Water Damage Restoration in Fishers, IN

NOAA Fisheries has announced it will be providing USD 277 million (EUR 248 million) in financial relief in response to several fishery disasters.

“I’m glad to see this significant batch of federal relief dollars finally being distributed to our hardworking fishermen and coastal communities,” U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) said. “These Alaskans should never have had to wait this long to see this relief processed – a frustration I raised with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and NOAA Fisheries Director Janet Coit on numerous occasions in recent months.”

Sullivan was one of several senators who signed a joint letter blaming a new USD 341 million (EUR 305 million) financial management software being used by the U.S. Department of Commerce for causing years of delays in awarding and distributing fishery disaster assistance.

“The Commerce Department must address the serious disruptions caused by their new financial management system and other bureaucratic hurdles,” Sullivan said. “I have put forward legislation with Senator Rick Scott [R-Florida] to enact timelines on the executive branch’s approval process for these disasters to ensure our fishermen are receiving the relief dollars they are due in a timely fashion. We need this funding to expeditiously reach Alaskans so that they can weather these disasters over the long term and continue to responsibly harvest the freshest, most sustainable seafood in the world.”

U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) sent a separate letter to the Department of Commerce in April blaming the software system for delaying the processing of several fishery disaster funds that would help Alaskan fishers.

“Our fishermen and fishing families have suffered enough the last few years; when disaster strikes, it only sets us back further,” Peltola said in a statement. “This funding is critical in helping our fisheries recover and support the communities all over Alaska, and beyond, that rely on their seafood product output.”

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) also expressed frustration with the delayed funds.

“There is no question that fisheries and coastal communities in Alaska need help as they navigate catastrophic fishery collapses,” Murkowski said. “Although I am grateful our fishermen and communities will finally see some relief, for many, it might be too little too late. After years of waiting, some have already moved onto other professions and, in some cases, have even left the state. I will continue working with my colleagues to pass legislation to streamline the process so these regulatory delays are a thing of the past. I am hopeful this assistance will help Alaska’s hardworking fishermen recover from a devastating few years so they can get back on the water and return to their active role in this critical industry.”

Most of the funding will go to the state’s crab fisheries, with USD 194 million (EUR 173.5 million) awarded for the 2021-2022 Alaska Bering Sea crab fisheries, the 2020-2021 Alaska Norton Sound red king crab fisheries, and the 2022-2023 Alaska Bering Sea crab fisheries.

Another USD 18 million (EUR 16.1 million) is for the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod fishery disaster in 2020.

The remaining funds are for disasters deemed to have taken place in the state’s salmon fisheries. The federal government awarded USD 44 million (EUR 39.3 million) for the 2018 East Side Setnet salmon fishery, 2020 Upper Cook Inlet salmon fishery, and the Copper River and Prince William Sound salmon fisheries in 2018 and 2020. Another USD 17 million (EUR 15.2 million) is designated for the 2021 Norton Sound salmon fishery, the 2021 Kuskokwim River salmon fishery, and the 2020 Copper River/Prince William Sound salmon fishery. Finally, the government awarded USD 5 million (EUR 4.5 million) for the 2021 Chignik salmon fishery.

NOAA Fisheries had issued positive determinations for many of these disaster requests more than a year ago.

Federal lawmakers have been critical of NOAA Fisheries’ fishery disaster determination process, calling for increased transparency and faster response times.

On 19 September, the House Committee on Natural Resources approved the Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act, which Peltola introduced in the House. The legislation would require the Office of Management and Budget to approve or disapprove a state’s spending plan for fishery disaster funds within 30 days.

“Fishing communities are the backbone of our coastal Alaskan economies, and the FISHES Act ensures they get the timely support they need when disaster strikes,” Peltola said. “This bill cuts through the red tape, allowing fishing communities to rebuild and thrive.”

The Senate version of the bill has not received a committee vote yet.

Earlier in September, Alaska State Representative Sarah Vance called on the state government to request a federal fishery disaster declaration due to low 2024 salmon returns in Prince William Sound, Kodiak, Upper Cook Inlet, Lower Cook Inlet, South Peninsula, and Chignik.

Photo Credit: Jim Lonergan

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By Jim Lonergan

Published September 30, 2024 at 10:54 AM

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Entering Week 5 of the football season, the Long Branch Green Wave was a team searching for answers. Still win-less at 0-4, they faced off against the equally win-less Colts Neck Cougars, both teams desperate for their first taste of victory. But what Colts Neck didn’t account for was the dynamic play of Green Wave quarterback Quentin Fisher, whose dual-threat ability—both through the air and on the ground—propelled Long Branch to a much-needed 28-20 win. This victory not only snapped a four-game losing streak but also marked a milestone for new head coach Ben Woolley, securing his first win at the helm of the Green Wave.

The buildup to the game was not without its challenges. Long Branch had just endured a tough 35-0 loss to powerhouse Rumson-Fair Haven, a game in which their offense was completely stifled. Colts Neck, on the other hand, came off a 41-7 thrashing by Red Bank Catholic, leaving both teams reeling and in search of redemption. For Long Branch, that redemption came in the form of Fisher, who orchestrated a stellar performance.

Fisher’s play-making ability was the difference-maker. He led the charge with 126 rushing yards on just 10 carries, punching in three critical touchdowns with his legs. His ability to read the defense and make decisive cuts in the open field kept Colts Neck’s defense on their heels all night. However, Fisher wasn’t just a threat on the ground—he also demonstrated his ability to move the ball through the air. He completed 8 of 14 passes for 137 yards, including a pinpoint 40-yard touchdown strike, further cementing his role as the offensive catalyst for the Green Wave.

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The offensive success, however, was a testament to more than just Fisher’s heroics. Long Branch's ground game was dominant, racking up 241 rushing yards behind a cohesive and determined offensive line. This unit consistently created running lanes, allowing the Green Wave to control the tempo of the game. Fisher wasn’t alone in his efforts; running back Zahaki McDonald churned out 77 hard-earned yards on 18 carries, serving as the workhorse in critical moments. Nyron Snerling and Havier Gonzalez also chipped in with timely runs, contributing 20 and 18 yards, respectively.

Not to be outdone, the Green Wave’s passing attack held its' own. Fisher spread the ball efficiently, connecting with three different receivers. Havier Gonzalez emerged as his top target, catching four passes for 77 yards, including a pivotal touchdown grab. Gonzalez's ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities underneath for players like Snerling, who had three receptions for 40 yards, and McDonald, who added a 20-yard catch. This balanced attack kept the Colts Neck defense guessing, allowing the Green Wave to tally 378 total yards of offense—their highest output of the season.

While the offense commanded attention, Long Branch's defense quietly played a crucial role in securing the win. Though they allowed 20 points, the defense made key stops when it mattered most, particularly in the second half. They bent but didn’t break, forcing Colts Neck into several difficult third-down situations and limiting big plays. The defense’s resilience gave Fisher and the offense the time and opportunity to put points on the board and build momentum.

For head coach Ben Woolley, this victory is more than just a number in the win column—it’s a turning point. After weeks of frustration and searching for the right formula, his team finally put together a complete performance. The win also serves as a confidence booster for a young team still learning to play under Woolley’s system.

Looking ahead, Long Branch has a critical stretch of games that will determine the trajectory of their season. Next up is a home game against Middletown South on Friday, October 11th, at 6:00 p.m. The Green Wave will use their upcoming bye week to rest, regroup, and build on the positive momentum. With their first win under their belts, the question remains: Can the Green Wave sustain this level of play and make a push in the second half of the season?

For now, though, the Green Wave can savor their victory—one that was hard-earned and well-deserved, and one that could mark the beginning of a successful turnaround.

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The queen of Sunday Night Football, Carrie Underwood, is the definition of a boy mom. When she's not duetting with Reba McEntire or belting her heart out, the "Before He Cheats" singer is at home just outside of Nashville with her husband and their two boys. Read all about her family life here.

Carrie Underwood is married to a former hockey player

According to People, in 2008, Underwood's bassist, Mark Childers, invited his friend, Ottawa Senators player Mike Fisher, backstage after one of Underwood's shows. Childers thought the two would make a great match, and he was right: The attraction was instant.

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They began a long-distance relationship and eventually got engaged in December 2009, per People. They were married in July 2010, and though they initially split their time between Canada and Tennessee, Fisher was traded to the Nashville Predators in 2011, allowing the pair to make the city their full-time home.

"I love being at home. I would literally never leave my house… I get nervous in crowds and in group settings and stuff like that," Underwood told Today's Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen, adding, "He's got a million friends and we're always hanging out with them. So yeah, I feel like we balance each other out."

Fisher retired from hockey in 2018.

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Carrie Underwood's kids

Underwood and Fisher welcomed son Isaiah Michael Fisher, on February 27, 2015.

During a visit to TODAY in 2022, Underwood revealed that Isaiah was starting to understand that his mom is famous. “He’ll go to school and someone will be like, ‘I saw your mom on TV last night,’” she told Sheinelle Jones. “He’s just becoming more aware that his mom does something that’s not normal.”

After several heartbreaking miscarriages, the couple welcomed their second child, Jacob, on January 21, 2019. On his second birthday, the singer shared on Instagram, “Jacob, we longed for you. We prayed for you. We walked a long, hard road in order to one day hold you."

RELATED: Carrie Underwood's Voice Transcends Angelic in This Live Medley of Gospel Songs

Underwood and Fisher own a 400-acre farm just outside Nashville that includes a fishing pond. In June 2024, firefighters were called to put out a "structure fire," but all four family members were unharmed, as were their pets and the primary residence, per E! News.

"We have so many meals together as a family," the singer said on TODAY of making the house a home. "It's not a rule, it's just what we do. I love it."

The Indonesian Tuna Consortium is working directly with the Southeast Asian nation’s seafood supply chain, as well as other stakeholders, to create a more resilient, efficient, and equitable fishing ecosystem across the archipelago.

The consortium – a group of organizations comprisingMDPI, YKAN,Marine Change,Fair Trade USA, andthe International Pole & Line Foundation – aims to ensure responsible management of the country’s marine resources and, in turn, fishers’ access to responsible tuna resources well into the future.

“We try to be a catalyst for change by working with multiple stakeholder groups – governments, communities, fishers, regional fishery management organizations, and international NGOs – to work through some of the real-world challenges of developing and implementing harvest strategies in Indonesia,” said Thilma Komaling, the Indonesia Tuna Consortium strategic lead at Burlington, Vermont, U.S.A.-based consultancy firm Resonance. “As an example, in our constellation of organizations, we have representatives from purse-seiner and pole-and-line operations who bring very different perspectives on some issues, but we have to include diverse insights so we can build strategies that will work for everyone.”

Resonance works with clients to create and scale inclusive market-based solutions to critical climate, social, and sustainability challenges and is managing some of the consortium’s work, helping to guide some of the strategy.

Regarding the consortium’s collaboration with government officials, it has worked closely with the government of Indonesia to develop and implement the Harvest Strategy for Tropical Tuna Fisheries in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters, also known as the IAW Harvest Strategy.

The consortium’s work on the IAW Harvest Strategy mainly focused on liaising with those outside the supply chain – where the industry has the least leverage to drive change.

On 8 June 2023, which was World Oceans Day, the Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) published the Tuna IAW Harvest Strategy, which outlines how Indonesia plans to reduce total catch volume by 10 percent from 2021 catch levels.

The Tuna Consortium worked closely with MMAF and the National Research and Innovation Agency to support the finalization and launch of the harvest strategy; the publication of the harvest strategy capped off a 10-year process, simultaneously launching the more difficult implementation phase of the work.

“Around 97 percent of fishers in Indonesia are small-scale and spread out across a large archipelago, so traditional regulatory approaches are almost impossible to implement,” Komaling said. “We have to embrace the challenge rather than force approaches on the fisheries that will not work. It is a learning curve – from the government's learning and understanding of how to support good management of fisheries with these unique challenges to a learning curve for the fishers to adopt good management practices.”

That challenge, like many fisheries around the world that are heavily composed of artisanal fishing, includes community buy-in on management strategies.

Supply chain pressure in the form of buyer requirements or preferences for verifiably sustainable seafood can be an important incentive for fishers to buy in, but the communities reliant on the ocean, especially in a country like Indonesia that is made up of several thousand isolated islands, can feel detached from the process and the governments implementing them. This, Komaling explained, generates an understandable reluctance to commit to the buy-in so necessary for proper management.

“We are working to support implementation of the harvest strategy in 16 provinces in the Indonesian archipelago, and each province has its own autonomy in managing local fishers and understanding the cultural context and perspective of political leaders,” Komaling said. “Understanding this context and perspective and getting local buy-in is the difference between a harvest strategy on paper and the adoption of good management practices on the water.”

Along with building political will and fisher and community buy-in, the consortium is also working to support more responsible fisheries by monitoring fish stocks, tracking fishing vessels, developing species-identification technology, and promoting rights-based management in small near-shore fisheries.

“Consortium members are quite creative in how they think about and understand the foundational problems in small-scale fisheries,” Komaling said. “It is one thing to improve the management of the stocks, but to deliver a responsible product to market, we also need to tackle poverty, improve financial literacy in communities, and promote hygienic fish-handling practices at the start of the supply chain.”

With the harvest strategy implemented, the consortium is now turning its attention to the marketplace.

“As we begin to develop a market strategy … we want to build on existing efforts. We also want to support existing electronic catch documentation or traceability programs companies are already using to make adoption easier,” said Kelvin Gorospe, the senior technical associate of fisheries and natural resource management at Resonance.

Though the work has largely turned toward the marketplace, the dialogue with fishers and other stakeholders carries on.

“As part of the platform, there is a space where fishers can speak their minds and voice their opinions, including a program called Fisher Champions,” Komaling said. “We have 113 champions across eight provinces. The idea is to spark discussion around these issues through public speaking, leadership, and innovation so fishers can help shape implementation rather than just being victims of regulation.”

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About the Author

Contributing Editor

Ned Daly is a sustainability strategist with Diversified Communications. He has worked on sustainable markets in a variety of resources for 25 years. Ned worked in seafood for the last decade with SeaWeb, Previously he was director of RugMark International (now GoodWeave), a certification program for child-labor-free rugs coming from Southeast Asia. He also served as chief operating officer for the Forest Stewardship Council in the United States, managing relationships with industry leaders and a diversity of key stakeholders including conservation nongovernment organizations, policymakers and industry trade associations. Ned has also worked on sustainable markets in the agricultural sector and the relationship between resource extraction and ecosystem health. He lives in Alfred, Maine.

ndaly@divcom.com