New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association Inc.
P.O. Box 3210 . Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: (631) 654-2311/ Fax: (631) 475-2506

February 10, 2002

The Honorable Carl Marcellino
New York State Senator
250 Townsend Square
Oyster Bay, NY  11771


Dear Senator Marcellino:

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 the New York Marine District.  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 that will enhance the recreational fishing industry.

With this in mind, I want to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to respond to the current proposed legislation restricting the use of lead sinkers.  Even though NYFTTA has not formed a position on this issue, we are sincere in maintaining a dialogue between the New York State Legislature and this trade association, with the hopes that an amicable and thoughtful solution can be achieved.

Following is a  summary of the issue and resolve that we believe would be helpful in formulating acceptable language and addressing the concerns of all parties.

NYFTTA is under the belief that the focus of any lead restrictive legislation is primarily targeted for fresh water; streams, lakes and ponds, in order to protect wildlife (common loons).  Furthermore, we believe that a focal point of this legislation is geared to reduce health risks to children in the early stages of development. 

With this in mind, NYFTTA proposes that legislation be restricted in language and location to achieve the desired results.  NYFTTA is also under the belief that the focus of any lead restrictive legislation is targeted at lead sinkers commonly known as "split shot."  NYFTTA recommends that the bill language be changed to reflect the following as a definition of "split shot."
....."Split Shot is defined as 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 will apply to fresh water lakes, streams and ponds.   This bill does not apply to the New York marine district waters."......
  
Thank You for consideration in this matter.  If the organization I represent can be of further assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at (631) 654-2311.

Sincerely,
John Mantione
President, New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association

New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association Inc.
P.O. Box 3210 . Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: (631) 654-2311/ Fax: (631) 475-2506

The Honorable Robert K. Sweeney
New York State Assemblyman
270B North Wellwood Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY  11757

Dear Assemblyman Sweeney:

I'd like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to explain our desire for a "Marine and Coastal District" distinctive license plate" and to establish a  "Marine and Coastal District Preservation, Education and Research Fund."

The NYFTTA is in support of bill number A.9444 and its language allowing the establishment of a "Marine and Coastal District Preservation, Education and Research Fund."

It's very encouraging to see public officials devoting time toward gaining an understanding and appreciation of the issues affecting the recreational fishing industry and community.  We are optimistic that with your help, bill number A.9444, will be, passed into law and become a reality.

Again thank you for your efforts in addressing our aspiration for a "Marine and Coastal District" distinctive license plate" and to establish a  "Marine and Coastal District Preservation, Education and Research Fund."

If the organization I represent can ever be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,
John Mantione, President
New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association Inc.

Legal Defense  ~  Political Action  ~  A Must!!!!

The New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association (NYFTTA) is working with the Recreational Fishing Alliance in investigating legal and political intervention regarding the Summer Flounder (Fluke) debacle.
The following article explains the situation:

FLUKE ANGLERS TO TAKE ANOTHER BIG HIT AS ASMFC GIVES INTO NMFS BULLYING
By Al Ristori

The public interest was dammed Tuesday at Baltimore Airport as special interests combined to crush the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) into submission, abandoning its scientifically-based summer flounder quota in order to reduce to last year's quota of 17.9 million pounds as demanded by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

The Service is virtually being run these days by the Natural Resources
Defense Fund (NRDC) and their environmental organization allies who
successfully sued NMFS and are calling the shots while advancing their own agenda at the expense of millions of fluke fishermen. By forcing NMFS to threaten closing federal waters to fluking, they brought netters to their side as they take almost all their catch beyond three miles.  With the commercials also suing, most ASMFC commissioners caved in. To their credit, Connecticut refused to concede and voted against the retreat while New Jersey only abstained.

As a result of this sad performance, commercials will be able to fill their
60% of the quota (plus whatever else they can slip through without it being counted) while anglers will be so restricted that they may well not even fill their measly 40% of what used to be an 80% recreational fishery despite an expected abundance of fluke. In order to have any sort of  season, the 16-inch minimum is an absolute must. However, the ASMFC collapse will further tighten the season by about three weeks so it won't go much beyond Labor Day.

The Marine Fisheries Council will decide all this on April 9 with the third set of tables provided this year by the ASMFC. As bad as this is, many other states have to take much bigger cuts.

If there's anything to be learned from this assault on the public interest
it's that recreational fishing can only be saved by lawsuits. The environmental organizations and commercial fishermen are calling the shots at NMFS and ASMFC because they have the funds to tie them up by suing.

Until anglers are willing to do the same thing, special interests will
chart the course of our fisheries for their own purposes.

(Reprint courtesy of JCAA and Al Ristori)

We ask you now to help:
A donation will go a long way in protecting the rights of the recreational
fishing industry!!!  Remember you didn't go into business to have your
future restricted, Don't start now.  Please give what you can. 

Sincerely,
John Mantione
President, NYFTTA

Governor George E. Pataki today nominated Erin M. Crotty to be commissioner of the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), succeeding John P. Cahill who has left the top post at the agency to become the Governor's senior policy advisor.

"As Commissioner of the State Department of Environmental Conservation for the past four years, John Cahill has been an exceptional leader and instrumental to the success of many of our most critical environmental initiatives," Governor Pataki said. "His thoughtful leadership, professionalism and dedication to preserving our rich natural heritage has positioned New York as a national leader in environmental protection.

"I am confident that Erin Crotty's extensive experience and her demonstrated commitment to the environment and natural resources will build on John's impressive record," the Governor said. "Erin's skills and vision will effectively lead DEC into the future, enabling us to continue New York's unprecedented environmental and economic resurgence."

Since October 1999, Crotty has been director of State and Local Government Relations for Plug Power of Latham. Plug Power is a leading designer and developer of on-site, electricity generation systems utilizing fuel cell technology for residential applications.

Prior to joining Plug Power, Crotty served two years as Deputy Commissioner for Water Quality and Environmental Remediation at DEC, where she was responsible for overseeing the State's programs to clean up contaminated properties, implementation of the $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and all activities impacting New York's water quality. As Deputy Commissioner, Crotty is credited with crafting the legislation proposed by Governor Pataki to reform and refinance the State Superfund program.

Prior to 1997, Crotty also served as Governor Pataki's director of Special Environmental Projects, where she was involved in the negotiation and development of the historic New York City Watershed Agreement and implementation of the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. Before joining the Pataki administration, Crotty held the position of policy analyst for the New York State Senate Commission on Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes.

Paul Elston, New York League of Conservation Voters said, "I have had the opportunity to work with Erin Crotty extensively on the Superfund Workgroup. I know her to be very smart, knowledgeable, tough and dedicated to good environmental and public policy. In a difficult discussion on Superfund, she demonstrated a strong and unbending commitment to public health and the environment, and a sense of balance and practicality with respect to economic and business interests. I think that she is an excellent choice by the
Governor and I look forward to working with her."

David J. Miller, Executive Director, National Audubon Society of New York State said, "Governor Pataki has chosen well in Erin Crotty as the new Commissioner of the DEC. Audubon has had the pleasure of working with her on issues ranging from the Clean Water Bond Act to the restoration of Long Island Sound. Erin is a proven conservation leader and we look forward to working with her again."

Aaron Mair, Board President, Arbor Hill Environmental Justice Corporation said, "Governor Pataki's selection of Erin Crotty exemplifies his consistent leadership and commitment to building consensus and protecting the environment for all New Yorkers. We fully support and endorse the selection of Erin for this important post."

Crotty earned her bachelor's degree from Russell Sage College in 1988 and master's in Urban and Environmental Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1992.

Crotty's nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Gavin J. Donohue, the Executive Deputy Commissioner at DEC, has been named as Acting Commissioner in the interim. The Commissioner of Environmental Conservation's annual salary is $136,000.