.
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Fishermen
get flounder review
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - The National Marine Fisheries Service has agreed to
review the catch limits for summer flounder, in response to a request from
recreational fishermen who would like a bigger share of the take.
NMFS Director Bill Hogarth has asked the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council to review the current allocations, which give commercial fishermen
a 60 percent share of the catch, while recreational fishermen get 40
percent.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance, United Boatmen and several other groups
petitioned the federal government, asking that the catch be divided
equally. The petition was sent directly to Commerce Secretary Don Evans,
who has authority over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
which oversees fisheries issues.
"We are not asking for anything outrageous," said Raymond D. Bogan, counsel
for United Boatmen. "We are asking for the fairness that the law requires.
A 50-50 split is more equitable."
Recreational fishermen and charter boat owners argued that the change would
give them a fairer share, and make it easier to attract customers. But
commercial fishermen, who rely on the tasty summer flounder to help make a
living, say the change would reduce the amount of catch they could bring to
market.
The Mid-Atlantic council set the summer flounder limits based on data
collected from 1980-89. And according to council deputy director
Christopher Moore, the group hasn't expressed interest in changing the
allocation. Another alternative, he said, would be to increase the overall
limits on the amount of summer flounder that can be taken. Under limits set
by the regional council, recreational fishermen can take 9.28 million
pounds of summer flounder this year, while commercial fishermen can harvest
nearly 14 million pounds.
Hogarth's request means that the council would now review the matter, but
there was no deadline set for a final decision.
Herb Moore, Jr.
Director of Government Affairs
Recreational Fishing Alliance
1-888-JOIN-RFA
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|
 Press Release
For immediate release: Friday, August 8, 2003
Contact: Herb Moore, Jr., RFA Director of Government Affairs
1-888-564-6732
NMFS Accepts Summer Flounder Petition for Rulemaking
Silver Spring, MD- The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
has
accepted the petition for rulemaking filed by a broad coalition of
recreational fishing and business trade groups seeking a more equitable
allocation of the summer flounder quota.
"I am referring your request to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council," wrote Dr. Bill Hogarth, Director of NMFS, in a letter to the
Recreational Fishing Alliance and United Boatmen. "The discussion of the
appropriate allocation of summer flounder in the future should occur at the
Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. By copy of
this letter we are requesting that they undertake a review of the
allocation of summer flounder."
Currently, 60% of the summer flounder quota is allocated to approximately
1,400 commercial permit holders while 40% is allocated to between 3 and 4
million recreational fishermen. The current 60/40 allocation has
disadvantaged and harmed the recreational fishing sector by contributing to
smaller possession limits, larger minimum size requirements, shorter
seasons, delayed season openings and early season closures.
The coalition petitioned NMFS, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission under the
Administrative Procedure Act to allocate 50% of the Total Allowable
Landings (TAL) of summer flounder to the recreational fishing sector.
"This is definitely a step in the right direction," said Jim Donofrio, RFA
Executive Director. "The current 60/40 allocation needs to be looked at in
light of the issues we raised in our petition for rulemaking-especially the
National Standards under Magnuson and how 1980-89 is not a representative
period to come up with the allocation."
Fishery managers chose to use data from the 10-year period between 1980 and
1989 to come up with the 60/40 split. This was a 10-year period when
commercial landings were at or near their all-time high, while recreational
landings reached their historical low.
"We are not asking for anything outrageous," said Raymond D. Bogan, counsel
for United Boatmen. "We are asking for the fairness that the law requires."
"A 50/50 allocation is more equitable and better reflects historical
recreational participation in the summer flounder fishery," added Mr.
Bogan.
Of all the species of finfish found on the Mid-Atlantic Coast, none is more
valuable to the recreational fishing sector than the summer flounder, also
known as "fluke". This sector includes individual anglers, party and
charter boat businesses, boat builders, fishing tackle manufacturers, bait
and tackle retailers, marinas, and many other businesses in fishing
communities.
"The present allocation of the fishery reflects a time when the summer
flounder population was declining and fish were not widely available to
anglers, thus inflating the commercial share of the catch relative to the
recreational share," said Fred Miller, CCA National Government Relations
Committee Chairman. "The resulting, artificially low recreational
allocation needs to be adjusted now that proper conservation methods have
restored summer flounder."
Fourteen organizations have signed onto the detailed petition. In addition
to the RFA and United Boatmen, the coalition includes the Coastal
Conservation Association (CCA), the American Sportfishing Association
(ASA), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), New York Fishing
Tackle Trade Association, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association,
Montauk Boatmen and Party Boat Association, Rhode Island Marine Trades
Association, Wachapreague Charter Boat Association, Rhode Island Saltwater
Anglers Association, Delaware Captain's Association, New Jersey Marine
Trades Association, and the Indian River Charter Captains Association.
"Allocating 50% of the Total Allowable Landings of summer flounder to the
recreational fishing sector would inspire public confidence in the summer
flounder management system which many have dismissed as unfair, inequitable
and biased," said Tony Bogan of United Boatmen.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political
action organization representing sport fishermen and the sport fishing
industry. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers,
protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term
sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more information, call
1-888-JOIN-RFA.
Herb Moore, Jr.
Director of Government Affairs
Recreational Fishing Alliance
1-888-JOIN-RFA
|
Update 8/5/03
Fisheries:
At the August joint meeting of the Mid Atlantic Council and the ASMFC the following was
decided:
Fluke, increase TAL to (21%)28 million
Sea Bass, 18% increase
Porgy's, Status quo allocation. 16 million lbs
We will now wait to see if New York over harvested any of these fisheries.
If not there will be a strong push to reduce the size limit in New York (on fluke) to 16
or 161/2" for the 2004 season.
NYFTTA's only consistent position has been:
1) the minimum bag limit is 5
2) The minimum season aprox 5/1-10/15
However, one of the proposals are, 5 fish total at 17 or 171/2" however 2 can be
16"
Sea Bass: if we don't over harvest, the two week closed season in
September should be eliminated.
Porgy's: If we (New York) doesn't over harvest, we should have the same
season, size and bag for next year.
Your comments are welcome. We still have till the December meeting to form a
position and receive the final numbers.
On August 15-17 is the second "Casting For
Recovery" weekend, sponsored and
administered by NYFTTA. Jack Ferrera will be in attendance to represent NYFTTA.
Any director interested in the Friday evening event or the Sunday at conetquot park,
please let me know or call Jack at the Education Center (631) 587-2873.
On Tuesday, September 9, there is a "Sportsman
for Suffolk County Legislator Ginny Fields" fundraiser.
NYFTTA, committed $500.00 towards this event: Please keep this date open.
If your able to attend, please let me know. (Proposal copy to follow)
Proposal:
A) 4.11.03 ) Allocate 500.00 from PAC for Suffolk County Legislator Ginny
Fields Fundraiser (date TBA), entitled "Sportsman for Ginny Fields".
NYFTTA to Send 10 representatives. Info. TBA at the June meeting.
At the request of Chuck Adams, we are creating relationships with Nassau County
legislators.
Shortly, we will be attending and supporting several Nassau County legislators
John
|
| To all NYFTTA Directors,
Members and Supporters
The DEC has requested our participation with the following research
project. This is all voluntary. Any shop interested in participating as a drop off
station, Please inform your customers, club members and associates about this project.
The racks can be frozen.
Thank You,
John
Any additional questions, please call Vic Vecchio at (631) 444-0476
Erin M. Crotty
Commissioner
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources
Bureau of Marine Resources
205 North Belle Mead Road, Suite 1, East Setauket, New York 11733
Phone: (631) 444-0430 FAX: (631) 444-0434
Website: www.dec.state.ny.us
Donate your bones to science !
Striped bass bones, that is. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) is seeking donations of striped bass carcasses for scientific studies of age and
growth. If you, or someone you know, has caught and kept a striped bass measuring forty
inches or greater in total length, please consider donating the rack for research.
Our biologists would like the following information from each fish;
1. Total Length --- (tip of snout to longest lobe of tail, mouth closed,
fish laid flat on measuring device);
2. Weight --------- (whole weight by scale, no guesstimates);
3. Scale Sample -- (10-15 scales from area between dorsal fins);
4. Rack - ---------- (head and tail intact);
Also, the capture date, location, angler, and contact information.
We do not wish to encourage unnecessary harvest of fish so, if you are a practitioner of
catch-and-release fishing, fine ! We are only interested in those big fish being brought
back to the dock. Even if your fish is headed for a taxidermist to mount, were still
interested and can work with the taxidermist to obtain the samples needed
without damaging your trophy.
For further information, contact Vic Vecchio at (631) 444-0476.
Please don't throw valuable information into the dumpster, consider donating your striper
bones to science ! Thanks !
John Mantione
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Press
Release
UNITED BOATMEN
OF NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK
Dear Members,
Quite a lot has happened in the past couple months, so Ill just get right to it.
First and foremost, the combined efforts of United Boatmen and RFA along
with the excellent showing in Virginia at the June ASMFC meeting helped
stop Addendum VIII for the moment. The ASMFCs own press release credits
the public comment both at the public hearings and the meeting in June as
making the Commission step back and take another look at the concept of
paybacks. While this certainly does not mean we have won in the case of
paybacks, we did fight the Commission to another stalemate, and the
importance of attending and being heard at these meetings was only
reinforced by the June meeting. Were it not for the efforts of all involved
there is not doubt in my mind or anyone elses who has attended that
Addendum VIII would already be in effect. As soon as we know if the August
meeting is when the next battle will be everyone will be notified.
Some excellent news on the Petition For Rulemaking front: Both CCA and ASA
have now joined on as co-petitioners to the 50/50 allocation petition filed
by United Boatmen and RFA. Also, the list of petitioners has grown to a
total of 15 organizations. They are:
United Boatmen, RFA, CCA, ASA, The National Marine Manufacturers
Association, New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA), Maryland Saltwater
Sportfishermen's Association (MSSA), Montauk Boatmen and Captains'
Association, Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association, Rhode Island
Marine Trades Association, Wachapreague Charter Boat Association, Rhode
Island Saltwater Anglers Association, Delaware Captain's Association, New
Jersey Marine Trades Association, and the Indian River Charter Captains
Association.
We hope to know the status of the petition in the near future.
Other good news includes the increase in Bluefin Tuna limits for party
boats. Through the efforts of United Boatmen, along with significant help
from RFA, we now have a 35 fish per boat limit for Bluefin Tuna. Even the
private boats got an increase from 4 to 6 fish per boat per day, allowing
everyone to partake of a fishery we have been removed from for some years
now.
United Boatmen has proposed a filet permit exemption for tunas. We have
compiled a list of boats from 5 states to participate. If granted, the
selected boats will be permitted to filet tuna at sea. The RFA joined us on
this petition and Dick Stone, formerly of NMFS, was instrumental in
formulating the application along with Ray Bogan. We expect to hear from
NMFS on this within the next two weeks and we will quickly spread the word.
Our goal is to eventually have all vessels with filet permits allowed to
filet tuna at sea, and this is the first step in trying to achieve that
goal.
United Boatmen has submitted public comments voicing our concerns as
relates to the proposed Coast Guard regulations for security, as well as
the self-administered breathalyzers.
On the state by state front, NY has now moved control of Bluefish and
Weakfish regulations out of the hands of the Legislature over to NY DEC. NY
has been stuck at 10 bluefish per man as well as 6 weakfish at 16", even
though the law allows 15 bluefish and 10 weakfish at as low as 15". While
no guarantee, it will now be easier for the New York boats to try and get
these two things changed. Were it not for the efforts of Bob Wiegand and
Dennis Kanyuk of United Boatmen, along with NYFTTA, this would not have
happened.
New Jersey United Boatmen continue to build the relationship with our state
directors, and we are working with the state on the Striped Bass slot limit
issue. I do expect a response from the ASMFC at their August meeting to the
points I brought up in June. At that time we will know what direction we
need to take. Both Bruce Freeman and Tom Fote have been working towards the
same goal as United Boatmen on this issue.
Lastly, I have been appointed to the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management
Council, taking over Gary Caputis seat. Gary had reached his term limit,
and was required to step down. Without the help of my cousin Ray, Jim
Donofrio and Herb Moore of the RFA, as well as Tom Fote, this would not
have happened. My seat on the MAFMC, along with the appointment of Gene
Kray from RFA to the Pennsylvania seat, are certainly steps in the right
direction.
In the past year we have not only come together as a group, but have built
some of the most impressive coalitions anyone has ever seen. The above list
of items shows some of the progress we have made. The help that RFA has
given has been invaluable, and I want to thank John Mantione of NYFTTA as
well. His support and willingness to allow me to represent or speak for
NYFTTA in certain circumstances has shown a real trust, a trust I greatly
appreciate. These two groups, along with many others, have allowed us to
make great strides in a very short amount of time. The work and
accomplishments in the past were often the result of a select few people
carrying the weight of many and doing much of the work on their own. With
the increased membership in United Boatmen, combined with the efforts and
time of a great many people, we have shown what can be accomplished if we
all work together and support each other in our efforts.
This is only the start, but it has been an excellent one at that.
Below is my contact information if anyone has any questions.
Tony Bogan Work: 732-528-8673 Cell: 732-245-5392 E-mail: capttb@aol.com
Sincerely,
Tony Bogan
|
Press
Release
For immediate release: June 12, 2003
Contact: Herb Moore Jr., Director of Government Affairs (609) 294-3315
Assembly Environmental Control Committee
Votes For NY Freedom to Fish Act
(Albany) On Tuesday, June 10 the New York Assembly Environmental Control
Committee voted 21-7 in favor of moving the NY Freedom to Fish Act (A7299).
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Sweeney and four of his colleagues,
establishes important standards that must be met before any of the states
marine waters can be closed to recreational fishing.
Meanwhile, Senator Owen Johnson (R-4th) has introduced a companion bill in
the New York Senate (S5381).
"We face opposition from some anti-fishing environmental groups," said Jack
Ferrera, Chairman of RFA-NY and Executive Director, New York Fishing Tackle
Trade Association (NYFTTA). "But a super-majority of the committee
recognized the need for reasonable, scientifically based standards that
must be met before any of our states marine waters can be closed off as no
fishing areas."
Assem. Sweeney introduced the NY Freedom to Fish Act at the request of the
Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and the New York fishing Tackle Trade
association (NYFTTA) in response to the growing movement in
coastal states to create no fishing marine protected areas (MPAs).
Currently, recreational and commercial fishermen in California are facing
the permanent closure of some of their states best fishing grounds around
the Channel Islands despite robust fish stocks in those areas. Such
closures will have a devastating impact on the recreational fishing
industry and coastal communities. The closures have also spawned lawsuits
from recreational and commercial fishermen against the CA. Department of
Fish and Game. Anti-fishing groups pushing for no fishing MPAs have
declared that California is just the start.
"The marine environment can be adequately protected without unnecessarily
closing off areas to recreational fishermen," said Mr. Ferrera.
"Recreational fishermen were among the first conservationists and we have
demonstrated a commitment to conservation through abidance with minimum
size requirements, bag limits, and seasonal closures."
The NY Freedom to Fish Act prohibits closures to recreational fishing
unless there is a clear indication that this type of fishing is causing a
specific conservation problem and that less severe conservation measures
will not be adequate. This bill would also require periodic review of any
closures, a scientific basis for the size of any closure, and provisions to
reopen areas to recreational fishing whenever the basis for the closure no
longer exists.
"Were not out to ban MPAs," said Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director. "We
want to establish standards in NY before any closures can be made."
"Recreational fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in this
state and it adds a lot to the quality of life in NY," added Mr. Donofrio.
"Over one million anglers fish in our waters each year making a major
contribution to the state and local economies."
"The opposition failed to recognize that this bill isn't about banning
MPAs- it's about having standards in place if they are going to be used,"
said Mr. Ferrera. "They want state agencies to have the power to create no
fishing zones without having any guidance from the legislature. California
has shown what a disaster that can be."
With Tuesdays committee vote and the introduction of the bill by Sen.
Johnson, NY begins to catch-up with other coastal states where similar
bills are further along in the legislative process. "We must have
standards before our waters can be closed off to the public, yet opponents
in New York continue to obstruct a bill that protects our marine fisheries
and the rights of anglers." said Michael Doebley, RFA Deputy Director of
Government Affairs. "We encourage all NY fishermen to contact their state
Senators and their Assemblymen to voice their support for the NY Freedom to
Fish Act. The bill is numbered A7299 in the Assembly and S5381 in the
Senate."
The Recreational Fishing Alliance and the New York Fishing Tackle Trade
Association are political action organizations representing sport
fishermen and the sport fishing
industry. The RFA and NYFTTA Mission is to safeguard the rights of
saltwater anglers,
protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term
sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more information, call
1-888-JOIN-RFA or NYFTTA at (631) 587-2873
PRESS RELEASE
Recreational Fishing Alliance
PO Box 3080 New Gretna, NJ 08224
P: 1-888-564-6732 F: 609-294-3816
NYFTTA
PO Box 3210
Patchogue, NY 11772
phone (631) 587-2873, fax (631) 587-2932
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NYFTTA Position and Policy
Regarding Addendum VIII to the Summer Flounder,
Scup and Black Sea Bass FMP ... read more here!
. |
| |
Petitioners Seek to Amend the Current Allocation
of the
Total Allowable Landings of Summer Flounder ... read more here!
|
.
Press Release
To
All NYFTTA Directors, Members and Supporters:
NYFTTA
legislative review committee has uncovered the following Assembly bill
allowing the Department of Environmental Conservation the ability to establish
"MARINE PROTECTED AREA'S". * Read Bill #A04124
This
bill, if it becomes law, will restrict Boating, Fishing and Diving
activities
on New
York
State's
marine waterways.
It's
up to all of us to make certain that this bill is defeated and never becomes
law!
John
Mantione, NYFTTA
President
|
|
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2003
Contact: Herb Moore Jr., Director of Government Affairs
1-888-564-6732
Recreational Fishing Coalition Challenges Summer Flounder Quota
A broad coalition of recreational fishing and business trade groups have
filed a petition for rulemaking with the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) seeking a more equitable allocation of the summer flounder quota.
Currently, 60% of the summer flounder quota is allocated to approximately
1,400 commercial permit holders while 40% is allocated to between 3 and 4
million recreational fishermen.
The coalition, headed by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and United
Boatmen, includes the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the New
York Fishing Tackle Trade Association, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermens
Association, the Montauk Boatmen and Captains Association, Connecticut
Charter and Party Boat Association and the Rhode Island Marine Trades
Association in seeking more equity in this fishery. Additional groups are
presently joining the coalition.
Fishery managers chose to use data from the 10-year period between 1980 and 1989 to come
up with the 60/40 split. This was a 10-year period when
commercial landings were at or near their all-time high, while recreational
landings reached their historical low.
The petition, filed under the Administrative Procedure Act, outlines why
the current allocation ratio is arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and
contrary to the National Standards for Fishery Conservation and Management as contained in
the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
"In developing the fishery management plan for summer flounder, fishery
managers went out of their way to arbitrarily and capriciously discount
data showing the historical recreational participation in this fishery,"
said Raymond D. Bogan, counsel for United Boatmen. "We are trying to
address a contentious issue through the proper administrative channels."
Of all the species of finfish found on the Mid-Atlantic Coast, none is more
valuable to the recreational fishing sector than the summer flounder, also
known as "fluke". This sector includes individual anglers, party and charter
boat businesses, boat builders, fishing tackle manufacturers, bait and tackle retailers,
marinas, and many other businesses in fishing communities.
"The recreational summer flounder fishery generates major economic and
social benefits for the Nation," said John Mantione, President of the New
York Fishing Tackle Trade Association. "Summer flounder anglers pay fares
on party and charter boats, they purchase powerboats with expensive
electronics, they buy rods and reels, they dock their boats and fuel up at
marinas, they buy provisions, stay at hotels, patronize restaurants in fishing
communities, and more."
"The social benefits accrued by individuals and families who spend time
together fishing for summer flounder is beyond valuation," said Capt. Brock
Dalton, who runs a party fishing boat out of Belmar, NJ which has targeted
fluke for four decades. .
"The current 60/40 allocation has disadvantaged and harmed the recreational
fishing sector, and will continue to do so in the future do to smaller
possession limits, larger minimum size requirements, shorter seasons,
delayed season openings and early season closures," said Rich Novotny,
Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermens Association.
.
"Point Judith, RI; Captree, Freeport and Montauk, NY; Atlantic Highlands,
Brielle, and Cape May, NJ; Lewes, DE; Ocean City, MD; and Virginia Beach, VA are examples
of significant fishing communities with large recreational components," said Capt.
Tony Bogan, an officer of United Boatmen. "The current allocation does not take into
account the importance of the summer flounder resource to fishing communities such as
these."
"Anyone can see that allocating 60% of the catch to 1400 commercial
fishermen and 40% to between 3 and 4 million recreational fishermen is
unfair," said Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the RFA. "We need
equity. At the very least, the recreational fishing sector should be allocated half of the
Total Allowable Landings in this fishery."
"We have ten National Standards that fishery management plans have to meet under the
law," said Herb Moore, Jr., counsel and Director of Government Affairs for the RFA.
"The 60/40 allocation of the summer flounder Total Allowable Landings violates five
of them."
The current 60/40 allocation violates National Standard 1 because it fails
to provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation. It violates National
Standard 4 because it is unfair and inequitable to the recreational fishing
sector, is not reasonably calculated to promote conservation, and grants
the commercial summer flounder fishing sector an excessive share of fishing
privileges.
The 60/40 allocation violates National Standard 5 because it is an inefficient use of the
summer flounder resource. It violates National Standard 8 because it does not adequately
take into account the importance of the summer flounder resource to fishing communities
with large recreational components. It violates National Standard 9 because it has been
the source of ever increasing minimum size limits for recreational fishermen which have
resulted in significant regulatory discards.
As NMFS documents acknowledge, this fishery was predominantly recreational until the late
1970s through the 1980s when there was an expanded number of commercial trawlers targeting
large, mature summer flounder on their deep-water offshore spawning grounds well out of
reach of any recreational fishermen. Trawling on the offshore spawning grounds allowed
relatively stable commercial landings throughout the 1980s but led to the decline in
recreational landings.
"Allocating 50% of the Total Allowable Landings of summer flounder to the
recreational fishing sector would inspire public confidence in the summer
flounder management system which many have dismissed as unfair, inequitable and
biased," said Tony Bogan of United Boatmen.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization
representing sport fishermen and the sport fishing industry. The RFA Mission is to
safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs,
and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more
information, call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.
|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEBRUARY 26, 2003
Board Approves Draft Addendum VIII to the Summer Flounder
FMP for Public Comment States to Hold Hearings in Early Spring ... more info |
|
8/22/02 Press
Release
The Governor signed into law the authorization to create a Marine Preservation, Education
and Research Fund and the establishment of a Marine and Coastal District distinctive
license plate.
Sponsors:
Senator Owen Johnson
Assemblyman Bob Sweeney |
New Marine License Plate To Help
Raise Funds To Protect Our Coastal Environment
Assemblyman Bob Sweeney announced that legislation he authored to
create a Marine and Coastal District distinctive license plate has been signed into law.
The new law will also establish a Marine Preservation, Education and Research Fund.
The law will launch a method for those concerned about preserving the
marine environment to contribute to a fund by purchasing the special distinctive license
plate.
Sweeney said, "the funds raised will be used to educate the public, fund
important marine research, and to help preserve the marine and coastal
environment."
"Saltwater recreational activities are vitally important to our regions economy.
It has been estimated that the expenditures by recreational
anglers for boats, bait, fuel, charter boat fares, and tackle result in more than 1
billion dollars in economic activity in the marine and coastal district of New York"
Sweeney stated.
John Mantione, President of the New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association, said "This
is a simple and easy way for all Long Islanders to help preserve and protect our precious
marine resources and heritage."
"Long Islands marine and coastal district provides millions of New
Yorkers important and irreplaceable recreational opportunities that many Long Islanders
would wish to celebrate with a special license plate, while also helping to preserve and
protect our environment" Sweeney concluded.
The legislation was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Owen Johnson. |
IMPORTANT
After
7 Hearings, House Resources Committee Reauthorizes
Comprehensive Fisheries Act, 23-17
COOPERATIVE
SURVEY PROGRAM IS HALTED BY NMFS
National Marine Fisheries Service Says
"No Thanks" to Making 'Best Available Science' Better
~ The Lead Bill
~
Banning of lead
sinkers ... read the Lead Bill here.
NYFTTA strongly urges it's members to
write Governor Pataki
Write:
Governor George E. Pataki
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Click here
to email Governor George E. Pataki
Assembly Sponsor: Steven Englebright , East
Setauket (631) 751-3094
Senate Sponsor: Carl Marcellino, Oyster Bay (516) 922-1811
|
April 26, 2002
The Honorable George E. Pataki
Executive Chambers, State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Pataki:
I am writing to you today on behalf of the New York Fishing Tackle Trade
Association (NYFTTA), a trade organization representing over 300 businesses
and associate organizations in New York State. NYFTTA's main objective is
to promote recreational fishing, especially to our youth. NYFTTA is the watchdog of
the recreational fishing industry, as every NYFTTA member depends on our natural resources
to earn a living. NYFTTA is also structured to work on projects and legislation that
will enhance the recreational fishing industry.
Recently the Legislature passed Bill S4786/A08683, referred to as The Lead
Fishing Sinker Ban.
The recreational fishing industry (NYTTFA), is in favor of eliminating lead from the
industry over time and we firmly believe that will eventually occur. However, this
bill (A08683/S4786) will clearly not accomplish the goals or justification mentioned in
this legislation; it only penalizes New York retailers. Therefore we urge you to
VETO this bill.
"The death of loons and other waterfowl due to the ingestion of lead shot and small
lead fishing sinkers has been well documented. In a recent study conducted by the
Environmental Protection Agency and Tufts University," about half of all adult loon
deaths are caused by lead poisoning primarily from lead shot formerly used in shot gun
shells. Lead shot has been phased out and this major source of toxic lead poisoning
has been eliminated. We understand that, some, if not all of the necropsy reports on
loons, were from the period before lead pellet shot gun ammo was banned from hunting
waterfowl.
NOTE: The use of lead shot pellet shells are banned for hunting for waterfowl not RETAIL
SALES.
The reports also noted that some deaths were attributed to the ingestion of lures with
hooks. This may be an indication that any device with hooks will do damage to
waterfowl. However, the report was not clear in identifying the number of waterfowl
that died from lures with hooks.
"We believe parts of this legislation are needed to protect children and adults from
lead contamination, when the split shot is affixed to the fishing line by biting on the
sinker. This common practice presents an avoidable risk that can be eliminated by
using other materials as noted."
This is the most offensive part of this legislation. How does a product that is
legal to use and possess stop people from lead contamination???
Clearly, the language in this bill "only prevents the retail sale" of and does
not eliminate the other source of lead contamination. Neighboring states are allowed
to retail these products and will end up supplying New Yorker with these products, as long
as the market demand exists.
Furthermore, we are concerned that this bill will foster do-it your-selfers.
Sportsmen unaware of the toxic effects of smelting lead in their homes may create an
increase health hazard to themselves and their families, initiating a greater hazard than
already exists.
It is worthy to note that Maine and New Hampshire have recently implemented
similar provisions, but not the same. Along with limited sale, use of these
products, not possession, were implemented in area lakes and ponds, and did not include
streams or rivers.
Other language in this bill that is incorrect or misleading follows:
The term split shot is an incorrect use in this bill. NYFTTA has offered to the
legislator a definition of split shot, however, they neglected to incorporate the term in
this legislation.
"Split Shot is defined as a a spherical lead weight, up to 3/16" in diameter,
that is split in the manufacturing process and made to be formed around fishing
monofilament line."
This bill addresses "any and all lead items of 1/2 oz and under" making
the aforementioned statement in the legislative justification incorrect.
There are NO ALTERNATIVES made to date for all lead sinkers under 1/2 oz
and less. Although, there are alternatives for "split Shot." They
are more costly than lead, however still affordable.
Governor, I ask you to send this bill back to the legislators and ask them to revisit the
issues noted above. If they are truly concerned about the health of New Yorkers and
that of our wildlife population, NYFTTA proposes the following:
To include in any legislation:
This bill will apply to fresh water lakes and ponds. This bill does not apply to the
New York marine district waters, rivers or streams.
* the defined product know as "split shot" be removed from the environment
as follows.
* implementation of eliminating split shot from Retail 2 years
* an additional 2 years for personal use
* an additional 1 year for possession;a warning for the first offense.
Any legislation should be geared to address only "split shot" as defined.
Present status:
Lead shot for waterfowl has been banned, however lead shot for small game
in the marine district and the use for trap / skeet over the bays / marshes is legal in
use, sale and possession.
Present status of legislation:
* On the current cell phone "use" ban:
This legislation only eliminated a particular use (hands free device required when
driving) and did not prevent the retail sale of cell phones.
* A known carcinogen (Cigarettes) have a restricted sale attached to it, and
not an elimination of all retail sales. This is also true for alcohol, which also
carries health risks to pregnant women, however, alcohol only contains a warning label
affixed to the bottle.
* The State of California has also addressed the lead issue in fishing tackle
and only requires labels on products warning patrons about lead. Similar, in concept, to
warning labels on cigarette packages and alcohol bottles.
Again, NYFTTA is at the forefront in eliminating lead from the recreational
fishing industry. However, it will not occur overnight and legislation geared to
only penalizing sporting goods retailers is a far cry from eliminating the problem.
Governor, we urge you to VETO this bill or return it to the legislature for further
review.
I thank you for your consideration in this matter and I eagerly await your response.
If I may be of assistance to you, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Respectfully yours,
John Mantione
President,
New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association Inc. |
To all interested groups:
To all interested groups wishing to support the "TA red bird cars" for reef
material, please send a letter of support.
The support letter should be on organization or club letterhead, simply
stating support of the "TA red bird cars" for artificial reef placement in
approved reef sites in New York Waters. Send
support letters to:
Freeport Tuna Club
c/o John Weber
P.O. Box 5
Freeport, NY 11520 |
NYFTTA POSITION
| To: Gordon Colvin NYFTTA will support the following options:
Summer Flounder:
Option 2
17", 8 Fish possession limit, Open All Year
Scup: Option 2 10", 50 Fish Possession limit (However,
the belief is that 100 Fish Possession limit will not alter the reduction percentage
desired and should be considered), July 1-October 24 Season
Scup continued:
However, we would accept (if acceptable to the technical committee), the option proposed
from the party boat industry, of 9" or 10" Min. size with a season of 6/15-12/02
and a split bag limit of 50 per person on party boats and charter boats with a 25 fish per
person for the private recreational angler.
We strongly urge that the DEC not consider a split season
scenario. We believe that a disrupted season will create confusion, resulting in an,
unintentional, high rate of non-compliance.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
John Mantione |
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Maryland Freedom to Fish Act Signed Into Law... more info