Fishing License Sales Hit Five-Year High

Harrisburg, PA – The number of Pennsylvania fishing licenses sold through September 13 – 871,499 – has already eclipsed the total yearly sales for each of the last four years and represents the largest oneyear percentage increase since 1980, according to sales figures from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission (PFBC).

“Fishing license sales are up 5 percent and overall stamp sales are up 4.36 percent over the same period from 2008, reinforcing thinking by many that people have returned to fishing as an affordable, familyoriented activity,” said PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen. “The commission is also finishing the second year of a multi-year direct marketing campaign in cooperation with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. We believe these efforts aimed at lapsed anglers have also had a positive impact on licenses sales.”

Among license types, resident license sales are up 5.47 percent; non-resident sales are up 3.41 percent; 7-day tourist licenses are up 1.55 percent; and 3-day tourist licenses are up 3.61 percent. Among stamps, trout permits are up 3.79 percent; Lake Erie permits are up 3.18 percent; and Combo permits are up by almost 8 percent. The good news also extends to boating, where registration renewals are up by approximately 5 percent from the same period in 2008.

This year’s sales are the highest since 2004, when more than 909,000 licenses were sold. In 2005, the cost of a license increased from $16.25 to $21 and sales for that year subsequently dropped to 823,175.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

Orvis Podcasts : Fly Fishing Tips from Tom Rosenbauer

Orvis Podcasts : Fly Fishing Tips from Tom Rosenbauer

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As New Jersey fishing laws increase, so do arrests - pressofAtlanticCity.com : Latest News

As New Jersey fishing laws increase, so do arrests - pressofAtlanticCity.com : Latest News

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Shad Fishing License

As part of New York's saltwater fishing license it is necessary to have one if you are fishing for any migratory ocean fish in any water of the state. This includes American shad that run up the Delaware, East Branch of the Delaware, West Branch of the Delaware, Neversink and Beaverkill rivers. This rule also applies to the Hudson River and it's tributaries along with the Mohawk.

Keep in mind it's not just American shad, but any migratory sea run fish including striped bass, hickory shad, and the herrings. I would guess that American eel could be included in this since NY DEC's press release call it migratory and not anadromous fish.

New York Marine Fishing License

Recreational Marine Fishing Licenses Go on Sale

Licenses Are Available Statewide Via Internet, Telephone and License Sales Outlets

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that beginning Friday, Sept. 25, recreational marine fishing licenses will be available for sale.

Recreational marine fishing licenses can be purchased via the DEC website, ordered by mail or telephone at 1-86-NY-DECALS (1-866-933-2257) or by visiting any one of DEC's 1,500 license sales outlets statewide.

"New York's coastal waters provide excellent angling opportunities offer anglers a wide variety of species to target, from scup and sea bass to bluefish and striped bass," Commissioner Grannis said. "Realizing that the federal government was going to soon require marine fishing licenses if there were no state requirement in place, New York elected to implement this new license in order to keep the fees here to help fund state conservation programs. While we know this is a big change for the coastal fishing community, this was the best available option for New York. We appreciate the understanding of marine anglers."

Anglers purchasing their license at one of DEC's 1,500 license sales outlets will receive their license and can go fishing immediately. Anglers purchasing their license via the internet will receive a "smart number" and confirming e-mail and anglers purchasing a license via telephone will receive their customer ID number so they can begin fishing immediately and don't have to wait to receive their license in the mail.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, persons 16 years of age and older need to acquire a recreational marine fishing license if they are fishing in the Marine and Coastal District or fishing any water (such as the Hudson River, Delaware River, or Mohawk River and their tributaries) where the angler is fishing for "migratory fish from the sea" (such as striped bass, American shad, hickory shad, blueback herring, alewife). The Marine and Coastal District includes all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within three nautical miles from the coast and all other tidal waters within the state, including the Hudson River up to the Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge.

The cost for 1-day, 7-day and annual resident licenses are $4, $8, and $10, respectively. The cost for 1-day, 7-day and annual non-resident licenses are $5, $10, and $15, respectively. The cost of a lifetime recreational marine fishing license is $150 and the cost of a lifetime combination fishing and recreational marine fishing license is $450.

All revenues generated from sales of annual, 7-day, and 1-day resident and non-resident recreational marine licenses will be deposited into the Marine Account. The Marine Account is a special sub-account of the Conservation Fund, and, in accordance with State Finance Law, monies in this account shall be available to the DEC specifically for the care, management, protection and enlargement of marine fish and shellfish resources. All revenues generated from the sales of lifetime recreational marine fishing licenses and lifetime combination fishing and recreational fishing licenses will be deposited into the Fish and Game Trust Account as per State Finance Law. Monies in the fish and game trust account are invested by the State Comptroller and the earned income is transferred into the Conservation Fund to be used for intended purposes.

Commissioner Grannis also encouraged all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. This year's stamp features a drawing of a pair of playful red fox. Buying a $5 stamp is a way to help conserve New York's fabulous wildlife heritage.

More information about purchasing a Habitat Stamp is available on the DEC website.

Answers to frequently asked questions on recreational marine licenses are available on the DEC website and a marine fishing guide (PDF, 1.19 Mb) is also available on the website.

Big hopes in catch of young Atlantic sturgeon

Thu, Sep. 17, 2009 From the Philadelphia Inquirer

By Sandy Bauers

Inquirer Staff Writer

Biologist Matt Fisher was hauling in a research net in the Delaware River near Wilmington recently when he spotted a tiny fish that all but made his heart stop.

It was a young Atlantic sturgeon, most likely hatched last spring.

Just seven inches long and weighing less than an ounce, it was nevertheless a momentous discovery - long-awaited proof that the species was spawning in the Delaware. Read the rest of the article here

BROWN TROUT STOCKING IN LAKE ERIE TRIBUTARIES

Date: September 15, 2009
Contact: Keith Edwards, kedwards@state.pa.us, 814-336-2426

PA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION PLANS BROWN TROUT STOCKING IN ERIE TRIBUTARIES

Meadville, PA – The PFBC will be stocking brown trout into the tributaries of Lake Erie beginning as soon as September 29, 2009. These seven inch long trout will be fin clipped for identification purposes before being stocked the next day. Planned stocking locations are Trout Run, Presque Isle Bay, Crooked Creek, Godfrey Run, and Orchard Beach Creek. All tributary stockings will be done as close to the mouths of each stream as possible as long as there is adequate water flow. If stream flow is low, the fish will be stocked directly into the lake near the stream mouth.

Lake Erie Fisheries Biologist Chuck Murray reported that, “The goal of this program is to emulate the brown trout program on Lake Ontario, but on a smaller scale. The intention of this effort is to add some diversity to the tributary fishery, create a near shore springtime fishery and enhance the offshore summer boat fishery. These brown trout stockings will supplant the surplus steelhead stocked since the elimination of the Coho program in 2003. The program was started through the gracious donation of 100,000 certified disease free eggs provided by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. As the program evolves, the PFBC will develop self sustaining Lake Erie brown trout brood program at their hatcheries”.

Murray also added that, “This will be a cooperative venture between the PFBC and local cooperative sportsman’s nurseries. In addition to the thousands of brown trout to be stocked by the PFBC, approximately 35,000 additional brown trout were already stocked earlier this year by 3-CU and the Wesleyville Conservation Club with the assistance of the PFBC Cooperative Nursery Unit. The success of the program will be monitored through creel surveys and existing assessment programs over the next several years. Brown trout stocking will be about 50,000-100,000 annually, representing about 5-10% of the steelhead stocking levels.”

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

NOAA’s “Fresh Look” at Recreational Fishing

Sportfishing Industry Hopeful About NOAA’s “Fresh Look” at Recreational Fishing
Announcement signals NOAA’s intent to work productively with the sportfishing community

September 2, 2009 - Alexandria, Va. – Following a number of conversations with members of the recreational fishing industry and media, this morning Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., announced her intention to “take a fresh look” at NOAA’s relationship with the recreational fishing community. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association representing the sportfishing industry, is hopeful that Dr. Lubchenco’s announcement signals a new era within NOAA to work productively with the saltwater recreational fishing community as policies and processes are developed.

“Although we are a long way from ensuring that the industry’s and anglers’ concerns are addressed, this is a good first step for NOAA,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “We view Dr. Lubchenco’s announcement as a genuine effort by NOAA to engage our industry and we look forward to working with the agency. The sportfishing industry has always supported fisheries management efforts that seek to improve our nation’s fisheries, salt or freshwater. Strong fisheries mean a strong industry.”

Nussman further said, “I’m pleased that Dr. Lubchenco recognizes that saltwater anglers are one of NOAA's largest organized constituencies. Millions of Americans count on NOAA to manage our marine fisheries for their enjoyment and their livelihoods. I am hopeful that this is a turning point in NOAA’s relationship with the industry and with recreational saltwater anglers.”

In August, industry leaders met with NOAA leadership to discuss a variety of issues of concern to the recreational fishing community, emphasizing the need for and importance of better scientific data and statistics when it comes to the marine recreational fishing sector. They also stressed the vast economic contribution of the sportfishing industry, which is roughly equal to that of the domestic commercial fishing sector.

During ASA’s membership meeting this October in San Diego, Dr. Lubchenco will address ASA’s membership and guests on Tuesday, October 27, during lunch remarks. The Sportfishing Summit annually hosts leaders from the sportfishing and boating industries, federal and state natural resource agencies, non-governmental organizations and outdoor media. During the meeting, industry members focus their efforts on the issues facing the sportfishing industry and the broader sportfishing community.

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The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 60 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

Coastal Conservation Association President Resigns

September 11, 2009
CONTACT: Ted Venker, 1-800-201-FISH

Cummins resigns as CCA President

HOUSTON, Texas - David Cummins, after a long and successful career with the Coastal Conservation Association, has decided to resign his position to pursue other opportunities.

“David has been instrumental in providing CCA with the structure and business-like approach that has made it so successful,” said Mitch Brownlee, vice chairman of CCA. “He will be missed by me and our members.”

Cummins came to CCA in 1983 as a volunteer in the Houston Chapter while he was associated with Arthur Young. He arrived in the national office in 1990 as the chief financial officer and quickly put his stamp on the operation of the organization. He is largely responsible for the operation of the accounting, membership, personnel and management systems that have been the backbone of CCA. His experience in the for-profit world quickly translated to the diverse interests of a marine conservation organization, which grew from a small regional organization to its present size of 100,000 members in 17 states.

As president of CCA, he operated as the chief executive officer and chief operating officer, with a staff of more than 65 and an annual budget of $15,000,000. His insightfulness and business acumen allowed CCA to achieve national awards for stewardship.

A national search will be conducted for CCA’s next president. In the interim, CCA will be headed by its Executive Vice President Pat Murray.

“David was a tremendous asset to the organization and we wish him all the success in his new endeavors in the future,” said Venable Proctor, chairman of CCA.

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CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the nation.
With almost 100,000 members in 17 state chapters, CCA has been active in state,
national and international fisheries management issues since 1977.
Visit www.JoinCCA.org for more information.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

DEC Plans Action to Protect Catlin Creek and Adjacent Wetlands from Northern Snakehead

Continuing an aggressive approach toward invasive species, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will apply an aquatic pesticide to portions of Catlin Creek and adjacent wetlands to eradicate an invasive fish called the Northern Snakehead, Regional Director Willie Janeway announced today. The treatment, slated for October, will reclaim the Orange County waterway so that a healthy and natural fishery can be restored.

The action is a follow-up to successful steps taken to rid nearby Ridgebury Lake and Catlin Creek of more than 200 Northern Snakeheads in summer 2008. Acting on a tip from residents, DEC staff recently found two adult snakeheads at an impassable weir in Catlin Creek. DEC believes this follow-up application is the best course of action to assure this invasive species does not spread to other New York waters such as the Wallkill and Hudson Rivers.

DEC recently sent a letter to area landowners updating them on the issue and their intended action. In addition, DEC has scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m., Sept. 16, at the Wawayanda Town Hall. "We appreciate the patience and cooperation of local residents and town officials as we continue to take steps to stop this aggressive invasive species," DEC Regional Director Willie Janeway said.

Native to Asia, the Northern Snakehead fish is an air breathing, aggressive freshwater predator. They can survive out of the water temporarily, travel short distances over wet land and have a wide temperature tolerance. For more information please go to Northern Snakehead Fish web page on DEC's website. They breed prodigiously, have no natural predators in the U.S. and, therefore, have the potential to be extremely destructive.

In 2008, DEC verified the presence of these fish in Ridgebury Lake and Catlin Creek, and launched an eradication effort involving the application of rotenone, an aquatic pesticide. The treatment areas included wetlands, which were the most difficult terrain to apply the rotenone. The capture of the two adult snakeheads shows that some survived the 2008 eradication effort. To aid the upcoming effort, DEC has enlisted the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which will provide "Marshmaster" vehicles that will be used to transit the swampy areas and help dispense the rotenone.

DEC anticipates treating the entire area in one day. Because no native species of fish were re-stocked in the upcoming treatment area, few if any are expected to be killed. Animals without gills will not be impacted. Rotenone is an extract from several different tropical plants and breaks down rapidly after application with no lasting toxicity.

DEC is committed to restocking the area with fish after it is treated. The Department also plans to stock Ridgebury Lake this coming fall. Additional fish will also be stocked in Ridgebury Lake through a commitment of $10,000 by the Department. A mixture of species including largemouth bass, black crappie and minnows will be stocked to restore these waters with a healthy assemblage of fish for the future.

Abel Unveils New Reel Sizes

August 31, 2009

CAMARILLO, Calif. – Three new sizes of fly reels, new fish graphics by American wildlife artists, a larger knife, and a “bullet proof” money clip are among the Abel products on tap for 2010.

Abel will introduce the new precision machined fly-fishing and outdoor enthusiast tools at the Fly Fishing Retailer World Trade Expo, in Denver, Sept. 10-12.

The new Super Series 3N and 4N reels were created based on recommendations from customers, dealers and the pro staff. They feature a narrower profile, reduced weight and increased arbor size for high speed line pick-up. Machined from 6061-T651 cold finished aircraft quality aluminum, both the Super 3N and 4N will be available in Large Arbor and Standard Arbor versions.

The 3N Large Arbor version was designed for 3- and 4-weight lines; the Standard Arbor configuration is for 5- and 6-weights.

The 4N Large Arbor is for 4- and 5-weights, while the Standard Arbor model is for 6- and 7-weight flylines.

Abel’s Large Arbor Super 9/10 Quick Change (QC) was designed for dorado (dolphinfish or mahi-mahi), striped bass, false albacore, Pacific yellowtail, tarpon, Chinook salmon and other saltwater big game. Weighing 9.7 ounces, it will hold 225 yards of 20-pound backing with a 9-weight line; 175 yards with a 10-weight. The large arbor configuration provides a distinct advantage in rapid line pick-up.

With the addition of the Super 3N, 4N, and 9-10 Super QC, Abel now produces 22 reel models in their Super Series, Super Series Quick Change, Anti/Reverse, Trout (TR) and Abel Creek (AC) series.

Florida wildlife artist Tim Borski has joined creative forces with the California tackle manufacturer to produce a collectors’ edition 7/8 Super Quick Change reel in a bonefish design to benefit the non-profit Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Abel will produce 100 signed and numbered reels; this is the third release in the Borski Series. The bonefish reel by Borski is priced at $2,000.

Abstract cutthroat and brook trout reels with artwork by Montana-based fish and wildlife artist Derek DeYoung will be available in a limited edition run during 2010 on any size or model Abel reel for an additional $350. A graduate of the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich., DeYoung’s fly-fishing abstract paintings are sold in galleries throughout the world.

Standard AbelBlade knives have been expanded some 25% to create a larger version for use by campers, hikers, rock and mountain climbers and others who need a slightly larger cutting tool. With a 3.5-inch blade and weighing 3.4-ounces, the proportionally balanced large version knife is the answer for those who want an Abel knife just a little bigger than the original design.

Whether carrying a few dollars or a wad of $20s, the new Abel Money Clip will keep bills securely folded and tight as a drum. Made in conjunction with Geraghty Products, Golden Valley, Minn., and anodized by Abel in both solid colors and fish graphic patterns, the clip holds cash and credit cards securely, with less bulk than any other money clip or wallet on the market. Made with a heat-treated stainless steel spring, Neoprene® grip pads to ensure money stays in place, and a Delrin® roller ball for the slide bars, clips are produced from bar stock on CNC computer-controlled mills.

First Challenges of PA DEP Permits Related to Gas Drilling,

August 27, 2009
Press Release

CBF Files First Challenges of DEP Permits Related to Gas Drilling,
Calls for Natural Gas Tax

High-Value Wetlands and Trout Streams at Risk

(Harrisburg, PA)— For the first time since the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection (DEP) took over review of erosion, sediment, and stormwater control plans for natural gas drilling sites, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is challenging two permits in Tioga County contending violations of both Commonwealth and federal laws. Not only did DEP strip review authority from local County Conservation Districts in April, but it instituted an expedited stormwater permitting process that does not allow for public participation or meaningful agency review of permit applications.

"Instead of protecting the environment, DEP is rubber stamping permit applications without any formal review," said CBF's Pennsylvania Executive Director Matt Ehrhart. "Wild trout streams and their tributaries, and exceptional value wetlands that should receive extra protection under the law are at risk due to the lack of thorough DEP oversight."

CBF is challenging permits issued to Fortuna Energy, Inc. authorizing earth disturbance for pipeline construction in Jackson Township, and to Ultra Resources, Inc. authorizing earth disturbance for substantial drilling operations in Gaines and Elk townships.

The Fortuna pipeline will cross tributaries of wild trout streams and impact exceptional value wetlands in violation of Pennsylvania wetlands law. The Ultra project will include pipeline crossings of high quality trout streams within the Pine Creek watershed, home to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and one of the state's premier outdoor recreation destinations. For both projects, there was no analysis of the rate or volume of stormwater runoff from the construction, which can pollute streams.

"That these permits were issued without technical review and an analysis of the damage caused by construction and post-construction runoff violates both the federal Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania law," said CBF Pennsylvania Staff Attorney Matthew Royer. "Conservation Districts have the local knowledge and experience to review the permits and manage the program. What we see here is a clear failure by DEP to meet fundamental permit review obligations. DEP should restore authority to the Conservation Districts."

The appeals will be heard by the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board.

"Gas drilling will bring some level of environmental damage, as well as damage to roads and bridges," Royer said. "That damage must be minimized through wise application of environmental regulations. It also underscores the need for a severance tax on drilling so that the state can fund mitigation projects to offset damages."

Shad Numbers Continue to Fall

For Release: Tuesday, September 1, 2009

As Shad Numbers Continue to Fall, Dec Plans to Close Hudson River Fishery to Protect Dwindling Stock

Three Public Meetings Slated for September

With the American shad population in the Hudson River at historic lows, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to propose closing recreational and commercial fishing for American shad in the Hudson and prohibit commercial landings in marine waters. DEC will hold three public information meetings in September to outline steps to be taken to save this historically important species.

In 2007, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission conducted a coast-wide assessment of American shad stocks, with New York biologists playing a lead role. The assessment concluded that the Hudson River shad stock has declined substantially since the 1990s -- and now is at historic lows. Juvenile production dropped to a historically low level in 2002 and has not rebounded. Hudson River recreational and commercial fisheries were restricted in 2008 with the hope that it would trigger some improvement in production of young American shad. Because no change occurred, the DEC plans to pursue fishery closures.

Commissioner Pete Grannis said: "We have been closely monitoring the Hudson's shad population and hoped to see signs of rebounding, but unfortunately, that has not occurred. A closure now appears to be a necessary step to prevent the potential permanent loss of this historically and ecologically important species. We will continue to monitor Hudson shad populations with the hope that they will rebound to levels that will allow the fishery to reopen."

At the same time, DEC will implement a Hudson River American Shad Recovery Plan to help rebuild the stock. The recovery plan (PDF, 112 Kb) is available on the DEC website. The plan outlines current and future studies to investigate the suspected causes of the stock's decline. Over-fishing, habitat loss, increased populations of predatory species and competition for food sources are among the many factors to be evaluated. At the public meetings, DEC staff will also discuss and explain the measures of the shad population status that would enable a reopening of the recreational and commercial fisheries.

Public information meetings are scheduled for:

• Monday, Sept. 14, 7 - 9 p.m., at Schodack Town Hall, 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton-on-Hudson.
• Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2 - 5 p.m., at the Marine Resources Advisory Council meeting at the DEC Marine Resources Office, 205 Belle Mead Rd., East Setauket.
• Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7 - 9 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Office, 21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz.

For further information regarding status of New York's American shad stocks (PDF, 80 Kb), please visit the DEC website. For additional information on these meetings, please contact the Bureau of Marine Resources at 845-256-3071 or 845-256-3072, or r3hrf@gw.dec.state.ny.us.