FISHupdate briefing

NOISE POLLUTION KILLING OFF EELS
A NEW study by scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol, in the UK, has shown that eels are losing the fight to survive when faced with marine noise pollution such as that of passing ships as they lose crucial responses to predator threats.
The study, published in the journal Global Change Biology, found only 38 per cent of the European eels that were exposed to ship noise responded to an ambush from a predator compared to 80 per cent in normal ocean conditions.
And they were 25 per cent slower to startle to an ‘ambush’ predator. Those that were pursued by a pursuit predator were caught more than twice as quickly when exposed to the noise.
Anthropogenic noise has in recent years been recognised as a major pollutant of international concern. With research showing disturbed communication, movement and foraging patterns in a wide range of species.
 
‘DEADLIEST’ SKIPPER TAKES ON AMBASSADOR ROLE
CAPTAIN Keith Colburn, one of the stars of the hit television series Deadliest Catch, on Discovery Channel, has become an Ambassador for the nonprofit organisation Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP), which raises awareness about the benefits of eating seafood.
In this role he will help to raise awareness among the public about seafood’s essential nutritional benefits. Capt Colburn said: ‘Seafood has meant everything to me, not just in my professional career, but in my own day-to-day life.
‘I’ve always been a believer in the power of seafood for heart health and other benefits, and I’m proud to be able to work with Seafood Nutrition Partnership to get more people on board with seafood in their diets.’
Based in Seattle, Captain Colburn is a commercial crab fisherman who has spent 30 years fishing virtually every fishery in Alaska.
At the helm of his crab fishing vessel, The Wizard, he has built a reputation as one of the Bering Sea’s most successful crabbers.
He is also known as a tireless advocate for sustainable fisheries, speaking around the United States and abroad about the value of American fisheries and the health benefits of seafood
 
AQUACULTURE ALLIANCE DIRECTOR TO CONTINUE
THE Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) has announced that long-time supporter, Iain Shone, will continue with the organisation, acting as its Development Director.
Shone has been committed to GAA’s mission of responsible aquaculture for 15 years, supporting the development the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) third-party certification program from the outset and guiding the organisation’s evolution as a Director on the Board.
Previously, Shone served on GAA’s Executive Committee, representing Lyons Seafoods Ltd. He acted as the UK supplier’s Director of Sourcing until stepping down last month.
The Global Aquaculture Alliance is an international, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture.
 
FISH THE HOSPITAL DISH – BY ORDER!
FISH is to be served in English NHS hospitals at twice a week under new rules imposed on health authorities by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
And it will become a legally binding requirement. Mr Hunt wants NHS hospitals to provide a higher standard of food with healthier menus and fish is seen as part of the drive.
English hospitals have been criticised recently for the appalling standard of food they serve up. The Minister has also instructed that more fruit should be included in diets.