Author: US Harbors

Changes in Life Raft Requirements for Commercial Fishing Vessels

2/24/2022 - The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program will be discontinuing the usage of supplemental valise life rafts by observers and at-sea monitors on June 30, 2023. According to 46 U.S.C. § 4502(b)(2)(B) it is the vessel's responsibility to have a properly installed life craft, when applicable, with capacity to hold all persons… SEE MORE

March Saltwater Fishing Reopenings in the Gulf

Fishing

2/23/2022 - The following species will reopen to recreational harvest March 1: Gray triggerfish reopens in Gulf state and federal waters. If you plan to fish for gray triggerfish in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To… SEE MORE

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Portland_from_SE_Portland_during_2020_wildfires_-_2020-09-09_-_tedder.jpg

UN: Wildfires Getting Worse Globally, Governments Unprepared

2/23/2022 - By Matthew Brown. BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A warming planet and changes to land use patterns mean more wildfires will scorch large parts of the globe in coming decades, causing spikes in unhealthy smoke pollution and other problems that governments are ill prepared to confront, according to a U.N. report… SEE MORE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Boating 101: New Fire Extinguisher Regulations

2/22/2022 - Beginning April 20, new U.S. Coast Guard regulations change extinguisher expiration dates and the minimum classification of fire extinguishers carried aboard newer boats. Learn more about the new U.S. Coast Guard regulation. The new regulation puts a 12-year expiration on all disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers. A boater should look for the… SEE MORE

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/a-divers-hunt-for-lost-slave-ships-led-to-an-incredible-journey

Search for Lost Slave Ships Led this Diver on an Extraordinary Journey

Coastal News

2/21/2022 - By Tara Roberts. I dive in.The water is cool against my skin, the silence absolute, and as I hover over the remains at the bottom of the sea, I feel peaceful, thankful, a sense of coming home. Descend underwater with me—not too deep now, maybe only 20 feet or so—and… SEE MORE

https://oceangrafixblog.wordpress.com/2021/02/02/what-should-be-in-my-boat-safety-kit/

Boating 101: What Should Be in My Safety Kit?

2/20/2022 - Ben Franklin’s observation that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is good advice under any circumstances, but uniquely and immensely appropriate for the open waters and your boat safety kit. When getting ready for a voyage, there is no such thing as being overly prepared. When… SEE MORE

https://www.montereyherald.com/2019/12/18/rescuers-free-entangled-humpback-whale-off-california-coast

Entangled Humpback Whale Cleared of Marine Debris off Maui

2/18/2022 - HONOLULU (AP) — A female humpback whale traveling with a male and a calf has been freed after it was found entangled in a line with a large bundle of marine debris attached. The whale was freed Monday while swimming in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary off… SEE MORE

Humpback Whales

In-Person Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting – Public

2/16/2022 - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet in person March 2-3 at the Tampa Convention Center, Ballroom D, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602. (Information about parking at the TCC can be found on the city’s website.) The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. ET each day and is… SEE MORE

U.S. Coastline to See Up to a Foot of Sea Level Rise by 2050

2/16/2022 - The United States is expected to experience as much sea level rise by the year 2050 as it witnessed in the previous hundred years. That’s according to a NOAA-led report updating sea level rise decision-support information for the U.S. released today in partnership with half a dozen other federal agencies.… SEE MORE

Boat Launched by US Students Lands in Norway

2/15/2022 - RYE, N.H. (AP) — A small boat launched in October 2020 by some New Hampshire middle school students and containing photos, fall leaves, acorns and state quarters has been found 462 days later — by a sixth grader in Norway. The 6-foot-long (1.8-meter) Rye Riptides, decorated with artwork from the kids… SEE MORE