BajaNomad - Cool News - vigilance program to help combat over-fishing

Cool News - vigilance program to help combat over-fishing

BajaBad - 6-30-2009 at 08:06 AM

Mike McGettigan & Sea Watch keep on doing amazing things to benefit the Sea of Cortez and all Baja inhabitants - Gringo species and other wildlife

Here´s basic info - check Sea Watch site in the coming weeks and months for more info (www.seawatch.org)

From Mike:
"We have been very busy starting a civil society sponsored and run vigilance program. It is under the banner of "Plataforma" and is being funded in it's first 90 days of operation by Sea Watch.The group "Plataforma" which Sea Watch helped start is now quite strong and is supported by Mexico's largest NGO's."

"We have always felt you have to start with Vigilance and enforcement. Otherwise you start by setting up marine protected areas, marine parks, sanctuaries, etc. and they immediately become the private fishing grounds of the strongest illegal fishermen. There are fishermen that fight (and pay) to have the rights to fish in the protected areas."

Go Sea Watch!!
BajaBad

Relocation & Real Estate Guide: www.vivalabaja.com
Baja Blog: vivalabaja.blogspot.com

Martyman - 6-30-2009 at 08:35 AM

Good luck with this program. It is needed. Those stupid nets are everywhere!

Simple program to combat over-fishing

Dave - 6-30-2009 at 09:43 AM

Don't eat anything from the sea...Unless you catch it.

Russ - 6-30-2009 at 10:20 AM

Thanks for re-posting Ospreys' story. I don't remember any more posts about Oscars' netting. ?
Back to Sea Watch. I went to the site and even registered with their forum. I hope it is me not being very good with computers but I didn't see any info other than La Paz. and I'm only the second forum member and only poster. BajaBad, since you started this thread maybe you can give me an address or two that shows something current or outside the LaPaz area the this org. is doing. What I'd really like to find is a site to report illegal activities in and around Bahia Concepcion.

BajaBad - 6-30-2009 at 12:45 PM

Definitely - give me a day or two to research and contact Mike.

BajaBad - 6-30-2009 at 12:51 PM

Should have added this as well "Go Osprey".

It´s got to start, and stop somewhere - a long, line continuum that hopefully we are all pulling together to stop at some point destructive fishing practices and the decimation of populations of Sea of Cortez inhabitants.

BajaBad

Cypress - 6-30-2009 at 12:58 PM

Thanks DENNIS, Thanks Osprey, The local guys with gill nets are killing the Sea of Cortez reef fish. The big seiners come and go, seasonal. The local guys with gill nets are after 'em 24/7/365 days of the year. Same thing happened in the northern Gulf of Mexico till they shut 'em down. The fish have returned and the fishing is good. :bounce:

Russ - 6-30-2009 at 01:53 PM

Here's what just came in an hour or so ago (2pm). They are about a mile off the beach just off our estuary. If they have a good set there will be at least 10 more by this evening. Happens EVERY year and they have been working the mouth of Bahia Concepcion for at least 6 weeks non-stop so far this year!

Sorry for the lousy quality but I'm using a long lens and they're about 5 miles away.

[Edited on 6-30-2009 by Russ]

Cypress - 6-30-2009 at 02:07 PM

Russ, Feel your pain! It hurts to see a fishery destroyed. My guess is it will continue for at least 2 to 3 more years. By the time the govt. guys clamp down( if they ever do?), it'll take 3 to 5 years for the fish stocks to rebound, factoring in growth/reproductive rates etc.

Good Luck!

Russ - 6-30-2009 at 02:19 PM

Cypress, I'm a bit more pessimistic than you. I'm thinking 5years for enforcement of some new laws and another 5 to recover to a moderately healthy population level. But then 7 years ago I said Punta Chivato would have a road, water, electricity & phone. We have cell service and they took our sign down off the highway. Most of us aren't going to pay our inflated taxes until we get at least a sign on the highway and a reevaluation of our rates.

flyfishinPam - 6-30-2009 at 04:10 PM

We're going to partner up with Mike's program here in Loreto. I will be starting this by meeting them in La Paz after our high season ends. We're busy this year but this is keeping me busy too.

http://www.ecoalianzaloreto.org/newsroom.html

http://www.bajabigfish.com/pescadoresvigilantes.html

http://www.loreto.com/marinepark/index.html

Russ - 6-30-2009 at 05:05 PM

Thanks again Pam. There is a lot of reading to go over on those sites. I don't know if you or someone in one of you organizations has information on the laws concerning netting, large and small operators, around the Bahia Concepcion area but if so I sure like a real explanation of what's what. I'd print up a bunch and pass them around here and I'm pretty sure Nomads North and South of me would do the same. I'm not an organizer but maybe there are some in this area that could start a ground swell. I'd like to help in someway. I'm hoping some one more eloquent than I will run with this.

flyfishinPam - 6-30-2009 at 05:32 PM

That is one of the biggest problems we have. Nobody knows the exact laws and we can't find them anywhere many have tried. Problem that I can see is that there are so many laws and versions of these laws that nobody has them readily available. So one of the first things we're working on is getting these laws in writing in our hands then going from there on how to change them.

Russ - 6-30-2009 at 05:49 PM

Exactly! Over the years I've heard it so many versions of what is illegal and not I don't believe there are any laws. And that seems to be how the commercial fishers work. The only thing that seems apparent is that all boats need a specific permit. Where they fish and what is "bycatch" is a whole other ball of crap! Enforcement..... well, that's also rolled up in that same ball.
Edit: I wanted to share part of a friends post about our dorado tourney last weekend. From DB forum:
" One thing, we had tons of seiners down there the whole two weeks and today there was a semi truck full of sardines from our area heading to the pens off Ensenada. We spoke to the driver at a check point. They are killing the sardines off and it is out of hand!!! One of the boats saw 3 sails in the net struggling as they died as "bycatch". Imange what it is doing to the Dorado! Later."

[Edited on 7-1-2009 by Russ]

BajaBad - 6-30-2009 at 10:37 PM

Read one of Pam´s links: http://www.ecoalianzaloreto.org/newsroom.html

This is quoted from the article, explains things nicely I think as the situation relates to Loreto --

"Conservation regulations are in place in the Loreto National Marine Park, but there is little enforcement and insufficient resources to protect the area. Local fishermen complain of the fleets from Sinaloa that drain the resource without permit or conscience, but there seems to be no one to stop them. Loretano commercial and sport fishers pay fees and licenses that are not charged to those from outside areas. American sport fishers are often overloaded with guests - and fish without permits that local charter companies are required to purchase. The system is unjust and not well managed."

"Pescadores Vigilantes is designed to address these issues. Acting as one, instead of isolated voices, is it hoped the local fisherman will be able to increase the weight of their ideas and establish a more powerful position in the future of their industry."

Then goes on to talk about how persons can report illegal fishing annonymously so as to not fear retribution.

Thanks for the info Pam.

Osprey - 7-1-2009 at 06:09 AM

Dennis, Russ, others. I was probably drunk when I wrote "the net" piece you just drudged back up. PLEASE REMEMBER I'M A FICTION WRITER. That's not me in the story, there is no Oscar on our beach.

There are too many Oscars however. One very successful Oscar with many boats and lots of nets has permits to use them. He got them in the 1940s and no body has been able or willing to rescind the rights given to him to take everything his nets can capture. Lets pretend one ranchero in the Visciano pronghorn preserve had such a grandfather permit to kill as many of them as he could with poison, rifles, etc. What's wrong about the killing is not the ranchero but the permit. The Billfish Foundation's study on the economics of selling sport fish is the biggest, best seller we ever had. Now we need another one: a list of old, ruinous permits, what they allow, who owns them, what they pay (and who), what they are doing to the fisheries.

Russ - 7-1-2009 at 06:37 AM

Osprey, Very good point!

The Wheelbarrow Man

Don Alley - 7-1-2009 at 07:09 AM

You have your guys with the old pangas, the new pangas, the old two strokes and new government subsidized four strokes. The owners of fleets of pangas, the owners of derelict looking old trawlers and seiners, and the millionaire owners of fleets of modern tuna boats. And then there's the Wheelbarrow Man.

I see him from time to time in the early morning trundling down Loreto's Malecon, pushing his wheelbarrow, accompanied by his five small dogs. In his wheelbarrow he has a large plastic garbage bag, and a sack of aluminum cans. And a bicycle pump; apparently his Truper wheelbarrow is no better than mine in keeping air in the tire.

He slowly makes his way to the south end of the Malecon, then down along the beach in front of Hotel Oasis, heading for the mouth of the estuary. There he parks his wheelbarrow, and with the big garbage bag he wades out into the Sea of Cortez, deeper, deeper, until he is neck deep, even tilting his head up to keep his nose and mouth above water.

The he begins pulling a small net out of the garbage bag, slowly moving along, stringing the small gill net behind him. When the net is fully in place, he leaves the water, shirt and long pants dripping.

Is he legal? Does anyone know, or even care? If real regulation and enforcement come to Loreto and its Marine Park, will the poorest of the fishermen, like the Wheelbarrow Man, be the first or the last to be sanctioned?

backninedan - 7-1-2009 at 07:50 AM

Don, I doubt that wheelbarrow man has a peso for legal defence, so he will be the first to be charged with killing the environment.

Russ - 7-1-2009 at 07:58 AM

That is truly a touching story. And I really feel for people like him that eek out a simple living. Don Alley, have you also observed pangas netting this estuary? Maybe a solution would be to limit the size of the net. Although that hasn't seemed to have worked so far. I'm sure there are equally touching stories of pangeros that fish or use to fish with hand lines. When the big boys show up it would seem to me that the simple, honest workers/businesses loose. WalMart, HomeDepot, CCC, Dorians, Panga fleets using nets & divers. I think that is the point here. Regulations and enforcement to help improve the health of the fisheries and allow sustainable fisheries industry not just sportsmen and their help to a small part of the population. Abuse needs to stop but without the help of the politicals the abuse will continue. Sorry, no more soap box for me! ~~~~~ today

Pescador - 7-1-2009 at 08:13 AM

Thank you Don Alley for having the eyes to see this quiet little man going about feeding himself in the best way he knows how.

I have a very good friend who makes his living from the Sea of Cortez by selling whatever he can catch with a rod and reel. Although he is very good at finding the fish there are lots of things he can not control like the wind, fluctuations of price at the market, red tides, migrations, etc, but he manages to eke out a living even though he always seems to fall behind due to the outboard motor not running, or the day he went to the hospital because a whale breached and fell on him in the panga which broke some ribs as well as breaking the panga. Because not all of the paperwork is correctly done, he was unable to go out at all when the navy started checking licenses and registrations of the boats.
His father, brother and I all tried to convince him that he should move to Cabo and work with other members of the family with security or landscaping since there was more money in Cabo than in his little village. Well, guess what, when things went flat in Cabo and everyone got laid off, where did they return to. The little village and now my friend has 12 people living in the little house and the men are going out every day they can with my friend to fish and try to make a little money to feed their families.
Now here I come, Mr. Sportfishing Norteamericano, who loves to catch fish and I get very indignant when I observe this native fisherman catching every fish he can put in the boat. (Actually I put as many fish in his boat as I can). He gets upset at the guys who are using hookah diving rigs who are going out and killing everything at night off of the reef, and they all get upset about the big boats dragging their nets and killing everything in sight.

shari - 7-1-2009 at 08:30 AM

I'm sure every village has a "Wheelbarrow Man" of sorts. Here there are a few old timers who retired from the coop many moons ago and have since burned through their pension and can only get cigarette money by snagging a few fish with a hand line or small net. I heard one of our old timers was busted last week too...very sad and somehow wrong. Sure wish there were some exception clauses for our elders.

Problem is, this is illegal to sell their catch...bummer...problem with regulations is we want them to be fair for everyone which is nearly impossible.

Maybe we could buy these guys a sports fishing license and somehow figure out how to trade his fish...give them to someone who might be kind enough to buy him a carton of cigarettes. What is the solution?

Osprey - 7-1-2009 at 08:55 AM

I'll bet you 3 shrimp tacos that one or more old Mexican laws still exist which allow pensioners to trade their catch for money for food for the table. I'll bet a $10 lawyer could find the very phrase that discribes the legal (even in Spain) definition of "Sustainence". For example the sustainence laws still in place allow Mexicans to catch reasonable amounts of fish for their tables without regard to limits (perhaps species), size, licenses, permits, etc.

shari - 7-1-2009 at 09:03 AM

that would be wonderful...however i believe the problem here is that the cooperativas have consession rights to fish, lobster, abalone, clams etc. and sure seems like nobody can sell any of that other than the coop.
You can sportfish but cannot sell or trade the booty. I really like the idea of an exception clause for elders...hope it exists...i'm gonna do some sniffing around and perhaps other nomads can come up with something too.

BajaBad - 7-1-2009 at 10:33 AM

The only solution is to ban the sale/export of fish from the Sea of Cortez (in cooperation with Japan who are the main buyers) and make commercial fishing and shrimping illegal. There is no other solution IMHO.

Maybe with more reporting of illegal/criminal practices - routine throughout Baja - this will become more evident as it seems impossible to try and enforce regulations that are routinely being violated. The devastation they cause is incalculable.

Phase-out commercial fishing over a two year period or so (stop renewing licenses, etc.) while creating plans for sustainable fisheries in locations throughout Baja - where it may be feasible - in conjunction with Japan to meet their demand for supply. Give the out-of-work commercial fishermen governmental support to create sustainable fisheries or work in the new industry if they choose to.

After an adjustment period and fair and ample warning - punish Mexican commercial fishing offenders like they punish Gringo offenders (ones without licences on boat while fishing...) - confiscate their boats and never give them back. After a few of those I wonder how enforcement would be respected and looked at by those who treat it like a joke presently?

I know it worked on the gringo end when we were in Baja - everyone took care to have licenses for all on board so as to not have the possibility of having their boat confiscated...

Once commercial fishing is halted - the money that is now being used (with next to nil effect) to try and enforce regulations could be used to help local fishermen maintain their trade (providing licenses and assistance where and when needed for basic sustenance) and regulate the trade for supply & demand within Baja & Mexico - i.e. restaurants, etc.

Use Japans technology - perfected over 3 decades of research - to focus on 100% farmed bluefin tuna - one of the most sought-after species. Japan could provide much of the funding and assistance to meet their demand for supply in conjunction with the Mexican government.

First step - start thinking of how and when to end commercial fishing in the Sea of Cortez... don´t think there is any other long-term, effective solution.

flyfishinPam - 7-1-2009 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad
Maybe with more reporting of illegal/criminal practices - routine throughout Baja - this will become more evident as it seems impossible to try and enforce regulations that are routinely being violated. The devastation they cause is incalculable.

couldn't let this slop by me-
its time to start calculating it because you are right it hasn't been done yet
now is the time
report, record, document, and log
I am working on it but I am also working a lot right now its our fishing season
but believe me things are about to change

Cypress - 7-1-2009 at 11:29 AM

Shari, Agree. They ought to cut the old guys some slack.

Russ - 7-1-2009 at 11:32 AM

And where do you propose to get all the fish to feed this new increase in your tuna farming scheme? Fish farms whether on land or sea are so inefficient and destructive they should be outlawed! We have had this discussion before. There is a point where you negotiate with industry, eco folks and enforcement practices that allow each to have a piece of the fisheries and see a marked improvement in stocks. IMHO there are many laws that are on the books that could work if there was an honest and effect enforcement system. What industry has done to the original intent of the law is a travesty.
OOPS! someone take my soap box away :no:

Cypress - 7-1-2009 at 11:48 AM

Russ, Wish your soap box was a little higher. You're just telling it like it is. The Sea of Cortez fisheries is in serious trouble. Hooka divers, gill nets, seiners, maybe even greedy sports fishermen, they're all taking their toll. :no:

BajaBad - 7-1-2009 at 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
And where do you propose to get all the fish to feed this new increase in your tuna farming scheme? Fish farms whether on land or sea are so inefficient and destructive they should be outlawed!

Russ, you should do some research. Fish farming that does not rely on wild stock is viable. Nothing close to perfect, and your frame of reference may be the "farms" that are - according to researchers - more accurately "ranches". Do a little Google searching and reading and I think you may understand the point a bit more - but I don´t feel it´s my job to educate you right now - sorry & too busy!

For a quick start - try to visualize/understand the difference between what damage a penned-area managed fish farm could do compared to gill nets and others that scrape the ocean floor destroying everything in its path... in protected natural reserves.

Quote:

We have had this discussion before. There is a point where you negotiate with industry, eco folks and enforcement practices that allow each to have a piece of the fisheries and see a marked improvement in stocks.

Maybe you could outline that for the benefit of everyone on lthis thread a little better. What point? What enforcement practices? What do you mean by a piece of the fisheries? Then explain how that would make a 'marked improvement in stocks'.

Not trying to push your buttons!! If you have a good solution then think it through - carefully and thoroughly - so we can all understand what in the heck you are talking about. The above sounds like mental hogwash, completely ignoring the realities that are present today. Their is enforcement - do you think it is working? The Billfish Foundation does amazing work yet the last I read they wrote about "1" illegal fishermen reported and fined - who I think it was said threatend to kill a bunch of folks if I remember correctly (don´t quote me on that).

You would be a GREAT person to lead the calvary in protecting Bahia Conception - obviously are concerned and movitated. Contact SeaWatch or a local person to start organizing a local vigilance program?

Just a suggestion, feel this is getting hostile so out a here!!!

Cheers, BajaBad
Relocation & Real Estate Guide - www.vivalabaja.com
Baja Blog - vivalabaja.blogspot.com

BajaBad - 7-1-2009 at 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by flyfishinPam
now is the time
report, record, document, and log
I am working on it but I am also working a lot right now its our fishing season
but believe me things are about to change

Baja is fortunate to have folks like you - hope you are right-on about things starting to change (from my limited understanding of the situation!)

SOS

Sharksbaja - 7-1-2009 at 12:53 PM

That stands for, oh you know already. The interesting but frightening statement made about catching baitfish in the SOC for the pens in Ensenada underscores the SOS statement. Do any of the govt. agencies realize that this move indicates the worst. That the tuna pens have priority over any and all "other" fishing? Idiots!

The taking of local baitfish from the areas near Ensenada are wreaking havoc. Soon the waters will far short of the ability to sustain pelagics and bottom fish as well. Unuseable habitat from elevated ammonia, loss of all seafloor species in the area. Zero baitfish.

Tuna navigating from the sea of Japan make cross-Pacific travels that take them to the Ensenada/Punta Banda area then they turn north to follow the temp gradient where they seek out their food source(s).

As this temperature line wavers near shore or out to sea,the tuna follow it. The big tuna boats already know where they will be, hence the success of the "tuna fattening" pens. They just scoop them up....for OTHER COUNTRIES benefit.

This practice left unchecked(like right now) is doing decades of damage at the blessing of the Mex govt. If they gave a real ratsass about keeping the ocean viable then this would be of the first to dismember. That and the fleets assembled off the historically troubled BOC.

SOS is exactly what is happening imho. It is so obvious to me that there really is a shortage of govt concern. It could be that there are gears starting to turn but man, they better get real busy.

Good points brought up regarding the enforcement and interpretation of same. It all needs rewriting....today.

Skeet/Loreto - 7-1-2009 at 02:08 PM

Please take this post in a Positive Manner.

The Sea of Cortez is not Ruined. I take exception to those that say those words when and If you would go and spend some time on that Sea you would understand.

The last "Cycle" started when large numbers of Squid were taken out of the Cortez for about 4 years in a row.{1999,2000}. This removal cause a change in which multidutes of fish moved out to other places in the Pacific. This cause a decline in the number of "Sports Fishing being caught and reported- As there are not but about 1.4 th of the numer of Sports Fisherman coming to the Cortez.

Sharks moved out so the Commerical fisherman moved out for several years. But. starting in January of 08 the Bait came back, The Squid came back, The Yellowtail came back and a whole bunch of Sardines was what brought them. Sports Fishing has and is still Fantastic.

Now when this started happening the Shark Fisherman really got turn on, The Big Sieners are back.

Please , all of you Cortez fisherman--When was the last time you saw the Big Sieners???

The cycle will continue.

I was there a couple of Months ago and the Fishing is Great, Just don't go out when the Barometer is falling.

It would be great if all of the People supporting thier Adjenda would gpo take a Month or two on the Cortez, fish with an old time Pangaero and really look at the Sea, then come back and report your findings.

Skeet.Loreto

Russ - 7-1-2009 at 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Please take this post in a Positive Manner.

The Sea of Cortez is not Ruined. I take exception to those that say those words when and If you would go and spend some time on that Sea you would understand.

The last "Cycle" started when large numbers of Squid were taken out of the Cortez for about 4 years in a row.{1999,2000}. This removal cause a change in which multidutes of fish moved out to other places in the Pacific. This cause a decline in the number of "Sports Fishing being caught and reported- As there are not but about 1.4 th of the numer of Sports Fisherman coming to the Cortez.

Sharks moved out so the Commerical fisherman moved out for several years. But. starting in January of 08 the Bait came back, The Squid came back, The Yellowtail came back and a whole bunch of Sardines was what brought them. Sports Fishing has and is still Fantastic.

Now when this started happening the Shark Fisherman really got turn on, The Big Sieners are back.

Please , all of you Cortez fisherman--When was the last time you saw the Big Sieners???

The cycle will continue.

I was there a couple of Months ago and the Fishing is Great, Just don't go out when the Barometer is falling.

It would be great if all of the People supporting thier Adjenda would gpo take a Month or two on the Cortez, fish with an old time Pangaero and really look at the Sea, then come back and report your findings.

Skeet.Loreto

You've expressed some of these findings before. But I have not spoken to one other person to share your findings. For all our sakes I hope you're right. The people I talk to are pangeros & sport fishermen and two are fish buyers in this area. People that spend a lot of time on that Sea. :?:

Cypress - 7-1-2009 at 03:28 PM

Russ, Skeets attitude is lost in the 50's or 60's. It' a waste of time to debate the present fishing conditions in the Sea of Cortez with him. He has a very myopic view, but he's entitled to it.

Don Alley - 7-1-2009 at 03:34 PM

a few comments...

Tuna pens:

I was fishing with a local photographer, our goal to get some shots of leaping dorado. And the fishing was good; the captain and I were hooked up, handing rods back and forth, constantly.

We had seen a tuna boat in the distance on our way out, and saw its helicopter fly a large, circular pattern. So when, as we were returning to Loreto, we saw the boat stopped north of Isla Coronado, we couldn't help but think: tuna? Here? But as we approached the boat, and watched them haul in their net and their catch, it was only the lowly barrilete skipjack, a fish few care to eat. Strange that they would go to all that trouble, using a modern seiner and helicopter for barrilete.

But I had just read an account about tuna pens located in Australia, where half of the feed for their tuna comes from central California.

The moral, so to speak, is that tuna pens create a world wide demand for fish meal and fish products. Pens in Ensenada, the Mediterranean or Australia create markets that can consume fish from anywhere.

Hand liners:

There are these guys fishing out of the Loreto marina. I don't know their names, but I see them out fishing frequently, and see them unload their catch at the marina. These guys can fish. They're good. Most of us who do fish know that while luck plays a role, skill, knowledge and experience pay the bigger dividends. And these guys bring home the bacon. They don't bring in the mostly mish-mash of a little bit of everything that the net guys bring in, but what they do bring is pretty primo. Lots of huachinango snapper. Some Tijeretas. If there are yellowtail, they'll bring them in too. So, after seeing them bring in a couple of boxes of huachinango, what do you think is being served at the restaurant we go to that night? Parrot fish, either net caught or speared, and likely caught illegally.

There is a great need for research and data in marine fisheries. Most of my fishing activism had those luxuries, dealing in fresh water. But the common wisdom is that hook and line fisheries do less damage that nets, have lower bycatch, and come closer to sustainability even with little regulation.

Part of my frustration is that I am a fishing generalist; I like to explore the variety that the waters have to offer, rather than being satisfied with just numbers or pounds of fish. Some will consider the arrival of large numbers of migrating pelagics as a cure-all for any local fishing problems, real or imagined. As a referendum, of sorts, validating current practices, sweeping all sins away. But after the visiting tourist fishermen have left, perhaps returning home with stories of unending numbers of dorado and sailfish, I'll be poking along the heavily netted shores of Carmen or Monserrate looking for a toro, a decent sized roosterfish, maybe a golden jack, and wishing I could at least catch (and release) an occasional cabrilla over 12 inches while I do it. I catch a few fish, and I enjoy the day, but I've seen days when such fishing rivaled the wide-open offshore bites, over 40 years ago, and have not seen days like that since.

flyfishinPam - 7-1-2009 at 03:37 PM

Hi Skeet
right now I have been up since 02:30 because I am working on a few flyers regarding the seiners that have been working our area. I am hoping to unite the local fishermen through our Pescadores Vigilantes program. I am also hoping that once it catches on here and garners attention, that we can send representatives to our surrounding areas and unite the folks there too, maybe all of BCS eventually then BC then Sonora, Sinaloa and....

Quote:

I saw three yesterday and one of them used their spotter heliocopter to chase my husbands boat away from seeing what they were hauling in the seine. I am currently collecting photos and testimony from yesterdays events. The link below shows one of the seiners that has been working this area since mid May:

http://www.bajabigfish.com/pescadoresvigilantes.html

right now your buddy Captain Alejo is one peeed off individual and so are the other captains, we are all peeed and ready to hold our civil servants responsible for their actions.

no the sea is not ruined but the key word is YET. give it time unchecked like this with heads turning and money changing hands and it will be ruined. I give it less than ten years.

my business is on the line but I do not care. We have good fishing now and we want to keep it that way and we want these huge industrial boats out of here.

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
The cycle will continue.

certainly not if this continues!

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
I was there a couple of Months ago and the Fishing is Great, Just don't go out when the Barometer is falling.

we fish year around and I have personally made my living and supported my family for 14 years off the bounty of the SOC off Loreto. pressure conditions dictate fish feeding behaviour but the barometer rule of thumb has the opposite affect in summer and in winter, simply put changes affect them. when the fish go off their bite you can bet the farm our weather conditions will be changing, they know.

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
It would be great if all of the People supporting thier Adjenda would gpo take a Month or two on the Cortez, fish with an old time Pangaero and really look at the Sea, then come back and report your findings.

Skeet.Loreto

my agenda is the truth and fairness. thats it I gain nothing financially by doing these things I just hate injustice and at this point I have the capacity to make some serious changes and I'm gonna do it, over.

fishbuck - 7-1-2009 at 03:46 PM

I have got to make it to Loreto and fish with you guys Pam! I'm not much into causes but this one I can sign on to!
I suggest other fishing Nomads go there and fish too. Let them know we care! :cool:

Don Alley - 7-1-2009 at 04:01 PM

OK, I'm in Montana now where I keep a bigger soapbox. :biggrin:

Fish are complicated. There are many kinds, in many habitats with many different ways of surviving. And much of what they do is underwater, and even what we can observe often does not make sense. And we have yet to find a fish who, like a human, can tell the truth, or even lies, about what he's doing.

So it's easier to manage fishermen. We can see what they are doing, and if we are so inclined, listen to their stories. Or read their internet posts. We can also divide them into groups, and attempt to calculate the relative economic, political and moral strengths of each group.

So, we could have management plans that examine particular habitats, and provides for regulations that could allow sustainable uses for the fish in that habitat. Perhaps for sport, or, where feasible, some commercial use. But, it takes research, monitoring, and enforcement.

Or, we can manage people, with emphasis on categories of people, and their economic, political and social power. Like, lets just ban all commercial fishing. Or, take Laguna Beach. Likening the sin of sportfishing to smoking, their city council has asked the state to ban all sport fishing within three miles of the city's shore. Since the state is already committed to banning fishing in 30% or so of its prime inshore waters, that could happen.

So when I ask about the Wheelbarrow Man.... Should he still be allowed to fish?

If his methods are unsustainable, if they have an impact that take food or money from the mouths of others, and will eventually doom even his own efforts, then, no. We have come to the point where many resources can no longer be free for the taking by anyone, anytime, anyplace, by any means. There simply are to many people chasing to few resources. But perhaps his small net, and its yield of perhaps a few mullet, is sustainable. Then the answer would be yes.

But when I look at trends in environmental laws, regulation and enforcement, in and out of Mexico, I suspect that the argument will boil down to this: Nets are bad and should be illegal, vs. which netters have the economic or political power to continue to net regardless of the consequences.

Maybe there are enough Wheelbarrow men that the populist politicians of Mexico will support them. Or, as Dan suggests, they will become the whipping boy for commercial overfishing, their nets the first taken, as they watch the working super-seiners cruise on by, their holds brimming with tons of fish.

Bet the Wheelbarrow Man, wading in up to his chin, never thought he'd be discussed on the internet. But who knows what he may have at home. What do you think, Mac or PC? :biggrin:

Dave - 7-1-2009 at 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Alley
Or, we can manage people, with emphasis on categories of people, and their economic, political and social power. Like, lets just ban all commercial fishing.

Or, simply ask that those concerned with overfishing to not buy fish and convince their neighbors to do the same.

Commercial fishing isn't a hobby. The rape of the seas will continue as long as there is a market...

And the fish are still around.

Skeet/Loreto - 7-1-2009 at 05:51 PM

Thanks Pam; Good common Sense and i wish you Luck.

When I wnet fishing in April of 2008 I was surpised at the Fantastic number of Bait and Fish. It very much reminded me of the years of the late 80's.

Pam, those Sieners will be oput of there and if the People of Loreto get upset enough they will do something about it. So keep up the good work.
I personally do not think that you or your Children will ever see the demise of the Sea Of Cortez.
It would take 10 years and 10 Sieners like you are seeing today fishing all over the cortew to get the fish, then it is doubtful if they could get them all.

Remember you are in a very small part of the Sea of Cortez and just imagine the number of fish that came up when the Colo River was still flowing??

Do what you can and I applaud you, but make sure those Crying the Loudest are telling the Truth, not doing it to get you to Donate to their Cause.

Skeet

flyfishinPam - 7-1-2009 at 05:56 PM

well I could go on about some more of this but I am just too tired, long day. I wish you were right about this Skeet but I am not holding my breath I gotta do something.

Pescador - 7-1-2009 at 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad
The only solution is to ban the sale/export of fish from the Sea of Cortez (in cooperation with Japan who are the main buyers) and make commercial fishing and shrimping illegal. There is no other solution IMHO.

Maybe with more reporting of illegal/criminal practices - routine throughout Baja - this will become more evident as it seems impossible to try and enforce regulations that are routinely being violated. The devastation they cause is incalculable.

Phase-out commercial fishing over a two year period or so (stop renewing licenses, etc.) while creating plans for sustainable fisheries in locations throughout Baja - where it may be feasible - in conjunction with Japan to meet their demand for supply. Give the out-of-work commercial fishermen governmental support to create sustainable fisheries or work in the new industry if they choose to.

After an adjustment period and fair and ample warning - punish Mexican commercial fishing offenders like they punish Gringo offenders (ones without licences on boat while fishing...) - confiscate their boats and never give them back. After a few of those I wonder how enforcement would be respected and looked at by those who treat it like a joke presently?

I know it worked on the gringo end when we were in Baja - everyone took care to have licenses for all on board so as to not have the possibility of having their boat confiscated...

Once commercial fishing is halted - the money that is now being used (with next to nil effect) to try and enforce regulations could be used to help local fishermen maintain their trade (providing licenses and assistance where and when needed for basic sustenance) and regulate the trade for supply & demand within Baja & Mexico - i.e. restaurants, etc.

Use Japans technology - perfected over 3 decades of research - to focus on 100% farmed bluefin tuna - one of the most sought-after species. Japan could provide much of the funding and assistance to meet their demand for supply in conjunction with the Mexican government.

First step - start thinking of how and when to end commercial fishing in the Sea of Cortez... don´t think there is any other long-term, effective solution.

First of all, this information is mostly erroneous. Japan is a buyer of some sea food products in Mexico, but Mexico itself is by far the largest buyer. So how do you justify a morally superior stance to pretend that you understand even a portion of what goes on with the economy of fishing and when did you become an advisor to the government on how to run their fishery. If you are only going to rehash the information that is put out by seawatch.org then you are obviously going to be just copying the bias and persuasion already being proffered by seawatch.
Your credibility is completly lost when your solution is to suggest that penned bluefin tuna are a positive solution. Penned fish farming has proven beyond a doubt that it is not only an environmental disaster as it wreaks havoc on the local populations of fish, but may well environmentally impact a large area with ammonia deposits as well as introducing parasitic invasions that have been proven to destroy whole fisheries.
I can just picture Jose and Pedro becoming the new vigilante enforcement division. They are going to ride the high seas in their panga and report all of the wrong doing and illegal fishing in their area. (except for maybe their cousin who needs the fish to sell so that their mother can get an operation), and Pablo who paid them off to look the other way while he sets just one little net to buy shoes for his daughter, and of course Betto who was the one who saved your butt from going to jail over the incident who now expects to be paid back for favors rendered.
In the same way that Canada gets totally incensed when the United States tries to tell them how to do things, it is very important to remember that we are visitors to a foreign country and it is very disrespectful when we think that we, who only see a small part of the picture, can tell them how to run things that we can only glimpse at understanding. Now if Pam thinks that this thing has a chance to work, I respect that in the same way I would respect Shari's opinions because they live there, have a great deal of insight into how things really work, and have spouses that do understand a great deal of the system.
I spend a lot of time talking to the locals and listen to their complaints and perceptions and sometimes I am able to toss out a small idea but I have very little faith in my ability to bring about any meaningful change nor do I really think that I have the right to do that. If I get upset enough about the way the fishery is run then I can always move on to someplace like Costa Rica which has a completely different management philosophy or God forbid, California.

fishbuck - 7-1-2009 at 09:31 PM

I agree with alot of what you say there Pescador. But to a certain level don't you think that Mexico should respect our desire to not see the fishery ruined. And respond in a positive way.
Alot of us put in effort and money to fish there. To that extent we are stakeholders in that fishery too.
But if the guys in Loreto think it's okay to poach fish and not enforce the rules on the commercial fisherman as well as the sportfishermen, I'll be glad to spend my time and money someplace else.
My suggestion is to support the people and places that respect the fishery and respect the people who visit there to fish.
And boycott the people and places that don't.

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by fishbuck]

GeoRock - 7-2-2009 at 12:19 AM

The only solution to preserving the waters of the world is to quit eating seafood.

I am proud to say I have not eaten life from the seas for 30 years and have no intention of ever again eating sea or land creatures.

Even if you are not able to quit eating sealife, at least do it for one single day a year. October 1 is World Vegetarian Day. If everyone would resist meat for just that one day, a huge amount of life would be preserved.

Pescador - 7-2-2009 at 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
I agree with alot of what you say there Pescador. But to a certain level don't you think that Mexico should respect our desire to not see the fishery ruined. And respond in a positive way.
Alot of us put in effort and money to fish there. To that extent we are stakeholders in that fishery too.
But if the guys in Loreto think it's okay to poach fish and not enforce the rules on the commercial fisherman as well as the sportfishermen, I'll be glad to spend my time and money someplace else.
My suggestion is to support the people and places that respect the fishery and respect the people who visit there to fish.
And boycott the people and places that don't.

You are right on with that thought. I think we need to do everything possible to make our voices heard. I think the billfish orginization does that very well. They are very well respected and have a strong voice with the legislature of Mexico. I think it is imperative to have that conversation with your local pangueo. I think it is very important to have that conversation with people like Pam and Sheri but I also recognize that I have to communicate respectfully and out of a position of caring. I have input in my local community but because I listen more than I talk and because I show respect for the local officials, when I do say something they have more of a tendency to listen because I come from a position of caring rather than just a "loud mouthed outsider" who thinks he knows everything. Recently the billfish orginization met with the Mexican Congress and showed them the economic impact for the tourist places that centered around the fishing market and communicated clearly about the impact of losing that economy if they did not repeal Norma 29. It looks like that finally will happen.
Until I see something intelligent and meaningful coming out of Seawatch, I have a tendency to classify them in the same vein as Greenpeace, Earth First, Earth Liberation Front, and my all time favorite, PETA.

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by fishbuck]

Skeet/Loreto - 7-2-2009 at 09:25 AM

Fishbuck;

Did you ever stop to think about the Priviledged "Fly Fisherman" of the States.

The only thing that will stop the Demise of the Fish is the stoping of the Increase in population.. The more people, the more fish consumed.

Another thing that must be considered is some peoples actions to tell other countries how they should use their own natrual Resources.

We as "Good Americans" cannot expect everyone else to have the same Standards as we have.

Just think about the "Drug' Problem/ relate it to the Fish Problem,
Skeet

Cypress - 7-2-2009 at 11:11 AM

This whole scenario has been played out quite a few times, in far too many places, each area is unique in it's own way. What worked in one body of water needs some tweeking to work in another. The sad fact is that fishing technology has progressed to the point that the fish really don't have a chance. The guy in the panga with a hand line is the canary in the coal mine. His day is over. Wish him well.

BajaBad - 7-2-2009 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
First of all, this information is mostly erroneous. Japan is a buyer of some sea food products in Mexico, but Mexico itself is by far the largest buyer. So how do you justify a morally superior stance to pretend that you understand even a portion of what goes on with the economy of fishing and when did you become an advisor to the government on how to run their fishery.

Pescador - you misunderstood and are misrepresenting what I said. I said that Japan is the main Exporters/Buyers of fish. Hope that is clear.

I did a bunch of research when writing a few articles - very little comes from SeaWatch website, but give credit where credit is due and have much respect for the work they do.

Your comment about 'having a husband' simply shows what a male chauvinist you are and reflects your own ignorance and lack of credibility. I happen to care about the ocean and seas and what future I am contributing to for my child as well as future generations as much as any other 'person' here.

Quote:

Your credibility is completly lost when your solution is to suggest that penned bluefin tuna are a positive solution. Penned fish farming has proven beyond a doubt that it is not only an environmental disaster as it wreaks havoc on the local populations of fish, but may well environmentally impact a large area with ammonia deposits as well as introducing parasitic invasions that have been proven to destroy whole fisheries.

Good info, yet I am not sure how right you are - or wrong. The issue on a global scale seems to be how to provide for the demand of fish, that isn´t decreasing (regardless of good intentions & 'don´t eat fish' campaigns by many). Many researchers say sustainable farms are one of few solutions to this problem - on a global scale.

The best info I´ve just read came from Don Alley -

"...hook & line fisheries do less damage than nets, have lower bycatch and come closer to sustainability even w/ little regulation"

Now that´s something to think about.

two cents

OLIGUACOMOLE - 7-2-2009 at 11:43 AM

Just a thought. Marines live and are stationed off the Mulege estuary. Stationed there with barracks and hummers! I bet they have a boat with a motor that works!

I would never think of this, but I have a enemy that would.....

First an observer watches for the pangas going back and forth from the estuary. Some of these pangas could be running drugs?! A person could make an anonymous phone to report these illegal actions. Call if there are drugs suspected of being shipped from the seiners. The Marines spring into action with black masks from a boat with guns ready and board the illegal seiners looking for contraband. Soon the seiners want to have nothing to do with the Mulege and the Marines and head off for better hunting grounds. Some of us from Mulege are so impressed with the Marines we buy them sodas and such when we hear of them protecting us from possible drug smugglers.

Or you can make/write a report to the authorities which will be acted on immediately if not sooner!.....

BajaBad - 7-2-2009 at 12:13 PM

A few resources. Problem with some of my info/opinions is that it comes from thinking of export issues (highest price fetches from Japan), not solely from within Mexico - commerical and local harvest - that many are thinking of.

In a sense, two different things... if you take away exports, then the simplest solution is to ban net boats and only allow long-lining? Obviously thought of before... is it the best solution?

Add in exports and need for production to satisfy demand that is predicted to increase annually, you have a whole new ballgame. Are sustainable farms - that don´t use wild stock - a solution? Possibly.

Articles that might be useful for more info/thinking of solutions -

Commercial Fishing Causes Dangerous Fluctuations In Fish Populations, Research Shows: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061018151028.ht...

Ecologically & Socially Sustainable Fisheries (a model for Baja?):
http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/706/ecologically-and-soc...

New Solutions Needed for Extinction Prevention & for Sustainable Management of Marine Resources:
http://news.bio-medicine.org/biology-news-2/New-solutions-ne...

Bluefin Tuna in Crisis: http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/mediterranean/...

Lastly - this is for you Pescador: "Bluefin populations have dropped by as much as 90 percent in some areas due to overfishing and the global demand for sushi."

From the article 'Farm-raised bluefin tuna spawn controversy':
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/storie...

BajaBad

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by BajaBad]

Russ - 7-2-2009 at 12:58 PM

I pulled one paragraph out of the material provided by BajaBad.
"The fishery industry has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Ninety-five percent of the worlds fishers are from developing countries and work in traditional artisan fisheries whose combined catches amount to about 50 percent of the 125 million metric tons of fish harvested worldwide each year. For that reason, implementation of no-fishing zones has met with tremendous resistance among people economically dependent on fishing. Co-management of marine resources by governments, private fisheries and communities only recently has been recognized as an effective way for sustainable management programs to gain acceptance."
I believe this info is way low. 30 years ago how much of the "developing countries" fishing fleets used spotter planes, satellite images, surface temp images or the whole array of other electronics used today? And this article says they take only 50% Think how much more efficient the "developed countries" are. My thinking is if they were using the same ships & boats the could take 50% more.

Pescador - 7-2-2009 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad

Pescador - you misunderstood and are misrepresenting what I said. I said that Japan is the main Exporters/Buyers of fish. Hope that is clear.

No, what you said, and I quote you, "The only solution is to ban the sale/export of fish from the Sea of Cortez (in cooperation with Japan who are the main buyers) and make commercial fishing and shrimping illegal. There is no other solution IMHO. " I am saying that Japan is the main buyer of penned bluefin tuna, and probably the main buyer of abalone and lobster from the pacific coast fishery. (Shari probably can answer this more correctly than I.) But as far as the fish market in general, Mexico buys more of its own food fish than any foreign market. When it comes to squid, the Korean market is the strongest player and buys and sells most of the squid caught in the Sea of Cortez.

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad
I did a bunch of research when writing a few articles - very little comes from SeaWatch website, but give credit where credit is due and have much respect for the work they do.

I am glad you tend to agree with the philosophy and manner in which they choose to conduct business. My belief is quite different from that and I am still waiting to see something positive come from this orginization.

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad
Your comment about 'having a husband' simply shows what a male chauvinist you are and reflects your own ignorance and lack of credibility. I happen to care about the ocean and seas and what future I am contributing to for my child as well as future generations as much as any other 'person' here.

You grossly misread my statement and intent. I could care less if you choose to have a husband and that was not the intent of the message. What I was saying is that both Pam and Sheri have married native Baja residents and therefore are more in touch with both the culture, language, and traditions of the Baja way of life than someone who is coming in from the outside. To assume that I am a chauvinist may in fact reflect your own feelings about your marital status and does not accurately reflect my biases or lack thereof. In fact if you knew me or my wife you would readily have to concede that chauvinism is certainly not one of my "issues".

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad
Good info, yet I am not sure how right you are - or wrong. The issue on a global scale seems to be how to provide for the demand of fish, that isn´t decreasing (regardless of good intentions & 'don´t eat fish' campaigns by many). Many researchers say sustainable farms are one of few solutions to this problem - on a global scale.

In the same way that you can find researchers that say we are entering in to a period of global warming, you can find the equal number who completely disagree with that concept. I have a very good friend from British Columbia whose job with the Federal Fisheries Department was to do extensive research on the topic of fish farms and their effect on the environment. But here I would suggest that you attempt to use a little common sense as my friend Skeet would suggest. If fish were meant to be raised that way they would have all been born in pens. Seems that the very same idea was once tried in Australia where they thought it would be a really brilliant idea to import rabbits to control a weed problem, and the rest is history. While it seems to be a good idea, on the surface, it has proven to be an ecological disaster with increased concentrations of waste byproducts, killing of the natural local food base to feed the penned fish, increase of parasitic infestations due to overcrowding and non-natural disbursements of fish, and an artificial, at best, situation that could be more effectively managed situation by more carefully thought out legislation and control.

BajaBad - 7-3-2009 at 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
No, what you said, and I quote you, "The only solution is to ban the sale/export of fish from the Sea of Cortez (in cooperation with Japan who are the main buyers) and make commercial fishing and shrimping illegal. There is no other solution IMHO. " I am saying that Japan is the main buyer of penned bluefin tuna, and probably the main buyer of abalone and lobster from the pacific coast fishery.

Again - that Japan are the main buyers of exported product from the Sea of Cortez, and apology accepted for your comment that my "information is mostly erroneous."

Quote:

I didn´t grossly misread anything. So to be more clear you are saying a person - I mean a woman - needs a 'Mexican' husband to express concern and viewpoints regarding the Sea of Cortez and related issues? You just added racism to your chauvinism.

Quote:

While it seems to be a good idea, on the surface, it has proven to be an ecological disaster with increased concentrations of waste byproducts, killing of the natural local food base to feed the penned fish, increase of parasitic infestations due to overcrowding and non-natural disbursements of fish, and an artificial, at best, situation that could be more effectively managed situation by more carefully thought out legislation and control.

This is excellent - and from my understanding pretty accurate information. I´ll even say it´s OK for you to write and express those views even though you don´t have a Mexican husband... I mean wife... :bounce:

The problem is that most say now that farming is necessary to help replenish wild stock - along with other solutions such as management of commercial fishing like the fights going on to revise NOM-029 etc. That it is critical to help species whos stock may be decreasing at a rate to lead to extinction - like bluefin tuna.

My point before about Japan and fish farms -- SUSTAINABLE fish farms -- NOT what you are referring to that are more accurately called 'ranches' and cause the problems above -- is that they have developed the most advanced method for bluefin tuna farming in the world - NOT using wild stock.

So how can Mexico take advantage of this? Since its probably ludicrous to think they will stop selling altogether...

They could work in partnership with Japan - first stopping the export of bluefin tuna and other species out of the country (read: export of product - farmed or netted) and meet this demand -- that is thought to drive much of the illegal fishing practices that go on today due to the high price they pay for product from my understanding -- with sustainably-farmed product. Japan could assist Mexico in creating these farms for their supply.

Stop the export of all but SUSTAINABLY farmed fish. Just a thought as to one solution for one aspect of the problem. Of course the rest of the package is needed also; laws, regulations, punishment for offenders... but how can a key part of the problem be mitigated? Meaning bluefin tuna, and the incentive for destructive fishing coming from demand and high-price of product from Japan?

Here are a couple related articles that make good reading on this issue:

Bluefin Tuna in Crisis: http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/mediterranean/...

Lastly - this is for you Pescador: "Bluefin populations have dropped by as much as 90 percent in some areas due to overfishing and the global demand for sushi."

From the article 'Farm-raised bluefin tuna spawn controversy':
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/storie...

Cheers & happy fishing, BajaBad

Cypress - 7-3-2009 at 05:55 AM

At least nearly all the posters agree about one thing, the fish stocks in the Sea of Cortez are hurting. What to do about it is the question?

Pescador - 7-3-2009 at 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBad

I didn´t grossly misread anything. So to be more clear you are saying a person - I mean a woman - needs a 'Mexican' husband to express concern and viewpoints regarding the Sea of Cortez and related issues? You just added racism to your chauvinism.

Holy cow, well at least I understand now why you don't have one of those husband thingys. :lol:

ElFaro - 7-3-2009 at 10:35 PM

Some more anecdotal information on the effects of the Tuna pen farms off Ensenada...

For the past few years we have regularly stayed at the RV park at Estero Beach Resort. Virtually without interruption huge migratory flocks of sea birds would decend on the Estero back bays every year. However...in the last 4-5 years the bird flocks have disappeared. I really believe the reason is the bait seiners have netted so much bait that the birds have no bait fish to feed on and have simply moved onto other areas. This year there are only a few Gulls, Pelicans, and shore birds around...the flocks are gone.

Also...I listen to a fishing radio show weekly and they have a "regular" on there who reports what fresh fish is available and prices at the wholesale fish market he works at. BTW...this mkt. is a big supplier to restaurants in San Diego Co. This market is regularly supplied Blufin Tuna (BFT) from those pens. I know because I have purchased BFT from them for my sushi and the receipt shows the source of the fish.

And get this...On a recent show he said they were getting Halibut from Baja pangueros for sale. I was thinking...holy cow...the pangueros are going after Halibut along the Baja Pacific coast for market now!! Maybe this has been going on for awhile but it was news to me. I assumed all halibut was coming from Alaska...but now Baja pangueros ??