France has threatened to cut the United Kingdom off from energy supplies over post-Brexit fishing licenses, saying bilateral cooperation between London and Paris could also be at risk.

France threatens to cut UK energy supply in fishing row

Kenya is looking back to its fly fishing tradition , John Ngaii Moses skillfully knotted a tiny fishing fly onto his line, and hopping over mossy rocks, cast off into the surging river flowing through Kenyan tea country. Watch this report for more detail .

Kenya's fly fishers eye bigger catch

The Italian coastguard arrested 18 people on Wednesday for illegal fishing of a rare mollusc, breaking up what police said was a criminal organisation that had been destroying a stretch of protected coastline south of Naples.

The arrests followed a three-year investigation into the group which had allegedly been harvesting date mussels, a protected species, using hammers to get them out of the rocks near the seaside beauty spot of Sorrento.

Fishing for date mussels has been illegal in Italy since 1998, because they are an endangered species and the invasive methods used to get them out of the rocks they bore into are destructive for the marine ecosystem.

The valuable shellfish, considered a delicacy, are longer than common mussels and have a browner shell. They sell at up to 200 euros ($235) per kilo on the black market.

The people arrested are accused of numerous crimes including illegal fishing, destroying the marine habitat and selling unsafe foods, said a statement from the prosecutors' office of Torre Annunziata which led the investigation.

The "criminal organisation," which had allegedly operated since 2016, was also responsible for collecting and selling clams from a "highly polluted" area near the mouth of a river carrying hydrocarbons and heavy metals, the statement said.

Less than three months ago on the nearby island of Capri, a glamorous tourist destination, police broke up two other organisations for date mussel fishing.

A police video showed the holes in the three "Faraglioni" rock formations, a symbol of Capri, caused by the drills and hammers the fishermen had used to extract the molluscs.

The Italian coastguard arrested 18 people on Wednesday for illegal fishing of a rare mollusc, breaking up what police said was a criminal organisation that had been destroying a stretch of protected coastline south of Naples.

The Italian coastguard arrested 18 people on Wednesday for illegal fishing of a rare mollusc, breaking up what police said was a criminal organisation that had been destroying a stretch of protected coastline south of Naples. The arrests followed a three-year investigation into the group which had allegedly been harvesting date mussels, a protected species, using hammers to get them out of the rocks near the seaside beauty spot of Sorrento. Fishing for date mussels has been illegal in Italy since 1998, because they are an endangered species and the invasive methods used to get them out of the rocks they bore into are destructive for the marine ecosystem. The valuable shellfish, considered a delicacy, are longer than common mussels and have a browner shell. They sell at up to 200 euros ($235) per kilo on the black market. The people arrested are accused of numerous crimes including illegal fishing, destroying the marine habitat and selling unsafe foods, said a statement from the prosecutors' office of Torre Annunziata which led the investigation. The "criminal organisation," which had allegedly operated since 2016, was also responsible for collecting and selling clams from a "highly polluted" area near the mouth of a river carrying hydrocarbons and heavy metals, the statement said. Less than three months ago on the nearby island of Capri, a glamorous tourist destination, police broke up two other organisations for date mussel fishing. A police video showed the holes in the three "Faraglioni" rock formations, a symbol of Capri, caused by the drills and hammers the fishermen had used to extract the molluscs.

Italy arrests 18 for illegal fishing of protected shellfish

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country.&nbsp;

Maui dolphins live in a small stretch of ocean off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and current estimates suggest that only 63 dolphins older than one year remain, raising concerns that they may soon become extinct.&nbsp;

The new Maui Drone Project is a one-year collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), non-profit wildlife technology organisation MAUI63 and WWF-New Zealand.&nbsp;

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of finding and tracking Maui dolphins using artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

The technology has the potential to compile detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins, along with many other types of marine species, such as other dolphins, seabirds, and whales, officials said.&nbsp;

"There has been unfortunately for many years disputes over how to best protect Maui dolphins," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after announcing the initiative, adding that the government has stepped in to fund the project and help protect the dolphins. "But we need everyone to come together."&nbsp;

Fishing companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford Limited are also supporting the project. The government has already moved to restrict fishing around the areas Maui dolphins frequent.&nbsp;

“By advancing our understanding of how Maui dolphins behave during the day and throughout the year this project will help us ensure the measures our Government has already put in place to protect our Maui dolphins are robust and appropriate,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker.&nbsp;

The drone ensures dolphins remain undisturbed as they fly at an altitude of over 120 metres (394 feet).&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country.

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country. Maui dolphins live in a small stretch of ocean off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and current estimates suggest that only 63 dolphins older than one year remain, raising concerns that they may soon become extinct. The new Maui Drone Project is a one-year collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), non-profit wildlife technology organisation MAUI63 and WWF-New Zealand. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of finding and tracking Maui dolphins using artificial intelligence. The technology has the potential to compile detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins, along with many other types of marine species, such as other dolphins, seabirds, and whales, officials said. "There has been unfortunately for many years disputes over how to best protect Maui dolphins," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after announcing the initiative, adding that the government has stepped in to fund the project and help protect the dolphins. "But we need everyone to come together." Fishing companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford Limited are also supporting the project. The government has already moved to restrict fishing around the areas Maui dolphins frequent. “By advancing our understanding of how Maui dolphins behave during the day and throughout the year this project will help us ensure the measures our Government has already put in place to protect our Maui dolphins are robust and appropriate,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker. The drone ensures dolphins remain undisturbed as they fly at an altitude of over 120 metres (394 feet). (With agency inputs)

New Zealand backs drone project to protect endangered dolphins 

US President Donald Trump has vetoed a bill that would gradually end the use of large-mesh drift gillnets deployed exclusively in federal waters off the coast of California.

He on Friday, in his veto message to the Senate, said such legislation would increase reliance on imported seafood and worsen a multibillion-dollar seafood trade deficit.

Trump vetoed the fishing bill as the Republican-controlled Senate followed the Democratic-led House and voted to overturn his earlier veto of the annual defence policy bill, enacting it into law despite Trump's objections.

The fishing bill's sponsors said large-mesh drift gillnets, which measure between 1.6 kilometers and 2.4 kilometers long and can extend 60.9 meters below the surface of the ocean, are left in the waters overnight to catch swordfish and thresher sharks.&nbsp;

At least 60 other marine species - including whales, dolphins and sea lions - can also become entangled in the nets, where they are injured or die.

It is illegal to use these nets in US territorial waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and off the coasts of Washington state, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii. They remain legal in federal waters off California's coast.

The bill Trump vetoed would have extended similar protections to federal waters off California's shoreline within five years and authorised the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help the commercial fishing industry switch to more sustainable types of gear.

(with inputs)

US President Donald Trump has vetoed a bill that would gradually end the use of large-mesh drift gillnets deployed exclusively in federal waters off the coast of California.

US President Donald Trump has vetoed a bill that would gradually end the use of large-mesh drift gillnets deployed exclusively in federal waters off the coast of California. He on Friday, in his veto message to the Senate, said such legislation would increase reliance on imported seafood and worsen a multibillion-dollar seafood trade deficit. Trump vetoed the fishing bill as the Republican-controlled Senate followed the Democratic-led House and voted to overturn his earlier veto of the annual defence policy bill, enacting it into law despite Trump's objections. The fishing bill's sponsors said large-mesh drift gillnets, which measure between 1.6 kilometers and 2.4 kilometers long and can extend 60.9 meters below the surface of the ocean, are left in the waters overnight to catch swordfish and thresher sharks. At least 60 other marine species - including whales, dolphins and sea lions - can also become entangled in the nets, where they are injured or die. It is illegal to use these nets in US territorial waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and off the coasts of Washington state, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii. They remain legal in federal waters off California's coast. The bill Trump vetoed would have extended similar protections to federal waters off California's shoreline within five years and authorised the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help the commercial fishing industry switch to more sustainable types of gear. (with inputs)

Trump vetoes California fishing bill over seafood trade deficit

Belgium may resort to a 17th century charter granted by a British king to retain fishing rights in Britain’s coastal waters if London and the European Union fail to agree a trade deal by the end of this year.

WION Dispatch: Belgium may use 1666 document to claim fishing rights

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries.

In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." &nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-illegal-distant-water-fishing-destroying-economies-environment-337444">China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment</a> 
 
US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries.

In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-invokes-chinese-military-takes-thinly-veiled-swipe-at-us-337456">Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US</a> 
 
O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific.

Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources.

China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

(With AFP inputs)

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea. US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries. In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." Also Read: China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries. In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. Also Read: Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific. Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources. China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia. (With AFP inputs)

US to deploy coast guard to tackle China's 'illegal' fishing in South China Sea

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) in Exclusive economic zones of number of countries by Chinese vessels is destroying economies and environment of several countries it has emerged.

This is especially impacting developing countries and coastal countries and contributed to decreases in fish stocks including endangered fish species across several continents.&nbsp;

China's distant water fishing (DWF) fleet number around 12,000-17,000 vessels with almost 1,000 Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China. These fleets started with overfishing of squids near North and South Korean and Japanese waters and now has expanded to Latin America and West Africa.

Unfortunately, when it comes to Latin America and West Africa most countries in these regions are unable to police and monitor their Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) effectively. In fact, Chinese vessels have caught fishes equal to a year's catch when it comes to Sengal. IUU fishing by China near the waters of North Korea has led to the depletion of squid stocks in the area.

It's China's domestic demand that is contributing to this illegal fishing, and at global scale represents 60-65 per cent of the stake, the highest.

China uses three methods to hide its involvement in illegal fishing, Chinese boat ‘go dark’ when they are near the EEZ of another country, a large number of Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China; and under complex laws hide their ownership to skirt local laws.

DWF is heavily subsidised by Beijing as most of the waters near its own coast have been overfished.

The Chinese government has stated that it plans to reduce the subsidy by 60 per cent on DWF but even that would mean that the country remains the world’s largest provider of it.

China has refused to join a WTO-led effort to end subsidies to DWF saying its a ‘developing country’. The country is yet to sign the 2016 Port State Measures Agreement, a UN treaty requiring countries to close their ports to illegal fishing vessels.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) in Exclusive economic zones of number of countries by Chinese vessels is destroying economies and environment of several countries it has emerged.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) in Exclusive economic zones of number of countries by Chinese vessels is destroying economies and environment of several countries it has emerged. This is especially impacting developing countries and coastal countries and contributed to decreases in fish stocks including endangered fish species across several continents. China's distant water fishing (DWF) fleet number around 12,000-17,000 vessels with almost 1,000 Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China. These fleets started with overfishing of squids near North and South Korean and Japanese waters and now has expanded to Latin America and West Africa. Unfortunately, when it comes to Latin America and West Africa most countries in these regions are unable to police and monitor their Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) effectively. In fact, Chinese vessels have caught fishes equal to a year's catch when it comes to Sengal. IUU fishing by China near the waters of North Korea has led to the depletion of squid stocks in the area. It's China's domestic demand that is contributing to this illegal fishing, and at global scale represents 60-65 per cent of the stake, the highest. China uses three methods to hide its involvement in illegal fishing, Chinese boat ‘go dark’ when they are near the EEZ of another country, a large number of Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China; and under complex laws hide their ownership to skirt local laws. DWF is heavily subsidised by Beijing as most of the waters near its own coast have been overfished. The Chinese government has stated that it plans to reduce the subsidy by 60 per cent on DWF but even that would mean that the country remains the world’s largest provider of it. China has refused to join a WTO-led effort to end subsidies to DWF saying its a ‘developing country’. The country is yet to sign the 2016 Port State Measures Agreement, a UN treaty requiring countries to close their ports to illegal fishing vessels.

China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment

After selling its land to Chinese projects. Islamabad is now selling the seas to Beijing. Chinese vessels have been allowed to fish in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone.

But it's news because of some surprising developments in Karachi. Pakistani citizens are out by the hundreds protesting against China.

These are mostly Pakistani fishermen. They are protesting against the arrival of 20 deep-sea trawlers from China. These trawlers arrived in the first week of August.

And they have been permitted to fish off the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan.&nbsp;

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Pakistani fishermen do not want the Chinese to fish in their waters. They say --- today these vessels might deprive them of a good catch. But tomorrow --- they may end up destroying the entire ecological environment of these waters.

According to the Pakistan fisherfolk forum, fish stocks in coastal areas have already declined by more than 72% since last year. This is largely due to uncontrolled fishing.

And now these people fear that Chinese trawlers will make things worse. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
According to some estimates, fishing--- is a source of livelihood for more than 2.5 million people in Pakistan's coastal towns.

These fishermen use small boats that can't venture into deep waters...

Chinese trawlers can and they are equipped with large fishing nets. They can capture fish in big numbers and given that the vessels are Chinese.&nbsp;

One can only imagine the predatory practices they will indulge in --- at the expense of Pakistanis.

The Chinese are known for their insatiable appetite for seafood. &nbsp;They account for one-third of the world's consumption. Nothing to be proud of here. China's stocks around its coasts have depleted because of this.

Beijing's giant trawlers are increasingly looking for new avenues --- new targets. They started with the South China Sea and now they have reached the Arabian sea.&nbsp;

What is the Pakistan govt doing?

It is busy being insulted at the United Nations. Pakistan wanted the UN to designate Indians as global terrorists.

It failed. Five countries blocked Pakistan's move at the UNSC. Just look at the audacity here. A country consistently grey-listed by the FATF for failing to curb terror.

Tried declaring Indians as terrorists. Anyway, Pakistan's plan did not work.

It submitted the names of four Indians for designation under the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC.

The Indians in question were Angara Appaji, Gobinda Patnaik, Ajoy Mistry and Venu-Madhav Dongara.&nbsp;

They were all working in Afghanistan with private companies. Islamabad said these men were funding terror groups in Pakistan.

The names of two men were already rejected earlier.

Now the other two have also been cleared. The UNSC committee did not find any evidence to substantiate Pakistan's claim.

The United Kingdom. the United States, France, Germany, and Belgium. These 5 countries took the lead and blocked Pakistan's request.

Chinese ships at its coasts. Protests on its soil. And setbacks at international platforms.

Its been another bad week for Pakistan.

After selling its land to Chinese projects. Islamabad is now selling the seas to Beijing. Chinese vessels have been allowed to fish in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone.

After selling its land to Chinese projects. Islamabad is now selling the seas to Beijing. Chinese vessels have been allowed to fish in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone. But it's news because of some surprising developments in Karachi. Pakistani citizens are out by the hundreds protesting against China. These are mostly Pakistani fishermen. They are protesting against the arrival of 20 deep-sea trawlers from China. These trawlers arrived in the first week of August. And they have been permitted to fish off the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan. Pakistani fishermen do not want the Chinese to fish in their waters. They say --- today these vessels might deprive them of a good catch. But tomorrow --- they may end up destroying the entire ecological environment of these waters. According to the Pakistan fisherfolk forum, fish stocks in coastal areas have already declined by more than 72% since last year. This is largely due to uncontrolled fishing. And now these people fear that Chinese trawlers will make things worse. According to some estimates, fishing--- is a source of livelihood for more than 2.5 million people in Pakistan's coastal towns. These fishermen use small boats that can't venture into deep waters... Chinese trawlers can and they are equipped with large fishing nets. They can capture fish in big numbers and given that the vessels are Chinese. One can only imagine the predatory practices they will indulge in --- at the expense of Pakistanis. The Chinese are known for their insatiable appetite for seafood. They account for one-third of the world's consumption. Nothing to be proud of here. China's stocks around its coasts have depleted because of this. Beijing's giant trawlers are increasingly looking for new avenues --- new targets. They started with the South China Sea and now they have reached the Arabian sea. What is the Pakistan govt doing? It is busy being insulted at the United Nations. Pakistan wanted the UN to designate Indians as global terrorists. It failed. Five countries blocked Pakistan's move at the UNSC. Just look at the audacity here. A country consistently grey-listed by the FATF for failing to curb terror. Tried declaring Indians as terrorists. Anyway, Pakistan's plan did not work. It submitted the names of four Indians for designation under the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. The Indians in question were Angara Appaji, Gobinda Patnaik, Ajoy Mistry and Venu-Madhav Dongara. They were all working in Afghanistan with private companies. Islamabad said these men were funding terror groups in Pakistan. The names of two men were already rejected earlier. Now the other two have also been cleared. The UNSC committee did not find any evidence to substantiate Pakistan's claim. The United Kingdom. the United States, France, Germany, and Belgium. These 5 countries took the lead and blocked Pakistan's request. Chinese ships at its coasts. Protests on its soil. And setbacks at international platforms. Its been another bad week for Pakistan.

Chinese vessels allowed to fish in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone

Anger is brewing among fishermen in Pakistan as 20 Chinese deep-sea trawlers have arrived near Karachi. The fishermen are planning a protest.

Pressure group Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has announced a campaign against the Chinese trawlers' arrival. The group says that fish stocks in coastal areas have already declined by more than 72 per cent after last year due to uncontrolled fishing. The group fears that fishing by the Chinese trawlers will further deplete Pakistan's marine resources.

The trawlers arrived off the coast of Sindh and Baluchistan in the first week of August. It is not known where exactly in China, these trawlers have come from.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pak-directs-american-blogger-cynthia-ritchie-to-leave-country-within-15-days-324813">Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days</a>

"These vessels threaten the livelihoods of small fishermen by depriving the catch today, and in future by ecologically destroying the sea," said PFF chairman Muhammad Ali Shah.

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&nbsp;

Fishermen in Gwadar have also announced a protest campaign against the vessels. Gwadar is a central part of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Fishermen in Gwadar have protested in the past as well. They protested against construction activities that prevented them from going into the sea.

Anger is brewing among fishermen in Pakistan as 20 Chinese deep-sea trawlers have arrived near Karachi. The fishermen are planning a protest. Pressure group Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has announced a campaign against the Chinese trawlers' arrival.

Anger is brewing among fishermen in Pakistan as 20 Chinese deep-sea trawlers have arrived near Karachi. The fishermen are planning a protest. Pressure group Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has announced a campaign against the Chinese trawlers' arrival. The group says that fish stocks in coastal areas have already declined by more than 72 per cent after last year due to uncontrolled fishing. The group fears that fishing by the Chinese trawlers will further deplete Pakistan's marine resources. The trawlers arrived off the coast of Sindh and Baluchistan in the first week of August. It is not known where exactly in China, these trawlers have come from. Also Read: Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days "These vessels threaten the livelihoods of small fishermen by depriving the catch today, and in future by ecologically destroying the sea," said PFF chairman Muhammad Ali Shah. × Fishermen in Gwadar have also announced a protest campaign against the vessels. Gwadar is a central part of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Fishermen in Gwadar have protested in the past as well. They protested against construction activities that prevented them from going into the sea.

Pakistan fishermen plan protests against Chinese trawlers fishing near Karachi

Ecuador said on Monday (July 28) that it will take diplomatic steps to protect the Galapagos Islands from the threat of a fleet of fishing vessels, mostly Chinese flagged, there were spotted near the archipelago.

Ecuador seeks to protect Galapagos after fishing boats spotted nearby

Over the last 5 years, roughly 600 North Korean ships have washed up on the coast of China. These ships are linked to China's illegal fishing. Watch report.

China's illegal fishing in North Korean waters: Have caught around $560MN worth of Squid | World News

In another move, US President Donald Trump has taken a decision that is not being lauded by the experts, only this time it is the endangered species who will bear the consequences.

In a roundtable conference with fishing industry representatives and Maine officials, Trump announced reopening of commercial fishing at the Northeast Canyons.&nbsp;

The Northeast Canyons is a marine conservation area off the New England coast. The new order by Trump to allow&nbsp;commercial fishing in this area has not garnered positive remarks by the experts,&nbsp;as they believe that commercial fishing in the area&nbsp;will be a&nbsp;critical threat for endangered right whales and other fragile marine life.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harsh-facts-on-world-environment-day-climate-change-pollution-and-disasters-303703">Also read| Harsh facts on World Environment Day: Climate change, pollution and disasters</a>

"We are reopening the Northeast Canyons to commercial fishing," Trump told the attendees of the roundtable meeting. "We're opening it today."

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was created by former President Barack Obama in September 2016. It was US's first national marine monument in the Atlantic Ocean, and one of just five marine monuments nationwide.

The conservation area comprises 5,000 square miles (8,000 square kilometers) east of Cape Cod, which contains vulnerable species of marine, such as fragile deep sea corals and endangered right whales, which number only about 400.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-environment-day-from-amazon-to-india-nature-has-suffered-enough-in-one-year-303554">Have a look|&nbsp;World Environment Day: From Amazon to India, nature has suffered enough in one year</a>

Trump, once again, went against Obama's decision and called it unfair for the&nbsp;to Maine lobstermen.&nbsp;"We want conservation and good environmental practices - that's very important - but we also want something that's fair to you,"&nbsp;he said.

Experts believe Trump's decision will threaten the&nbsp;end for right whales and other endangered marine animals.

Janet Mills, Maine's Democratic governor, dismissed the president's actions, saying it's "not going to help the vast majority of Maine fishermen feed their families. It will not support an industry that is struggling under the massive weight of an unprecedented pandemic and misguided federal policies."

This decision has come a day after the President made it clear that structural development is more important than public health by&nbsp;signing an executive order directing agencies to look for ways to override environmental laws to push big structural projects like highways and pipelines to completion.

The Trump administration has been reviewing few environmental policies that were set up to protect environment and animals, especially the ones set up by the Obama administration.

Environment activists and experts have vowed a retaliation against the decisions being taken by Trump that pose a threat to the environment and animals.

(With inputs from agencies)

In another move, US President Donald Trump has taken a decision that is not being lauded by the experts, only this time it is the endangered species who will bear the consequences.

In another move, US President Donald Trump has taken a decision that is not being lauded by the experts, only this time it is the endangered species who will bear the consequences. In a roundtable conference with fishing industry representatives and Maine officials, Trump announced reopening of commercial fishing at the Northeast Canyons. The Northeast Canyons is a marine conservation area off the New England coast. The new order by Trump to allow commercial fishing in this area has not garnered positive remarks by the experts, as they believe that commercial fishing in the area will be a critical threat for endangered right whales and other fragile marine life. Also read| Harsh facts on World Environment Day: Climate change, pollution and disasters "We are reopening the Northeast Canyons to commercial fishing," Trump told the attendees of the roundtable meeting. "We're opening it today." The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was created by former President Barack Obama in September 2016. It was US's first national marine monument in the Atlantic Ocean, and one of just five marine monuments nationwide. The conservation area comprises 5,000 square miles (8,000 square kilometers) east of Cape Cod, which contains vulnerable species of marine, such as fragile deep sea corals and endangered right whales, which number only about 400. Have a look| World Environment Day: From Amazon to India, nature has suffered enough in one year Trump, once again, went against Obama's decision and called it unfair for the to Maine lobstermen. "We want conservation and good environmental practices - that's very important - but we also want something that's fair to you," he said. Experts believe Trump's decision will threaten the end for right whales and other endangered marine animals. Janet Mills, Maine's Democratic governor, dismissed the president's actions, saying it's "not going to help the vast majority of Maine fishermen feed their families. It will not support an industry that is struggling under the massive weight of an unprecedented pandemic and misguided federal policies." This decision has come a day after the President made it clear that structural development is more important than public health by signing an executive order directing agencies to look for ways to override environmental laws to push big structural projects like highways and pipelines to completion. The Trump administration has been reviewing few environmental policies that were set up to protect environment and animals, especially the ones set up by the Obama administration. Environment activists and experts have vowed a retaliation against the decisions being taken by Trump that pose a threat to the environment and animals. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump goes against environment; reopens commercial fishing at Northeast Canyons

Right from its inception in the 1960s ISRO’s role has been to provide solutions to various problems at hand using space technology, and today ISRO’s high-end technology is applied to makes the life and livelihood easier for farmers, fishermen and even the common man, said former ISRO chairman Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar.&nbsp;

He was addressing students at IIT-Madras as a part of the Spotlight Lecture series that was conducted as a part of the institute’s annual Tech Fest Shaastra.

Delving into the feats that ISRO achieved during its initial years, Dr Kumar recalled the SITE (Satellite Instructional Television Experiment which was Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s dream. It was conducted during 1975-76 using America’s Application Technology Satellite (ATS-6). SITE demonstrated the potential of satellite technology as an effective mass communication media for a developing country like India.&nbsp;

“By using a borrowed American satellite, we were able to provide then DTH-equivalent TV service to nearly 2400 villages and this was hailed as the greatest sociological experiment in the world”, he said. Developmental television programmes were beamed with the objectives in the areas of family planning, agriculture, national integration, education, teacher training, occupational skills, health and hygiene etc. Education and information inputs were provided in several languages.

Speaking of how ISRO’s first launch facility was set up at a fishing hamlet in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram in the 1960s, he recalled that the fishermen had to vacate the place when the launches used to take place. “Back then, the team assured the fisherfolk that if they vacated the place today, the whole country would benefit in the future.” &nbsp; 
“From the 1990s we have been providing information to fishermen on potential fishing zones and this was derived from remote sensing satellite data. By analyzing data on sea surface temperatures and chlorophyll and other parameters we are able to help fishermen reach the zones where there is assured fish catch. By reducing their searching time and saving fuel we are able to save their industry over Rs.15,000 crore every year.”

Currently, with India’s own navigation system the fishermen are able to receive updates in their native languages, thanks to a small battery-powered gadget fitted on their boats. When the mobile is connected to the naive gadget via Bluetooth, the location of the potential fishing zone is shared via an Application.&nbsp;

Dr Kumar says that, true to Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s vision we have made great progress in utilizing space technology for rapidly developing communication technologies, broadcast capabilities, weather forecasting, resource mapping, crop monitoring etc. ‘“There was a time when thousands of people died during cyclones, but today the casualty has come down to very few as we have satellites that can predict a high level of accuracy.”

Adding that nearly 60 government institutions have tied up with ISRO to use the data for various purposes, Dr Kumar states that India would require nearly three times as many satellites to use them to solve various problems when compared to around 55 satellites that are being presently operated.&nbsp;

“Add up all the money that we have spent on ISRO since its inception and still it would be less than the annual NASA budget”, he says about the frugal launch capability and budgetary allocation of ISRO.

He also threw light on an ISRO-NASA collaboration that came into being after India built and launched the advanced RISat (radar Imaging satellite). “NASA and ISRO are working on a 1 billion dollar project (where the US is bearing over 90pc of the cost) to build an advanced Sweep SAR(synthetic aperture radar) that can map the whole earth’s landmass is a short period of time. This collaborative NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) indicates how foreign agencies acknowledge our demonstrated capability.”

Right from its inception in the 1960s ISRO’s role has been to provide solutions to various problems at hand using space technology, and today ISRO’s high-end technology is applied to makes the life and livelihood easier for farmers, fishermen and even the common man, said former ISRO chairman Dr A.

Right from its inception in the 1960s ISRO’s role has been to provide solutions to various problems at hand using space technology, and today ISRO’s high-end technology is applied to makes the life and livelihood easier for farmers, fishermen and even the common man, said former ISRO chairman Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar. He was addressing students at IIT-Madras as a part of the Spotlight Lecture series that was conducted as a part of the institute’s annual Tech Fest Shaastra. Delving into the feats that ISRO achieved during its initial years, Dr Kumar recalled the SITE (Satellite Instructional Television Experiment which was Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s dream. It was conducted during 1975-76 using America’s Application Technology Satellite (ATS-6). SITE demonstrated the potential of satellite technology as an effective mass communication media for a developing country like India. “By using a borrowed American satellite, we were able to provide then DTH-equivalent TV service to nearly 2400 villages and this was hailed as the greatest sociological experiment in the world”, he said. Developmental television programmes were beamed with the objectives in the areas of family planning, agriculture, national integration, education, teacher training, occupational skills, health and hygiene etc. Education and information inputs were provided in several languages. Speaking of how ISRO’s first launch facility was set up at a fishing hamlet in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram in the 1960s, he recalled that the fishermen had to vacate the place when the launches used to take place. “Back then, the team assured the fisherfolk that if they vacated the place today, the whole country would benefit in the future.” “From the 1990s we have been providing information to fishermen on potential fishing zones and this was derived from remote sensing satellite data. By analyzing data on sea surface temperatures and chlorophyll and other parameters we are able to help fishermen reach the zones where there is assured fish catch. By reducing their searching time and saving fuel we are able to save their industry over Rs.15,000 crore every year.” Currently, with India’s own navigation system the fishermen are able to receive updates in their native languages, thanks to a small battery-powered gadget fitted on their boats. When the mobile is connected to the naive gadget via Bluetooth, the location of the potential fishing zone is shared via an Application. Dr Kumar says that, true to Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s vision we have made great progress in utilizing space technology for rapidly developing communication technologies, broadcast capabilities, weather forecasting, resource mapping, crop monitoring etc. ‘“There was a time when thousands of people died during cyclones, but today the casualty has come down to very few as we have satellites that can predict a high level of accuracy.” Adding that nearly 60 government institutions have tied up with ISRO to use the data for various purposes, Dr Kumar states that India would require nearly three times as many satellites to use them to solve various problems when compared to around 55 satellites that are being presently operated. “Add up all the money that we have spent on ISRO since its inception and still it would be less than the annual NASA budget”, he says about the frugal launch capability and budgetary allocation of ISRO. He also threw light on an ISRO-NASA collaboration that came into being after India built and launched the advanced RISat (radar Imaging satellite). “NASA and ISRO are working on a 1 billion dollar project (where the US is bearing over 90pc of the cost) to build an advanced Sweep SAR(synthetic aperture radar) that can map the whole earth’s landmass is a short period of time. This collaborative NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) indicates how foreign agencies acknowledge our demonstrated capability.”

Fishermen save over Rs 15,000cr every year as ISRO tech helps locate large catch: Former Chairman Dr A S Kiran Kumar

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint.

The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures."

In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules.

Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report.

Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing.

In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so.

The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions.

In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday. The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint. The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures." In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules. Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report. Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing. In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so. The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions. In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US files illegal fishing complaint against South Korea under free trade pact

A demonstration of a technique known as electrofishing was performed by members of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife on Tuesday, in order to show their partners working on an experimental project to slow the spread of non-native Asian Carp.

Stunned carp leap from Kentucky lake in electrofishing demonstration

Pakistan today freed 147 Indian fishermen who were imprisoned in Karachi eight months ago for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters, according to a media report.

Their release follows a December announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal that nearly 300 Indian fishermen would be freed in two phases till January 8.

On December 28, Pakistan had released the first batch of 145 Indian fishermen, who were held there on similar charges.

The process for returning the 147 fishermen has been initiated, as they were set to travel to Lahore this afternoon on the Allama Iqbal Express from the Karachi Cantonment railway station, the Dawn reported.

From Lahore, the fishermen will cross the Wagah border and return home, the report quoted Karachi&#39;s Malir jail officials as saying.

They said the travel expenses of the fishermen were being borne by the Edhi Foundation, a Pakistan-based not-for-profit welfare organisation.

&quot;Some 262 Indian fishermen remain imprisoned at Malir jail still,&quot; jail superintendent Hassan Sehto said.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other&#39;s territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.

Owing to prolonged bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually languish in jail for several months.

A number of non-governmental organisations in both India and Pakistan have raised the issue, pressing their governments to release arrested fishermen without much delay.

The fishermen were imprisoned in Karachi eight months ago for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters, according to a media report

Pakistan today freed 147 Indian fishermen who were imprisoned in Karachi eight months ago for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters, according to a media report. Their release follows a December announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal that nearly 300 Indian fishermen would be freed in two phases till January 8. On December 28, Pakistan had released the first batch of 145 Indian fishermen, who were held there on similar charges. The process for returning the 147 fishermen has been initiated, as they were set to travel to Lahore this afternoon on the Allama Iqbal Express from the Karachi Cantonment railway station, the Dawn reported. From Lahore, the fishermen will cross the Wagah border and return home, the report quoted Karachi's Malir jail officials as saying. They said the travel expenses of the fishermen were being borne by the Edhi Foundation, a Pakistan-based not-for-profit welfare organisation. "Some 262 Indian fishermen remain imprisoned at Malir jail still," jail superintendent Hassan Sehto said. Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other's territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away. Owing to prolonged bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually languish in jail for several months. A number of non-governmental organisations in both India and Pakistan have raised the issue, pressing their governments to release arrested fishermen without much delay.

Pakistan releases 147 Indian fishermen, 262 remain imprisoned

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