2008 Salmon disaster extended for this year

[Sushihunter]

http://www.kcby.com/news/43195627.html

2008 Salmon disaster extended for this year

By Nicole Plascencia KCBY News

CHARLESTON, Ore.- There is about $50 million from last year's salmon disaster appropriation that will be distributed to fisherman along the coast says Charleston-based commercial fisherman Jeff Reeves.

Reeves, who's been in contact with congressional aids, says the money will most likely be going out in 30 days, about the same time salmon season usually begins. With no commercial fishing opportunities this year, Reeves says fisherman have no way of making the type of income to keep them in business.

And regardless of whether there is a fishing season or not, fisherman still have to make boat payments and pay moorage, so it's tough for fisherman, Reeves says especially since they don't qualify for social programs like other workers might and most fishing operations do not pay into the unemployment program.

Qualifications for disaster relief will be based on last year, Reeves adds that there will not be as much money as there was last year.



OK, where is OUR money for lost business? [?] [?] [?]



Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[IronNoggin]

quote:Originally posted by Sushihunter

... OK, where is OUR money for lost business? [?] [?] [?]

Almost funny that. Almost[V]
When the PSA was renegotiated, the US offered $30 Mil to offset the loss of income to the fleet that was about to take the WHOLE</u> hit as far as conserving US origin fish. That fleet was and is Area G - WCVI Troll. The discussed reduction in quota for that fleet was 30%, with the Alaskans also taking a 15% reduction. But... We are now well into Area G's season. The quota has been reduced well beyond the agreed 30%, and we have also been hit with a new way to reduce our activities called "Boat Days". As in even while operating under a greatly reduced quota, our fleet can only have so many boats on the water for a given length of time, REGARDLESS of the catch rate. Whatever minor genius came up with that, yet another crippling blow, likely got an advancement up the ranks. It, coupled with the loss of quota, will likely kill the fleet.

In the US, well over 150 million clams have been expended, basically to reimburse fishermen for NOT going to sea. The promised $ 30 million for effected sectors in Canada has yet to see daylight, and our Canadian government, in it's continuing lack of wisdom, has offered Nada to back or support that amount. Their position very much seems to be Suck It Up![xx(] And although that 30 Mil was earmarked specifically for negatively effected fishermen, it is quite apparent that The Dino is up to the old shell game, and figuring how it might best be expended to align with their own interests. IF Area G sees anything, it will not likely be until late next year. IF. And then, only if the Licenced Owners choose to forever forego any further options of fishing - a type of permanent buy-out.

So, we've already taken the hit. Our income this year will be but a shadow of anything previous. We sit idle at the docks, just as the American fishers do. But we certainly don't get paid for it as they do. And DFO is poised to suck up any form of relief that might even come down the pipe.[B)]

Seems more than a little unfair, and it seems that is exactly the way the Canadian Government likes it. Disgusting actually.

So, don't hold your breath! Our Gov could give a rat's behind about the failure of a way of life, even though they were directly instrumental in bringing that about - and did so without even allowing any representation of our fleet while doing so. Two words come to mind. I imagine by now, you likely know what they are...

PO'd
Nog