Articles
Pancake tunicate alive and well around Eastport
Officially it’s called Didemnum Vexillum. It’s more familiarly known as pancake tunicate, also known as sea squirt, or, simply, pest. And it’s infesting the waters around Eastport. Because of this infestation, scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Biological Station at St. Andrews, New Brunswick, have been checking the waters off Deer and Campobello Islands. As
Provincial government offers lobstermen money not to fish
In a move harkening back to the early days of F.D.R.’s New Deal, the Province of Prince Edward Island is offering money to lobster fishermen-not to fish. However, it’s a loan, not a grant, and it’s only for fishermen in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 (off the southwestern P.E.I. coast). According to a July 24
Newfoundland premier says agreement threatens fishing sovereignty
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has negotiated a new agreement with the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and he has angered Newfoundlanders. The agreement, which is before the House of Commons, will go into place unless Canada raises objections. Critics say the proposed agreement will open Canada’s 200-mile limit to NAFO member countries, and it
Eastport City Council president’s letter on LNG safety generates controversy
The Eastport City Council on July 20 authorized Council President Brian Schuth to send a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rescinding a controversial letter that had been sent to FERC on July 6. The July 6 letter dealt with a proposed LNG facility by Downeast LNG in Robbinston and was sent by
Desperate Canadian lobstermen say $65 million pledge from government is not enough
On June 10 Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea announced that the federal government will make a $65 million investment to help the Atlantic Canada lobster industry. “Our government stands on the side of affected fishers and families whose livelihoods depend on the lobster industry,” Shea said when announcing the aid package. The fishermen
Linda Greenlaw: “It’s been a real ordeal”
I’m really happy to have this behind me; it’s been a real ordeal,” said fisherman and author Linda Greenlaw from her home on Isle au Haut on June 11. She was referring to the period which began in September 2008, when-charged with illegally entering and fishing in Canadian waters-she was led into a St. John’s,
Canadian lobstermen face ‘total disaster’
It will come as no surprise to Maine lobstermen to learn that falling prices have created a crisis for Atlantic Canada fishermen, from Quebec to New Brunswick. The situation was summed up by Earle McCurdy, President of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) in Newfoundland and Labrador, “We’re facing a total disaster.” Ed Frenette,
Port of Eastport set to handle shipment of wind turbine blades
The Port of Eastport was scheduled to handle the import of a shipment of wind turbine blades from Santos, Brazil in late April. The good news comes in the wake of the March announcement by the Domtar Corporation of the May 5 “indefinite closing” of its mill in Baileyville. The mill has provided the port
Mill closing a blow to Port of Eastport
Domtar Corporation will be closing its pulp mill in Baileyville on May 5, according to an announcement on March 5. The move will put roughly 300 employees from Baileyville and surrounding towns out of work. The shutdown will also mean a stoppage of the Port of Eastport’s primary, and virtually only, export at present-kraft pulp.
Maine artist’s Obama dolls put her in the spotlight
Eastport artist, songwriter and musician Shana Barry was almost born on an island, Peaks Island to be exact. Then she was almost born on the Portland fireboat. But, she says, even though it was a windy March day in 1975 the fireboat “made it to Maine Med in Portland just in time.” Barry may not