National Fisherman

The ailing Apalachicola Bay may get some help if Gov. Rick Scott gets his way — but lawmakers say the funding will mainly go toward a study.

Scott's recently unveiled budget would give $3 million to "water quality improvement projects" in the bay, which is located in Franklin County. The Northwest Florida Water Management District would receive the money and undertake the projects.

State Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, who represents the county, said he's pleased the governor recommended the funding.

"He understands the severe problem that we have with the Apalachicola River basin and the Apalachicola Bay," he said.

Read the full story at News Herald>>

Featured Video

Callifornia crabbing: Here's a fun video shot on the decks of the Majestik while catching Dungeness crab off the coast of northern California.

Inside the Industry

Alaska fisherman and commercial fisheries activist Kevin Adams was elected chairman at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute board of directors meeting on May 9 in Anchorage.

The governor-appointed board consists of seven members: five seafood processors and two industry representatives actively engaged in commercial fishing. Adams was appointed to fill a harvester seat by Gov. Frank Murkowski in 2004.

With 38 years of fishing experience in Bristol Bay, Adams has long been an active member in the Alaska fishing industry, ASMI says. He has worked for both the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation and the Bering Sea Fisherman's Association, and represents Alaska fishermen on numerous boards.

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The Northeast Regional Planning Body, a group of state, tribal and federal representatives from New England who are working to implement the National Ocean Policy and address critical New England ocean issues, is holding a series of public meetings in May and June.

The meetings are being held to discuss draft regional ocean planning goals and associated potential actions. The planning body seeks input on these goals and actions. Additional information on the group's progress can be found here

The meetings will also provide an opportunity to review draft maps and products from initial efforts to gather information on the natural resources and diverse uses of the ocean, including fishing, transportation, energy and infrastructure, aquaculture, and recreation.

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