The 28th United Nation’s Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate change ended last week. At the bi-partisan international climate conference nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. This does not seem to be a big thing for climate change advocates.
However, in an advisory this week Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, said, “…for COP participants that have not previously recognized this inevitability and necessity, this amounts to a step forward, and unanimity matters in international agreements. It’s not nothing.”
This now means for COP28 to have lasting significance, the nations of the world must now legislate and enforce their laws consistent with the strong commitment to transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean economy.
Senator Whitehouse, said, “What will work are strong carbon pricing and border tariffs, real methane leak enforcement, and widely applied ‘social cost of carbon’ rules, and rapid energy transition, and real political transparency. And—not or. We have no time to waste.”
Narragansett Surfcasters Annual Surf Day
The Narragansett Surfcasters will hold its Annual Surf Day on Saturday, January 13, 2023 at the Narragansett Community Center, 53 Mumford Road, Narragansett, RI.
The event will feature over thirty tables of used and new fishing equipment for sale, including rods, reels, plugs and tackle.
Some of the region’s best lure builders will be on hand for you to meet along with plenty of great food.
The $8 contribution at the door will be used to support the Club’s community and charitable events. For information contact Bruce Bain at brucebain123@hotmail.com.
Trees for trout… trees and volunteers needed
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife is once again partnering with Trout Unlimited Rhode Island Chapter on a habitat restoration program called “Trees for Trout.”
This project uses recycled Christmas trees to improve habitat for wild trout and other aquatic organisms. Strategic placement of the trees helps restore streams and rivers that have become wide and shallow due to flooding and storms, provide refuge habitat, and stabilize stream banks. Known as “conifer revetments,” the trees trap sediment and decompose to gradually become part of the banks themselves. The tree branches along the edges in the water offer protection for small trout and other aquatic animals seeking a place to hide from predators.
The collection day is Saturday, January 7, 2023; between 10 a.m. -2 p.m., at the Arcadia Check Station located in Arcadia Management Area where Route 165/Ten Rod Road intersects with the Wood River (look for signs).
Please only drop off real trees, not fake ones or trees sprayed with fire-retardant chemicals. All decorations and lights, as well as the stand, must be removed before the tree is dropped off. Only whole conifers accepted, please do not bring tree trimmings.
Trout Unlimited is seeking volunteers to help accept Christmas trees. Please email if you would like to volunteer, contact Maddie Proulx at Madison.Proulx.INT@dem.ri.gov or John Genovesi at rhodyflyangler@gmail.com .
Candidates sought for Membership on Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council
The Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) makes recreational and commercial fishing regulation recommendations to the Department of Environmental Management Director. The Director takes their decisions, public comments and input from the Marine Affairs Division into consideration when establishing fishing catch limits and regulations. About 90 percent of RIMFC decisions are made State fishing law by the director.
The RIMFC is composed of eight individuals and the DEM Director or their designee. Council members are chosen from among those with skill, knowledge, and experience in the commercial fishing industry, the recreational (private and for-hire) industry, and in the conservation and management of fisheries resources and/or marine biology. Members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Rhode Island Senate.
Members are appointed to four-year terms, are expected to attend up to eight meetings per year, and serve without compensation. Additional background information on the Council can be found on the DEM Division of Marine Fisheries website: https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/marine-fisheries/about-council.
Candidates are currently being sought for the following positions on the Council: Conservation, management, and/or marine biological expertise; recreational fishing industry; and from the commercial fishing industry.
Anyone interested in serving on the Council is invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to: Molly Ogren, Chief of Program Development, DEM, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908; at Molly.Ogren@dem.ri.gov or call her with questions at 401.222.2771, ext. 2774402.
In your letter, please indicate which seat(s) you are applying for. The deadline for submittals is January 15, 2024. All candidates will be forwarded to DEM Director Gray and Governor McKee for review and consideration.
Where’s the bite?
Tautog, cod and black sea bass are being caught by anglers anchored up to tautog fish with crabs. Call ahead to make a party boat reservation for tautog and cod fishing, vessels generally sail between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and return in the afternoon. Visit www.islandcurrent.com, www.francesfleet.com and www.sevenbs.com. Full day rates for vessels are generally $130 to $135 per adult and around $80 for those under 12 years old.
Freshwater fishing in stocked ponds for trout and salmon is pretty good with a fairly decent largemouth bass bite. For a complete list of trout stocked ponds in Massachusetts visit Mass Wildlife at Trout stocking report | Mass.gov and in Rhode Island visit www.dem.ri.gov/fishing, or call 401-789-0281 or 401-539-0019 for more information on trout stocking.
Dave Monti holds a captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verison.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.
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