WTO Finds US Dolphin-Safe Labeling Rules Discriminate Against Mexican Canned Tuna Imports
The World Trade Organization has ruled that US dolphin-safe tuna labeling regulations discriminate against Mexican canned tuna. Mexico argues that its canned tuna products are specifically targeted by the rules and cannot fairly compete in the US market. The ongoing matter stems from Mexico’s use of purse seine nets as the primary gear-type to capture yellowfin. Mexican authorities, however, say they have demonstrated the fishery meets both international and US dolphin protection requirements. They also argue the US forces the Mexican fleet to follow additional rules that are not imposed on other US and international tuna boats in order for them to meet the dolphin-safe standard.
Warmer weather and short supplies have Chinese shrimp farmers in southern regions stocking up their ponds. Higher demand for broodstock among the region’s shrimp producers has been reported in recent weeks, which has pushed up prices for the seedlings.
In other news, Kodiak herring roe fishermen started the season today across the island's 80 districts. This season’s quota is set at 3,200 tons. Meanwhile, Alaska’s largest herring roe fishery at Togiak in Bristol Bay is expected to get going next week.
Scallop fishing in Maine for the 2014-15 season is over for both draggers and divers. Early estimates indicate that landings were the best in years. In December, for example, the fleet’s scallop meat catch was up 16 percent from 2013.
Finally, the Gulf Council favored changes to the red snapper management system that would shift more of the quota to the recreational sector in a recent meeting where members reviewed a draft of the Amendment 28 proposal. “The preferred alternative basically keeps the current commercial quota,” said Gulf Seafood Institute’s Corky Perret who represents Mississippi on the Council. “The recreational sector quota will be increased to 7.3 million pounds, with a 20% buffer held in reserve.” Final action on the Amendment is expected during the Council’s meeting scheduled in August.
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