Commercial ventures would be allowed to operate fish and shellfish farms between three and 200 miles off our coasts in federal ocean waters. As other countries have continued to develop aquaculture industries, the United States has fallen behind, left to export our technology and investments overseas. It can be used in hatcheries to restore depleted species of fish and shellfish and boost catches for commercial and sport fishermen. If enacted by Congress, the proposed legislation will...

Thailand's powerful business groups have thrown their full support behind government plans to sign a free trade agreement with Japan, believing the deal will increase exports to Japan by more than US$1 billion in the first year alone. The three bodies _ the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Bankers Association _ say that the trade pact will stimulate the economy and promote greater co-operation in areas such as technology and human resources development.

The farmers need the surface soil to dry out a little so they can get their corn crops in and us fishermen need less water in the streams and rivers so we can catch a few fish. I talked with one individual who was planning a crappie fishing trip to Tennessee and had talked with a resort owner that said the temperature was in the 80s down there. The agricultural community has received plenty of rain to help bring up the moisture content to the soil, but now all of us need a little reprieve...

At Ocean Farm Technologies of Searsmont, Maine, which exports fish cages designed to withstand rough ocean conditions, company President Steve Page says Maine s experience with inshore salmon farming, combined with research at the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine, gives the region an opportunity to be an industry leader. At Ocean Farm Technologies of Searsmont, Maine, which exports fish cages designed to withstand rough ocean conditions, company President Steve Page...

In response, the CFIA has contacted tuna importers to ensure that incoming shipments of canned albacore tuna are tested. The greatest risk is to young women, before or during pregnancy, eating fish containing high levels of methylmercury (eg shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and some types of tuna) On February 19, 2007, Health Canada issued new advice for pregnant women and children to limit consumption of canned albacore tuna. People are exposed to mercury largely through eating certain...

Let me share an experienced and picky tuna sandwich-lover's other ploys: Surely everyone knows to drain off packing liquid by pressing down opened can lid. Americans now consume more than 1 billion pounds of canned or pouched tuna annually. I have purchased so many unsatisfactory tuna sandwiches that my rule is "don't. Years ago I conducted a test: I bought all brands available, laid the opened cans in a row and compared their appearance, texture and taste. Although the most popular format...

It makes sandwiches and casseroles tastier, and is particularly good in any dish that showcases the flavor of the fish itself, such as tuna cakes or salad Nicoise. Tuna in olive oil usually has no vegetable-broth filler (common in fish packed in soybean oil or water), so the flavor is better. Not long ago, tuna in olive oil was found only in specialty food shops, but this upgraded version of a humble pantry staple has made its way into supermarkets. Canned and jarred types can be used...

That requirement was part of the version of the Magnuson Act -- the umbrella federal law regulating marine fisheries management -- when the plan went into effect in June 2005. That question was on my mind last week after a Houston federal judge threw out the federal red snapper management plan because it violated federal law. Specifically, the judge said the National Marine Fisheries Service's plan ignored underlying science that the effort stood less than a 50 percent chance of restoring...

BOCC hears options at workshop The Florida Keys are home to the largest commercial fishing port in the state, and the 8th largest in the nation, according to Marathon Boat Yard owner Bruce Popham, who asked the Monroe County Commission to make some wise choices for preserving the working waterfront. BOCC hears options at workshop The Florida Keys are home to the largest commercial fishing port in the state, and the 8th largest in the nation, according to Marathon Boat Yard owner Bruce...