Fisheries

MARINE FISHERIES AGENCY News Release (03/07) issued by The Government News Network on 21 March 2007 -- Four Fishery Protection ships from three European member states arrived in Chatham today (March 21st) after joint operations at sea which began on Monday March 19th.

For the joint operations Royal Navy Fishery Protection vessel HMS Tyne was joined by Protection Vessel Barend Biesheubel from Holland. They were in the North Sea and the eastern English Channel.

Royal Navy Fishery Protection vessel HMS Severn was partnered by French protection vessel P.A.M Themis for a joint operation in the eastern English Channel.

The ships were coordinated by the Marine Fisheries Agency Operations London HQ which uses satellite tracking to monitor the position of European fishing boats every two hours.

The Fishery Protection Vessels swapped fisheries officers and observers. However, hampered by bad weather, only one boarding was carried out to check logbook, catches and fishing gear.

Berthing at Chatham will be followed by a conference organised by the UK's Marine Fisheries Agency in conjunction with the Community Fisheries Control Agency, attended by the European Commission and 50 delegates from nine member states.

Marine Fisheries Agency operations director David Holliday said:

NFI: National Fisheries Institute

Seafood Community Gains Stronger Voice for Seafood Health Benefits

WASHINGTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) today announced the merger of the two organizations. The combined organization will strengthen the seafood community's ability to educate Americans about the health benefits of seafood. It will operate as a single organization.

"Scientific evidence continues to mount that American families should eat more seafood," said NFI President John Connelly. "We must educate the public about the importance of increasing fish consumption, including canned and pouch tuna. NFI members welcome Bumble Bee Foods LLC, Chicken of the Sea International, and StarKist Seafood, which sell more than 90 percent of shelf- stable tuna enjoyed in this country. By joining forces, the seafood community will amplify our common message for the American consumer: Seafood is essential to a healthy diet."