Johnson Outdoors’ Post

Here are this week's updates in #oceanpolicy: – Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) introduced the Ocean Restoration Research and Development Incentive Act, which would direct a new pilot program to expand research and development of ocean-based techniques and strategies to remove excess #CO2 from the atmosphere, restore #fisheries, and enhance ocean health. The bill seeks to fund and implement the research strategy recommended in a 2022 National Academies of Sciences report. https://lnkd.in/gAXyinsb – NOAA fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) finalized three rules that revise #EndangeredSpeciesAct regulations, closing the book on a lengthy back-and-forth regarding the reversal of Trump Administration era changes to the act. The new rules aim to improve interagency cooperation, listing determinations, and critical habitat designations. https://lnkd.in/ghrD5MFb – DOI approved the Sunrise Wind project offshore Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. https://lnkd.in/gX9pRXct Subscribe for more ocean and coastal policy news!

Today, we are reaching out to initiate a conversation on a topic that demands our attention and to tap into the collective wisdom of this incredible network regarding a critical issue in marine conservation; Bycatch in California fisheries. On December 14th, the California Fish and Game Commission is set to receive management recommendations from the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) to address bycatch in the California set gillnet fishery. Our oceans are facing challenges, and on December 14th, the California Fish and Game Commission will receive crucial management recommendations from the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) regarding the set gillnet fishery. The concern is that many proposed measures may not be sufficient to reduce bycatch effectively. The focus of our inquiry lies in understanding the nuances between bycatch in Set Gill Nets and Drifting Gill Nets. As we are all aware, bycatch poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, and effective management strategies are crucial. Moreover, it has come to our attention that many of the proposed management recommendations may not effectively reduce bycatch. We are curious to hear your opinions on this matter. What do you believe are the key differences in the bycatch associated with Set Gill Nets and Drifting Gill Nets? Additionally, what are your thoughts on the proposed recommendations and their potential impact? Should we ban Gill Nets all together or have better regulations? Thank you in advance for your thoughtful contributions, and feel free to share this post with others who may have valuable insights. Please comment below. "Together, We Make Oceans of Difference."

Really interested to track the results of this survey. I know NT colleagues will be interested to see where the new National Strategy for 2025 takes is in terms of water quality and species survival. Also relevant for all partners involved in the Stour Valley Project. I wonder if we have any studies/data on Salmon or Sea Trout in the Stour?

Louisiana is the “redfish capital of the world,” but declining populations of this sportfish are a direct result of coastal marsh habitat loss. The marsh loss that did not “bode well for the future of Louisiana’s fisheries production” is precisely what the state is facing now, especially in the Barataria Basin where nearly a century of subsidence, canal dredging, saltwater intrusion and battering from cold fronts and hurricanes has caused the highest rate of marsh loss in the world. The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, an ambitious project already under construction to reconnect the river to Barataria Bay, is the best chance to stabilize Louisiana’s redfish population and help it recover. Read more from the Louisiana Sportsman article, penned by TRCP’s Chris Macaluso at https://bit.ly/3KwwQ8e

From the river to the lab, looking at the very ear bones of fish, scientists with the University of California, Davis, are playing a key role helping to answer a big dam question: Will it work? Will a diverse population of salmon thrive again once the dams are removed and the Klamath River restored? #UCDavis, #Salmon #klamathRiver #fisheries #YurokTribe #salmonhabitat #watershedsciences #climate https://lnkd.in/gxBsmrgf

If you're looking for an interesting read go ahead and check out this article over freshwater mussels in East Texas. It covers the work I did this past summer at Big Thicket National Preserve! https://lnkd.in/gPFs8ym6 #NationalParkService #freshwatermussels #ScientistsInParks Conservation Legacy

📅 Mark your calendars! 🌊 Join us on April 18 for a webinar highlighting the suite of products offered by Global Fishing Watch. 🌐 Gain valuable insights on the features, benefits and applications of each product, as you navigate the right tools to support your work. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eydZBBdF

Thank you Derek for sharing! Some quick facts: - $240 million funded.  Typical award will be $3 to $6 million. - So 40 to 80 awards.  Not bad odds. - Applicants should address the following set of program priorities: 1) sustaining productive fisheries and strengthening ecosystem resilience; 2) enhancing community resilience to climate hazards and providing other co-benefits; 3) fostering regionally important habitat restoration; and 4) providing benefit to tribal, indigenous, and/or underserved communities, including through partnerships. - The earliest anticipated start date for awards will be October 1, 2024. - Match is not required but counts for 5 points out of 100 - Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and tribal governments. Natrx | Adaptive Infrastructure delivers high-performance, advanced resilience technologies that enable natural systems to protect climate-exposed assets at scale. Can our technology help you or your clients score one of these grants?

Lets talk about fish in NE British Columbia! for those planning work in and around water in NE British Columbia the below document outlines the requirements and suggested timing windows of least risk for fish and fish habitat. In NE British Columbia we have both spring (rainbow trout) and fall spawners (bull trout) so it is important to know what type of fish species reside within the watershed you are working within. Along with applicable BC regulations, if you are working below the highwater mark often times of Request for Review (RFR) will also be required. This is a standardized form that is submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) that ensures proper mitigations are being followed. approximate review time is 4 -6 weeks, however this often depends on time of year, with spring time being the busiest. If you have projects coming up this year that are impacting watercourses early planning is key. Also new to NE British Columbia this year, is the Treaty 8 Planning and Mitigation Measures. This planning document further outlines requirements such as mapping all impacted watercourses and identifying all stream classes crossed by a project. Treaty 8 Planning and Mitigation Measures: https://lnkd.in/g-n98SGt

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