New York’s newly appointed Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner, Basil Seggos, is coming to Long Island on December 17th to meet with stakeholders to find out what they think about marine resources in New York. The meeting is by invitation only, but public input is important. I will be participating in the meeting and would like to hear from Fisherman readers regarding their concerns, criticisms and suggestions for improving or expanding efforts in areas like marine research, enforcement, access, habitat and legislation to name a few. Representatives from all branches of DEC will be on hand so this is an excellent opportunity to have your concerns addressed. The department is looking to prioritize their efforts going into 2016 and for the next several years, so public input is important in helping to steer those efforts.
Are there programs or projects you would like to see expanded? Would you like to see more launch ramps or artificial reefs in the marine district? Is there legislation you feel could benefit the department and their efforts in areas like enforcement and fisheries management? Should fisheries like blackfish and striped bass be managed differently, both recreationally and commercially? I hear complaints all season long related to a lack of enforcement, overly strict regulations regarding length of season, size and bag limits, and poor communication of existing regulations.
Many folks are critical of the loopholes regarding commercial striped bass tags and netting practices along the South Shore and East End, as well as the abuses of “recreational” anglers harvesting well over the limit of stripers and blackfish, and selling them on the black market. I also hear a lot of criticism concerning a judicial system that seems to take fisheries offenses too lightly. Now is your chance to make suggestions for addressing these problems and concerns.
This is an opportunity for you to ask for changes you think are needed. Obviously, if there’s a change that requires new funding, the money has to come from somewhere so consider that when making your suggestions. Please forward me your concerns and suggestions by Tuesday, December 15 so that I can incorporate them into my presentation. You can email them to me at [email protected] or call 631-345-5200 ext. 209.
DEC Representatives:
Basil Seggos, Acting Commissioner of DEC
Kathleen Moser, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources
Christian Ballantyne, Assistant Commissioner for Public Protection and Regional Affairs
Julia Tighe, Assistant Commissioner for Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs
Carrie Meek Gallagher, Regional Director, Region 1 Stony Brook
Venetia Lannon, Regional Director, Region 2 Long Island City
Martin Brand, Regional Director, Region 3, New Paltz
James Gilmore, Assistant Director, Marine Resources
Stephen Heins, Finfish & Crustaceans Section Leader
Dawn McReynolds, Marine Habitat Section Leader
Debra Barnes, Shellfisheries Section Leader
Major Timothy Huss, Southern District Law Enforcement
Captain Dallas Bengal, Region 1 Law Enforcement
