Dear Mr. Rootes-Murdy In regards to the proposed reductions for summer flounder for 2017, the New York Sportfishing Federation is in favor of “status quo” for the upcoming season. We support this option until a new, updated benchmark stock assessment for summer flounder is completed with justifiable data. The fishing community has asked NMFS to conduct a new… Read more »
On December 17th there will be a special meeting with the newly appointed DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. Mr. Seggos will be coming down from Albany to Long Island to meet with stakeholders and DEC staff to discuss marine resources. This meeting is by invitation only, however public input is important. I will be attending this meeting and the NYSF is asking… Read more »
On September 22, 2014, the New York Sportfishing Federation delivered its official position with regard to newly proposed striped bass measures to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC). Following open discussion with members and an official vote on July 8th, 2014, the Board of Directors officially supported a better than 31% reduction in harvest starting in 2015, offering a… Read more »
As part of a new regional management approach for summer flounder (fluke) approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) in February, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has adopted emergency regulations to significantly enhance opportunities for New York anglers to catch and keep fluke from coastal waters. The 2014 fluke season is now set to… Read more »
Good news for New York fluke anglers in 2014, as the size limit on keepers this season will now officially drop to 18 inches. On Tuesday, February 4, after a lengthy, almost contentious debate, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to approve an ‘Adaptive Regional Management’ approach to the summer flounder fishery for the 2014 fishing season. The… Read more »
If you striper fish in New York marine waters, New York Sportfishing Federation and the RFA would like to hear from you! According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC), fisheries managers will not be taking any official action on striped bass management along the Atlantic Coast until a coastwide benchmark stock assessment is completed and peer-reviewed… Read more »
The Atlantic States Marines Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Black Sea Bass, Scup and Summer Flounder Management Board met via conference call on Wednesday, April 17 and approved Addendum XXIV to the Summer Flounder Fishery Management Plan. The Addendum allows New York and New Jersey to utilize potential liberalizations that were not enacted by other member states. As a result of the… Read more »
Two weeks after ‘superstorm’ Sandy devastated the region, tens of thousands of New Yorkers remain without power with hundreds, many without homes. On behalf of our members and friends in the business community, the New York Sportfishing Federation offers its prayers, condolences and support, however and wherever possible. When Sandy officially made landfall along the New Jersey coast on October… Read more »
On June 25th, the Commerce Department announced the appointment of 30 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA’s Fisheries Service to manage ocean fish stocks. Included among those appointees was Capt. Anthony “Tony” DiLernia of New York who was selected as a representative of the recreational fishing community to take the ‘at… Read more »
Calls Expected Capitol Hill Discussions With Fishermen “Long Overdue” Following five years of diminished access, and a pair of national rallies in Washington DC, it appears that coastal fishermen will finally get a chance to be heard before the U.S. Senate. United States Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) announced that he has secured a commitment to hold congressional oversight hearings… Read more »