Headlines: Somali pirate brought to US; port security grants; funding for bridge improvements; USCG tidal energy project; speech by FMC Commissioner Dye; structure removal in Gulf of Mexico; beach mouse recovery plan; piracy update; garbage collection in Singapore; Earth Day
April 22, 2009
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FBI – suspected Somali pirate brought to US for trial
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a press release stating that Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse arrived in New York to face charges stemming from his alleged participation in the April 8 hijacking of the US-flag container ship MAERSK ALABAMA in the Indian Ocean and the subsequent taking of her master as a hostage. Mr. Muse has been charged with: (1) piracy under the law of nations; (2) conspiracy to seize a ship by force; (3) discharging a firearm during the seizure; (4) conspiracy to commit hostage taking; and (5) brandishing a firearm during the hostage-taking. The press release ends with the obligatory note: “The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.” (4/21/09).
DHS – port security grants for FY 2009
The Grant Programs Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its FY 2009 Overview. The document identifies the recipients of grants under its various Transportation Infrastructure Security Programs, including the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). This year, a total of $388,600,000 is being awarded to assist ports in enhancing maritime domain awareness, enhancing risk management capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from attacks, and implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program through training and exercises. Seven port areas were selected as Group I (highest risk) and 48 ports were selected as Group II. The Group I port areas were allocated a total of $218,757,250. The Group II port areas were allocated a total of $148,760,740. Group III port areas received $10,335,282. All other port areas received $10,099,512. Eligible ferry systems received $647,216. (4/8/09).
DHS – funding for bridge improvements
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a news release stating that monies from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be made available to fund bridge alteration projects in Hurricane, Alabama; Devine, Illinois; Burlington, Iowa; and Galveston, Texas. The bridges involved were identified as unreasonable obstructions to navigation under the Truman-Hobbs Act. (4/20/09).
USCG – tidal energy project in Maine
The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that it will initiate a tidal energy project at Station Eastport, Maine. The waters there have a 20-foot tidal range along with a 6-knot current. A new wind turbine and solar panels will be commissioned at the Coast Guard Base in South Portland, Maine. (4/21/09).
FMC – speech by Commissioner Rebecca Dye
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) released the comments of Commissioner Rebecca Dye delivered at the NCBFAA Annual Conference. Her speech addresses, among other things, antitrust immunity, regulatory relief, and the clean truck programs at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. (4/21/09).
Gulf of Mexico – taking of marine mammals incidental to structure removal
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that it issued one-year Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico. 74 Fed. Reg. 18352 (April 22, 2009).
Gulf of Mexico – taking of marine mammals incidental to structure removal
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that it issued a one-year Letter of Authorization (LOA) to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico. 74 Fed. Reg. 18353 (April 22, 2009).
Florida – technical agency draft recovery plan for beach mouse
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking comments on its technical agency draft recovery plan for the endangered St. Andrew Beach Mouse, found in Bay and Gulf counties of Florida. Comments should be submitted by June 22. 74 Fed. Reg. 18403 (April 22, 2009).
NATO – piracy update
The NATO Shipping Centre issued a piracy update stating that stating that two ships suffered separate piratical attacks in the Gulf of Aden on April 20. Two ships that had been previously hijacked by pirates were released following ransom payments. In addition, several ships earlier reported to have been hijacked are now said to have been confiscated by the Puntland Coast Guard for fisheries violations. (4/21/09).
Singapore – facilities for collection of garbage
The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular providing updated information on facilities for collection of garbage from ships, both at anchorage and at terminals. Port Marine Circular No. 6 of 2009 (4/21/09).
Earth Day – April 22, 2009
Today is the annual celebration of Earth Day. Give the gift of caring and keep your footprints small.
If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:
Dennis L. Bryant
Bryant’s Maritime Blog
4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135
USA
1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com
http://bryantsmaritimeblog.blogspot.com
© Dennis L. Bryant – April 2009
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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