For the full bylaws, please visit www.nyftta.org or call Melissa Dearborn, NYFTTA Executive Director at (631) 385-8284 for a copy.

New Marine License Plate for New York Assemblyman Bob Sweeney has recently introduced legislation (A.9444) to create a special distinctive "Marine and Coastal District" License plate and establish a "Marine and Coastal District Preservation, Education, and Research Fund". Senator Owen Johnson has submitted a similar bill in the Senate (S.5825). The funds from this license plate would be used to educate the public, fund research and help preserve the marine environment. This plate would be a great asset to the recreational fishing community and would give not just anglers, but also those committed to our New York marine environment an opportunity to show their support. Remember millions of New Yorkers utilize our coastal and marine environment for recreational activities each year. These bills do need our support. Both Assemblyman Bob Sweeney and Senator Owen Johnson urge all of us to send letters of support for these bills. These gentlemen have done much to help the recreational fishing industry in the past and they are once again working to aid in the promotion and preservation of our marine environment. Show your support - write a letter today! Assemblyman Robert Sweeney 270-B North Wellwood Ave. Lindenhurst, N.Y. 11757 (631) 957-2087 Senator Owen H. Johnson 23-24 Argyle Square Babylon, NY 11702 (631) 669-9200

NYFTTA Meeting agenda will include:

1) Mid-Atlantic council meeting reports regarding proposals for the 2002 Summer Flounder (Fluke), Scup (porgy) Sea Bass and seasons. Melissa Dearborn will inform the membership about the recreational fishing industry reports that NYFTTA researched and presented to the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Joint Meeting. The report to the Council and Commission indicated trends in the recreational fishing industry bait & tackle sales in relation to scientific landings data in 2001: How did the 2001 fisheries management plans affect the recreational fishing industry? How did the industry overall perform in 2001? What is ahead for regulations in 2002?

2) "Marine Wilderness Areas" - "Marine Wilderness Areas" are bodies of water that would be classified as marine reserves or protected areas, which would have a "minimum disturbance to the natural environment." Areas that are designated "Marine Wilderness Areas" may be void of activities such as recreational boating and fishing. A conference took place on Nov. 15 and 16 2001 at the Marine Science Center in Stony Brook with members from commercial, recreational, environmental and governmental representatives. The purpose of the conference was to review "Marine Wilderness Areas" that have been established in other areas of the country and the world, and to discuss their applicability to New York Waters. NYFTTA's interests are clearly at risk if "Marine Wilderness Areas" take a foothold or propagate without just cause (i.e.: credible and proven scientific validation of a need for "Marine Wilderness Areas" in the NY Marine district.). NYFTTA's obligation to its membership is to maintain the organization as a credible and viable entity, determined to "protect the interest of the recreational fishing industry." Just imagine that Peconic bay becomes a "Marine Wilderness Area" or Great South Bay or Long Island Sound or Jamaica Bay or along the shores Montauk Point. NYFTTA representatives were present at the two-day conference and will report to the NYFTTA membership on 12/18.

In addition, we are preparing for the NYFTTA's next administration. Nominations for officers and directors are due by the March 2002 meeting. If you are interested or concerned about the future of the recreational fishing industry and are willing to lend a hand, please contact Melissa Dearborn, NYFTTA Executive Director, at (631) 385-8284. We need the assistance. It takes a great deal of work to keep this organization going, and you can see the benefits that we all reap from NYFTTA's efforts. Furthermore, you are invited (old members, new members, non members) to attend this meeting and view the almost completed Sport Fishing Education Center. NYFTTA Membership applications are available on line at www.nyftta.org. If you are already a member, thank you! If you are not a member, please consider joining the only organization dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of the recreational fishing trade in this great State of New York.

Directions: Cedar Beach Marina, Babylon Directions: from the East End: Sunrise Hwy west to Robert Moses Causeway. To Ocean Pkwy (west). The Sport fishing Education Center will be on your right (in cedar beach marina.). . From the West: Meadowbrook Pkwy or Wantagh Pkwy to Ocean Pkwy East. The Sport fishing Education Center will be on your left. You will need to pass the center and then make a u-turn heading West to access Cedar Beach Marina.

Please visit www.nyftta.org for the latest NYFTTA updates.