Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 11/13/2023 02:00 PM EST |
| DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| View in browser |
Saltwater Fishing & Boating |
|
In This Issue:
ASMFC Striped Bass Public Hearings in New York
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) released the Draft Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass (PDF) for public comment. This Draft Addendum presents background on ASMFC's management of striped bass commercial fisheries. the addendum process and timeline, and a statement of the problem. This document also provides management options for public consideration and comment. New York State will be hosting two in-person hearings to receive public comments.
A listen-only live stream link for each hearing is included on DEC's public calendar. The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding the proposed management options in this document by December 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Written comments can be made by email to comments@asmfc.org (Subject: Striped Bass Draft Addendum II), by mail to Emilie Franke, ASMFC, 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201, or by fax to (703) 842-0741. Fish illustration courtesy of Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Sightings on New York Beaches
There are four species of sea turtles that can be found in New York waters: Atlantic Green, Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, and Leatherback Sea turtles. These four species remain in New York waters during the warmer months and typically migrate south towards warmers waters by mid-November. As a result of climate change impacts, warmer water temperatures cause sea turtles to remain in the waters around New York longer than usual. When the water temperature drops before sea turtles can migrate out of the area, they become cold stunned. Cold stunning is a hypothermic condition that results in a lethargic state, which causes these animals to appear dead when discovered washed ashore on local beaches. If you see a sea turtle wash ashore, please call the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (631) 369-9829 and relay as much information as possible. The response teams from Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) and New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) need a detailed report of where the animal is located. If possible, write down the coordinates and/or mark the turtle's location with something, such as a stick or driftwood, that will be easy for the team to find. Please do not touch the animal, put the animal back in the water, or remove the animal from the beach. Sea turtles are federally protected animals and are only to be handled by authorized personnel. Any further sudden changes in temperature or additional stress can lead to death. Photo Courtesy of New York Marine Rescue Center. Vessel Speed Restrictions to Protect Migrating WhalesNOAA Fisheries has announced the annual openings of Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) in the Mid- Atlantic to protect North Atlantic right whales starting on November 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024. All vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in this area to reduce the threat of vessel collisions with these endangered whales.
Details and graphics of all of all vessel strike management zones currently in effect can be found on NOAA's Fisheries website. Lobster and Jonah Crab Electronic Vessel Tracking for Federal Permit Holders
Beginning December 15th, 2023, all federal permit holders who harvest American Lobster or Jonah Crab with pots and list New York as their primary port of landing, will be required to install electronic trackers aboard their vessels (this requirement does not apply to LCMA 6). This is a requirement of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Addendum XXIX to Amendment 3 to the American Lobster Fisheries Management Plan and Addendum IV to the Jonah Crab Fisheries Management Plan (PDF). Enhanced spatial and temporal data will address several challenges facing these fisheries, including stock assessment limitations, protected species interactions, marine spatial planning efforts, and enforcement in federal waters. ASMFC has funding to cover costs of tracker installation and data plans. ASMFC staff will be contacting active pot fishing New York American Lobster/Jonah Crab federal permit holders with further details. New York American Lobster/Jonah Crab federal permit holders can contact DEC MarineInvertebrates@dec.ny.gov with any questions. Upcoming Fishery MeetingsMarine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) Rescheduled Meeting New Date: Tuesday, November 28 2:00 p.m. Once available, a complete agenda for the meeting can be found on MRAC's website. 2024 Commercial Fishing Quota Distribution Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 29, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide input on proposed 2024 commercial quota distribution plans. Species to be discussed include menhaden, horseshoe crab, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Details to join the meeting virtually can be found on DEC's website. Mid- Atlantic Fishery Council Meeting (MAFMC) Council Meeting Date: Monday, December 11, 2023- Thursday, December 14, 2023, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Additional details will be posted on the MAFMC's website. |
|
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation respects your right to privacy and welcomes your feedback | Update preferences or unsubscribe | Learn more about DEC Delivers |
|
Connect with DEC:      
|
|
| Basil Seggos, Commissioner | |