New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association inc.
P.O. Box 3210 - Patchogue NY 11772
www.nyftta.org
(631) 587-2873 / Fax (631) 587-2932
December 3, 2003
Position and Policy Statement
Mid - Atlantic Fishery Management Council
The New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association is an organization consisting of retailers,
wholesalers and manufacturers involved in the fishing tackle and/or bait products
throughout New York State, with additional members in New Jersey and Connecticut.
As a representative of the New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA), I will
comment on the business aspects of verification of the MRFSS data and address future
options available to the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding enhanced
fisheries data collection.
At our disposal is a mechanism of gauging recreational fishing trends. The
recreational industry is subject to variables in weather, other environmental factors
(i.e., fish showing in the local areas, conditions of our waterways) fishery regulations
(i.e., season openings, size and bag limits) and the state of our local and
surrounding economies. All of the preceding variables effect the viability of the
recreational industry and do inevitably result in direct and indirect recreational
participation/effort.
Presently, it has been reference that the MRFSS catch data shows New York exceeding their quota on Summer Flounder and
Scup. NYFTTA believes that an error, in either landings reported, success rate
amongst anglers, or fishing participation/effort is inaccurate, yielding higher reported
landings for New York State. A protocol shift might, of skewed the
analysis in either, over crediting a particular mode, with a higher than normal estimate
of successes, or a greater emphasis was credited to participation. Notwithstanding,
weather conditions and sales data does not warrant these finding.
The reason we question this and believe an error was made is because of surveys conducted
(by NYFTTA) on anglers fishing habits, in 2003, and business sales data comparisons, for
the period 1/1/03-8/31/03 Vs. the same period in 2002. Allow me to explain:
Weather:
Weather being the most important factor, regarding participation in the recreational
fishery; was extremely poor in 2003. Weather is a factor that is indiscriminate and
effects participation to varying degrees. Questions were asked of us, "what are
the parameters that determine a good day, that anglers would participate, verses a bad day
that would limit participation?" We started a breakdown of degree days,
precipitation, extremes in temperature and other factors. The base line gauges were
as variable as the weather. However, In a recent editorial [Nov. 13, The Fisherman]
Tom Melton (managing editor), referenced New York's reported overages and asked people to
respond. The respondents were not convinced that the data is correct.
One of the overwhelming reasons referenced was the poor weather conditions. (copy's
attached) This resolved us to believe that weather was a conclusive factor and that
conditions that determine participation may vary, however all the reported conditions, in
one form or another, affected recreational fisherman. This is conclusive according
to these statements.
Success rates:
Furthermore, the respondence also referenced a decrease in success rates.
A justifiable concern was, "Presuming that there were less trips taken, could the
success rate have increase?" Again, the respondence all concur, that fishing
trips were sluggish, success rates were depressed and participation was restricted.
Business sales and trends:
As reported by NYFTTA member businesses, in the New York Marine district, overall sales
for the period of 1/1/03-8/31/03 have decreased, on the average of 25%, compared to the
same period in 2002. Factoring in market shifts and eliminating variables such as
"items carried unrelated to recreational fishing", this trend held in all
regions of the marine district. This trend is also comparative to perceived weather
related factors. This analysis is also verifiable through "New York State's department of taxation and finance":
sales and use tax submittals. These
taxes are paid quarterly.
Further testimony, on this issue, will be offered by Melissa Dearborn, NYFTTA vice
president. Melissa's analysis details bait sale trends.
Melissa has gathered data from all the major bait suppliers in New York's marine district. This is her fifth
year of data; compiling bait sales information and trends. These reports, since their
inception, have been available to the council every year for their
review. Melissa is currently
VP of regal marine products, Huntington LI, NY, and holds a degree in finance from Bryant College.
Economy:
Along with adverse weather conditions, many Eco - Marine based businesses were also
effected by the poor economy.
"The New York Marine Trades Association inc. reports that their member businesses,
experienced decreased fuel sales (in volume) in 2003 vs. 2002", clearly indicating
that private pleasure crafts remained at the docks and were used less frequently in 2003.
The Long Island Visitors and Convention Bureau indicated that "resort areas"
occupancies rates were down in 2003 vs. 2002. (verification was not possible in time for
this meeting). Real estate rentals (summer house rentals) were also down in New York's marine district's "resort
areas".
These reported factors have had a direct and indirect effect on the recreational fishing
industry.
Tenable elements prove that recreational fishing participation/effort could of been
stifled; yielding decreased pressure on our fisheries. Direct and indirect factors
should also be used as a correlating comparative agent to MRFSS data.
Participation:
The Nor'east Saltwater website manager (with reported 15 Thousand registered users) was
asked to place a poll on its site. It was simple. However, the trend indicates a
decreased participation/effort in 2003 vs. 2002. The question was "did you fish
for Fluke, more, less or the same in 2003 as compared to 2002"
As of 12/2/03, 1,881 anglers participated, 1,471 from New York. The results were 728
less 457 same 286 more. This survey, as voluntary as any intercept survey,
conclusively demonstrates a decrease in effort.
The future of fisheries should be determined and must be managed with a greater
cooperative effort amongst all stakeholders. This friendly Website
survey provides an increase opportunity to allow managers to gather data, verify
results and better manage the fisheries to the needs of the
consumers.
Future data gathering and verification must also be a cooperative effort.
Business trends and sales comparisons should be used as a verifying mechanism to MRFSS.
Exclusively, neither are conclusive, however MRFSS data alone falls short of the
tasks its analysis is asked to provide at this stage of fishery management.
The Directors of the NYFTTA and myself are available to elaborate on the positions stated
in this letter. We thank you for allowing us an opportunity to express our concerns.
You may contact me at (631) 587-2813 if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
John Mantione
President, NYFTTA
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