RJ
06-11-2008, 04:56 PM
DEC REVISES RECREATIONAL AMERICAN SHAD FISHING REGULATIONS IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS
In order to achieve a balance in supporting an important Hudson River fishery, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today released revised emergency and revised proposed permanent regulations for the taking of American shad.
Based on extensive public comments received on emergency and proposed regulations issued earlier this year, DEC has revised the emergency regulations adopted in March 2008 and has now implemented a recreational catch limit of one American shad per day, a limit that should sustain the fishery in the Hudson River and New York’s Marine District. This change comes as the traditional end of the shad recreational season approaches and is effective immediately.
DEC had originally proposed a catch-and-release-only recreational fishery for American shad. The slightly less-restrictive catch limit announced today is in response to comments from anglers seeking to allow some fish to be kept. Surveys indicate that more than 90 percent of shad caught recreationally are released by anglers. In previous seasons, anglers were allowed to keep up to five fish per day.
“DEC revised these regulations because this minimal recreational take will not significantly affect the shad population and because we want to recognize the valuable contributions recreational anglers make as stewards of our natural resources,” DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said.
For commercial fishing, the actions implemented in March 2008 included a limit on certain types of fishing gear, limitations on times and places where fishing is allowed, and other changes. These commercial restrictions remain in effect and are now being proposed for permanent adoption with no revisions.
In addition to the changes to the recreational catch limit, effective immediately, DEC has also created a new recreational season for hickory shad. Public comments received during the American shad rulemaking indicated that hickory shad were being caught in the lower Hudson’s brackish waters at a rate higher than previously anticipated. This species is very similar in appearance to American shad and the lack of a season on hickories could have led to more American shad being caught without restrictions. The new recreational catch limit for hickory shad is five fish per day and the season will run from August 1 through November 30.
A table highlighting these changes is attached.
The revised regulations are consistent with several steps being taken by New York State to help restore the Hudson River’s shad populations. Last month, Governor David A. Paterson announced a new set of initiatives aimed at developing a better understanding of the Hudson River estuary ecosystem and restoring American shad and other fish species. This comprehensive program addresses several needs that are expected to help rebuild fish stocks, assess the potential causes of fishery decline, and examine other aspects of the Hudson River ecosystem to determine the River’s health and ways to improve it. A Hudson River American Shad Recovery Plan is now being implemented and can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6945.html .
The initial emergency regulations were developed following meetings held by DEC earlier this year with anglers and commercial fisherman. The duration of these restrictions will depend on results of continued annual stock monitoring. Results from these studies will be evaluated annually. If young shad production remains low or declines within the next year, DEC will consider further restrictions. If the production of young increases and remains high for at least five years, DEC will consider relaxing restrictions.
While the emergency restrictions announced today are in place, DEC is proposing to make these regulations permanent. The draft proposal will appear in the State Register on June 25, 2008, and a public comment period will be held. The comment period ends on Friday, July 25, 2008. Comments can be sent to r3hrf@gw.dec.state.ny.us , or by mail to Kathy Hattala, NYSDEC-Hudson River Fisheries Unit, 21 South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561
In order to achieve a balance in supporting an important Hudson River fishery, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today released revised emergency and revised proposed permanent regulations for the taking of American shad.
Based on extensive public comments received on emergency and proposed regulations issued earlier this year, DEC has revised the emergency regulations adopted in March 2008 and has now implemented a recreational catch limit of one American shad per day, a limit that should sustain the fishery in the Hudson River and New York’s Marine District. This change comes as the traditional end of the shad recreational season approaches and is effective immediately.
DEC had originally proposed a catch-and-release-only recreational fishery for American shad. The slightly less-restrictive catch limit announced today is in response to comments from anglers seeking to allow some fish to be kept. Surveys indicate that more than 90 percent of shad caught recreationally are released by anglers. In previous seasons, anglers were allowed to keep up to five fish per day.
“DEC revised these regulations because this minimal recreational take will not significantly affect the shad population and because we want to recognize the valuable contributions recreational anglers make as stewards of our natural resources,” DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said.
For commercial fishing, the actions implemented in March 2008 included a limit on certain types of fishing gear, limitations on times and places where fishing is allowed, and other changes. These commercial restrictions remain in effect and are now being proposed for permanent adoption with no revisions.
In addition to the changes to the recreational catch limit, effective immediately, DEC has also created a new recreational season for hickory shad. Public comments received during the American shad rulemaking indicated that hickory shad were being caught in the lower Hudson’s brackish waters at a rate higher than previously anticipated. This species is very similar in appearance to American shad and the lack of a season on hickories could have led to more American shad being caught without restrictions. The new recreational catch limit for hickory shad is five fish per day and the season will run from August 1 through November 30.
A table highlighting these changes is attached.
The revised regulations are consistent with several steps being taken by New York State to help restore the Hudson River’s shad populations. Last month, Governor David A. Paterson announced a new set of initiatives aimed at developing a better understanding of the Hudson River estuary ecosystem and restoring American shad and other fish species. This comprehensive program addresses several needs that are expected to help rebuild fish stocks, assess the potential causes of fishery decline, and examine other aspects of the Hudson River ecosystem to determine the River’s health and ways to improve it. A Hudson River American Shad Recovery Plan is now being implemented and can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6945.html .
The initial emergency regulations were developed following meetings held by DEC earlier this year with anglers and commercial fisherman. The duration of these restrictions will depend on results of continued annual stock monitoring. Results from these studies will be evaluated annually. If young shad production remains low or declines within the next year, DEC will consider further restrictions. If the production of young increases and remains high for at least five years, DEC will consider relaxing restrictions.
While the emergency restrictions announced today are in place, DEC is proposing to make these regulations permanent. The draft proposal will appear in the State Register on June 25, 2008, and a public comment period will be held. The comment period ends on Friday, July 25, 2008. Comments can be sent to r3hrf@gw.dec.state.ny.us , or by mail to Kathy Hattala, NYSDEC-Hudson River Fisheries Unit, 21 South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561