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Monday, 10 August 2015

Adhere To Farm Hygiene To Check spSpread Of Bird Flu, Expert Tells Farmers

Birds being dumped in Nigeria

Dr Doris Bitrus, the Director of Veterinary Services, Plateau Ministry of Agriculture, has advised farmers to adhere strictly to farm hygiene in order to check the spread of bird flu.

She said that adherence to farm hygiene would ensure the disease did not re-surface in the state.
Bitrus, who spoke in an interview on Sunday in Jos, said that farmers must be wary in the handling of the birds as the disease had resurfaced in about six states.
“Bird flu spreads very fast and easily in the country because poultry products are being moved from one point to another without much restriction.

“The last time the disease began in Lagos between Jan. 8 and Jan. 18, it immediately spread to Plateau within the span of just 10 days.

“So, report has it that the disease has shown its ugly face in about six states in the country again,’’ she said.
The director said a lot of farmers suffered losses during the last outbreak of the disease in the state, saying, government would not allow such ugly incident again.

“We are calling on farmers not to relax on adhering strictly to farm hygiene, because Nigeria is not yet free from bird flu,” she said.

Bitrus, however, said the state was yet to record the disease in any farms since June.
She said the development was because most farmers adhere to the tenets of the poultry business.
She, therefore, expressed delight on steps taken by the state chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to ensure its members upheld standard practices on their farms.

Similarly, Mrs Gladys Okafor, the spokesperson of the body, said the association was relentless at ensuring that the disease was kept out of the state.

She said that enlightenment workshops were organized to keep members abreast of how to check spread of bird flu.
UK - New restrictions on the fishing of sea bass, including the introduction of a minimum catch size, will come into effect from as early as 1 September.
This is following action by UK government to protect this iconic and threatened species, Fisheries Minister George Eustice has announced.
The new controls are the result of continued lobbying in Europe to introduce new commercial and recreational fishing restrictions for bass.
These measures will address the long-term decline in bass stocks due to overfishing and support British fishermen for the future by ensuring sustainable bass fishing and angling.
From next month fishermen and anglers will be prevented from catching juvenile bass under 42cm in size, giving female bass the chance to grow to an age where they can spawn. This will strengthen stocks by creating a new generation of fish to catch more sustainably.
Commenting on the new measures, Fisheries Minister George Eustice said: "We’ve been consistent in Europe on the need to protect sea bass and the measures we’ve secured this year are vital to improving the health of our stocks.
"We can’t be complacent and while these measures are a significant step in kick-starting progress we have to ensure any recovery is sustained.
"That’s why we’ll be working closely with EU Member States, fishermen and anglers to build on this success and secure long-term improvement in the years to come."
The UK Government spearheaded the introduction of the restrictions and worked closely with the EU Commission and Member States to develop a package covering:
  • A daily 3 fish bag limit per person for recreational anglers.
  • Monthly catch limits for commercial fishing vessels.
  • A ban on all EU commercial fishing in areas around Ireland, excluding the Bristol Channel and other areas inside the UK’s 12 mile zone.
  • A minimum conservation reference size of 42cm to allow female fish to grow to spawning age.
These latest steps to protect sea bass are part of a wider campaign by government to promote sustainable fishing. This includes securing historic reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy and subsequent introduction of a Discard Ban to prevent the throwing back overboard of healthy fish.
The government hopes the approach will preserve fish stocks, supporting the long-term success of the industry, continued economic contribution from angling, and the enjoyment of this sport around the coastline.
- See more at: http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/26174/new-restrictions-for-uk-sea-bass-fishing-start-soon/#sthash.yQUOYwtg.dpuf

New Yorkers Hooked on Sustainable Seafood Week

07 August 2015
US - Ever wonder who caught the fish you just ate? New Yorkers asked this and other seafood traceability questions during Sustainable Seafood Week NYC, part of a series of nation-wide events for seasoned seafood industry experts and curious consumers, writes Taylor Gillespie for TheFishSite.
Sustainable Seafood Week National (SSWN) aims to further the sustainable seafood agenda through educational programming and by celebrating delicious gifts from the sea.
Core SSW events in each city include an opening Gala, an invite-only Industry Lab, a Dine Out program, and Local Flavor events that vary by city. This summer and fall, local residents in Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington DC can look forward to these events that foster a national level seafood conversation and also cater to each city’s own food culture.
Beginning in NYC three years ago, SSW was created to be inclusive. The week offers hands-on experiences for diners and food professionals ranging from those well-versed in sustainable food sourcing, to those just beginning to ask questions about it. 
“We’re spreading the word about “storied” fish, and encouraging people to explore the responsible seafood that’s available to them,“ explains Wendy Weisman, City Manager of SSW in NYC.
SSW National kicked off in NYC in late June, with the opening Gala hosted at top New York seafood restaurant, Blue Water Grill. Renowned chefs served an intimate five-course tasting – each seafood dish created by a different chef. Attendees mingled with local NY and NJ fishermen, as well as special guest Paul Greenberg, NYT best-selling author of Four Fishes and American Catch.
A one-day Industry Lab gathering for invitees in the seafood business and related industries was led by Future of Fish, a non-profit systems change incubator addressing ocean challenges.
The event was held at Riverpark, a farm-to-table restaurant owned by sustainable food advocate and restaurateur, Chef Tom Colicchio.
A lively international panel of seafood advocates, scientists, and chefs dived into traceability topics, followed by lunch featuring True North Salmon, clams and mussels from Taylor Shellfish farms, and local swordfish. Afternoon sessions explored responsible aquaculture and the role of seafood in a healthy diet, and ended with a reception overlooking the East River.
Over 50 top NYC restaurants participated in the Dine Out program, offering a sustainable seafood special on their menus throughout the week.
“The Dine Out program is a great opportunity for chefs and restaurant owners to empower their staff to talk about seafood sustainability and how the restaurant contributes.” SSW National is enhancing the training component of Dine Out for restaurants, using tools like this video.
Throughout the city, Local Flavor events ranged from a “Maine vs. NY” seafood throwdown hosted by Luke’s Lobster, to a local catch cooking class with the Natural Gourmet Institute and Sea to Table; proceeds from both events were donated to local non-profit NY/NJ Baykeeper.
The Grand Banks restaurant, a restored schooner, hosted a “Bait to Plate” tasting, to expand appreciation for local, abundant species.
Capping off the week’s line-up was a collaboration with GrowNYC at Union Square Greenmarket, which was transformed for a day into a Seafood Festival: fish dishes served up by top NYC restaurants for the lunch and dinner crowds, a beer and wine garden, live music and cooking demonstrations.

“The Greenmarket event highlighted how many New Yorkers already feel confident about how to buy responsibly grown vegetables, meat and dairy,” said Ms Weisman.
“Much less so with seafood. There is such diversity in fishing and seafood farming practices, and consumers are starting to understand that the nuances matter, like the specific environment in question and the timing. There can be more than one right way to do things. That might not be the simple guideline many people are seeking, but it’s a great reason to be optimistic and enjoy exploring responsible seafood options more freely.”
A key purpose of SSW is to showcase success stories and achievements locally and beyond, and empower people to be curious and persistent in asking questions. SSW advocates for greater traceability, and encourages people to use whatever tools are helpful -- guides, apps, web sites, trusted labels and vendors.
“The most important thing is to keep having this conversation and asking for the story to go with the fish.”
- See more at: http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/26103/new-yorkers-hooked-on-sustainable-seafood-week/#sthash.xcBFfFOF.dpuf
UK - New restrictions on the fishing of sea bass, including the introduction of a minimum catch size, will come into effect from as early as 1 September.
This is following action by UK government to protect this iconic and threatened species, Fisheries Minister George Eustice has announced.
The new controls are the result of continued lobbying in Europe to introduce new commercial and recreational fishing restrictions for bass.
These measures will address the long-term decline in bass stocks due to overfishing and support British fishermen for the future by ensuring sustainable bass fishing and angling.
From next month fishermen and anglers will be prevented from catching juvenile bass under 42cm in size, giving female bass the chance to grow to an age where they can spawn. This will strengthen stocks by creating a new generation of fish to catch more sustainably.
Commenting on the new measures, Fisheries Minister George Eustice said: "We’ve been consistent in Europe on the need to protect sea bass and the measures we’ve secured this year are vital to improving the health of our stocks.
"We can’t be complacent and while these measures are a significant step in kick-starting progress we have to ensure any recovery is sustained.
"That’s why we’ll be working closely with EU Member States, fishermen and anglers to build on this success and secure long-term improvement in the years to come."
The UK Government spearheaded the introduction of the restrictions and worked closely with the EU Commission and Member States to develop a package covering:
  • A daily 3 fish bag limit per person for recreational anglers.
  • Monthly catch limits for commercial fishing vessels.
  • A ban on all EU commercial fishing in areas around Ireland, excluding the Bristol Channel and other areas inside the UK’s 12 mile zone.
  • A minimum conservation reference size of 42cm to allow female fish to grow to spawning age.
These latest steps to protect sea bass are part of a wider campaign by government to promote sustainable fishing. This includes securing historic reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy and subsequent introduction of a Discard Ban to prevent the throwing back overboard of healthy fish.
The government hopes the approach will preserve fish stocks, supporting the long-term success of the industry, continued economic contribution from angling, and the enjoyment of this sport around the coastline.
- See more at: http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/26174/new-restrictions-for-uk-sea-bass-fishing-start-soon/#sthash.yQUOYwtg.dpuf

New Yorkers Hooked on Sustainable Seafood Week

07 August 2015
US - Ever wonder who caught the fish you just ate? New Yorkers asked this and other seafood traceability questions during Sustainable Seafood Week NYC, part of a series of nation-wide events for seasoned seafood industry experts and curious consumers, writes Taylor Gillespie for TheFishSite.
Sustainable Seafood Week National (SSWN) aims to further the sustainable seafood agenda through educational programming and by celebrating delicious gifts from the sea.
Core SSW events in each city include an opening Gala, an invite-only Industry Lab, a Dine Out program, and Local Flavor events that vary by city. This summer and fall, local residents in Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington DC can look forward to these events that foster a national level seafood conversation and also cater to each city’s own food culture.
Beginning in NYC three years ago, SSW was created to be inclusive. The week offers hands-on experiences for diners and food professionals ranging from those well-versed in sustainable food sourcing, to those just beginning to ask questions about it. 
“We’re spreading the word about “storied” fish, and encouraging people to explore the responsible seafood that’s available to them,“ explains Wendy Weisman, City Manager of SSW in NYC.
SSW National kicked off in NYC in late June, with the opening Gala hosted at top New York seafood restaurant, Blue Water Grill. Renowned chefs served an intimate five-course tasting – each seafood dish created by a different chef. Attendees mingled with local NY and NJ fishermen, as well as special guest Paul Greenberg, NYT best-selling author of Four Fishes and American Catch.
A one-day Industry Lab gathering for invitees in the seafood business and related industries was led by Future of Fish, a non-profit systems change incubator addressing ocean challenges.
The event was held at Riverpark, a farm-to-table restaurant owned by sustainable food advocate and restaurateur, Chef Tom Colicchio.
A lively international panel of seafood advocates, scientists, and chefs dived into traceability topics, followed by lunch featuring True North Salmon, clams and mussels from Taylor Shellfish farms, and local swordfish. Afternoon sessions explored responsible aquaculture and the role of seafood in a healthy diet, and ended with a reception overlooking the East River.
Over 50 top NYC restaurants participated in the Dine Out program, offering a sustainable seafood special on their menus throughout the week.
“The Dine Out program is a great opportunity for chefs and restaurant owners to empower their staff to talk about seafood sustainability and how the restaurant contributes.” SSW National is enhancing the training component of Dine Out for restaurants, using tools like this video.
Throughout the city, Local Flavor events ranged from a “Maine vs. NY” seafood throwdown hosted by Luke’s Lobster, to a local catch cooking class with the Natural Gourmet Institute and Sea to Table; proceeds from both events were donated to local non-profit NY/NJ Baykeeper.
The Grand Banks restaurant, a restored schooner, hosted a “Bait to Plate” tasting, to expand appreciation for local, abundant species.
Capping off the week’s line-up was a collaboration with GrowNYC at Union Square Greenmarket, which was transformed for a day into a Seafood Festival: fish dishes served up by top NYC restaurants for the lunch and dinner crowds, a beer and wine garden, live music and cooking demonstrations.

“The Greenmarket event highlighted how many New Yorkers already feel confident about how to buy responsibly grown vegetables, meat and dairy,” said Ms Weisman.
“Much less so with seafood. There is such diversity in fishing and seafood farming practices, and consumers are starting to understand that the nuances matter, like the specific environment in question and the timing. There can be more than one right way to do things. That might not be the simple guideline many people are seeking, but it’s a great reason to be optimistic and enjoy exploring responsible seafood options more freely.”
A key purpose of SSW is to showcase success stories and achievements locally and beyond, and empower people to be curious and persistent in asking questions. SSW advocates for greater traceability, and encourages people to use whatever tools are helpful -- guides, apps, web sites, trusted labels and vendors.
“The most important thing is to keep having this conversation and asking for the story to go with the fish.”
- See more at: http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/26103/new-yorkers-hooked-on-sustainable-seafood-week/#sthash.xcBFfFOF.dpuf

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