To: Long Island Fisherman
The For Hire Industry has a long history of participation in the fisheries of NYS. Their endeavors are a large economics factor on the East End of Long Island, particularly Montauk, NY. The multiplier effect includes marinas, tackle shops, mechanics, hotels and restaurants in Montauk. This industry has been in existence since the end of WWII.
The MBCA is concerned about the regulations passed by the ASMFC and applied by the NYSDEC. We fear they are being used to curtail the non-boat owners from using the for hire boats (charter and party) to utilize a public resource. Reductions in catch limits and increases in size limits are discouraging the public from fishing on the for hire boats. The for hire industry utilizes less than 5% of the fishery but serves over 95% of NYS citizens.
Statistics show a 40% error in the surveys of the fisheries but the ASMFC still uses these figures.
We would like to thank our federal and state representatives for their support in our endeavors. State Senator Anthony Palumbo, Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Congressman Nick LaLota have sent letters to the DEC and ASMFC in support of the citizens of NYS. We hope that other legislators will do the same. Please call or write them of your concerns.
Respectfully,
Capt. Joe McBride, MBCA Legislative Representative
Capt. Rick Etzel, MBCA President
