into force in the European Union on Tuesday, January 9. The revised rules modernise the way fishing activities are controlled for both EU vessels and those fishing in EU waters. The rules will help prevent overfishing, create a more...
International Fund for Fishing Safety announces first funding round
The International Fund for Fishing Safety, a grant-giving programme providing financial support for safety initiatives that aim to improve safety standards in the global fishing industry, has announced its first open funding call. The fund will target areas where there is the most need for improved...
Maritime Security Vessel News Roundup | December 14 – Russian submarines, UK fisheries patrol catamaran and more
The Russian Navy welcomes two new submarines into service as trials begin for a fisheries protection vessel for a UK operator. The Royal New Zealand Navy will conduct testing of an unmanned vehicle powered by renewable energy sources. Finally, an order has been placed for a minehunting remotely...
Scottish fishing skippers express fear over possible “back door” push for protected marine areas policy
Fishing boat skippers throughout Scotland are urging policymakers not to push through highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) “by the back door” after the publication of the consultation response, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) said in a news release earlier this week. The SFF said that last week, the Scottish Government confirmed it will not be […]
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