NY DEC Releases Draft Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan for Public Comment

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released its Draft Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) strategy to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS in New York State for public comment. Comments will be accepted through December 15.

Aquatic Invasive Species threaten the ecology of New York's rich abundance of waters and can harm water-based recreational opportunities and economies. New York is particularly vulnerable to AIS due to its vast marine and fresh water resources, major commercial ports and the easy access that ocean-going vessels have to the Great Lakes via the State's canal system. Managing an infestation is extremely costly, so prevention is the most cost-effective strategy.

"Prevention of aquatic invasive species is critical to the long-term vitality of waterways across New York State," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "This strategic plan details proposals to further our efforts to help ensure AIS-free waters remain free and additional AIS are not introduced to other waters. We welcome the public's ideas and feedback on the draft strategy." This action-based Strategic Plan updates DEC's "Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Management Plan," which was written in 1993. The draft plan includes more than 50 actions designed to address prevention, detection, and response to AIS. Proposed actions identified in the strategy include:

• Expand the boat launch steward program statewide;
• Develop an AIS response framework to guide decision making when AIS are detected, and communicate the reasoning for the response selected;
• Implement an AIS public awareness campaign and evaluate its effectiveness in reaching target audiences;
• Expand the use of AIS disposal stations at waterway access sites;
• Establish regional "first responder" AIS teams to incorporate local expertise in planning and implementing appropriate AIS responses; and
• Identify and evaluate risks associated with pathways for AIS introduction and movement within New York.

Aquatic invasive species arrive by many pathways including direct introduction, live animal trade, the nursery and landscape trade, recreational boating and cargo transportation. Northern Snakehead, Sea Lamprey, Round Goby, Hydrilla and the New Zealand Mudsnail are examples of aquatic invasive species present in some New York waters, which can prey upon or displace native species, alter habitat or otherwise harm native species.

The Draft Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan can be viewed on DEC's website. Public comments will be accepted from October 30 through December 15. You can send comments to the address below or email them - enter "AIS Management Plan" in the subject line.
Philip Hulbert

NYSDEC Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, New York 12233-4753

To help slow the spread of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, DEC asks all citizens to clean, drain and dry watercraft and gear after boating and fishing; use non-invasive plants in gardens and landscaping; use local firewood; and learn about, look for and report invasive species. Invasive species can be reported online to New York's Invasive Species Database, a partnership with the Natural Heritage Program and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, by clicking the link to "Report an Invasive."

Brooklyn Fish Dealer Sentenced To Four Months For Wire Fraud

 Caught is Scheme to Steal $500k in Fluke

October 22, 1014 Alan Dresner, a federally-licensed fish dealer from Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Central Islip, New York, for violations stemming from his role in systematically underreporting fluke (summer flounder) that was being harvested as part of the federal Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division announced.

On April 23, 2014, Alan Dresner pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. The scheme involved his personal falsification and internet submission of at least 120 fisheries dealer reports from July 2009 to December 2011, as part of a scheme to defraud the United States of 246,376 pounds of overharvested and underreported fluke valued at $510,000.

As part of his sentence, Dresner will serve four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant was fined $6000 and ordered to make a $15,000 community service payment to the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County in order to pay for the enhancement of fluke habitat in the waters of Long Island through the C.C.E.’s Marine Meadows Program. Dresner was ordered to pay $510,000 in restitution to the Marine Resources Account of the New York State Conservation Fund. Dresner was also ordered to surrender his federal dealer license and was banned from accessing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) SAFIS computer system.

“Today, Dresner was held accountable for his role in defrauding a federal research program, a program whose purpose is to help ensure the long-term sustainability of Long Island’s fisheries,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Sam Hirsch for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to protecting the natural resources that the American people depend on today and for future generations as well.”

“This scheme to land tremendous amounts of overages for profit was not only detrimental to the RSA program, but also to the law abiding fishermen who will not be able to participate in this program in 2015,” said NOAA Special Agent Logan Gregory. “The Office of Law Enforcement will continue to focus on ensuring a level playing field by investigating these types of environmental crimes.”

Alan Dresner is “Fish Dealer X” as that person is identified in the related case of U.S. v. Anthony Joseph. As a federal fish dealer, Dresner had a NOAA permit to purchase fish directly from commercial fishing vessels without having to go through an intermediary. In July 2009, Dresner learned that Anthony Joseph, captain of the F/V Stirs One, was consistently overharvesting fluke through Joseph’s abuse of the RSA Program. By July 2009, Dresner was making regular purchases of illegal fluke from Joseph at the Point Lookout, New York, waterfront.

In order to cover-up his illegal fishing, Joseph would mail falsified fishing logs, known as FVTRs, to NOAA.  However, falsified FVTRs were just one side of the coin. This is because fish dealers are required to report their purchases to NOAA on an electronic form known as a dealer report. The dealer reports include information such as date of landing, port of landing, catch vessel, corresponding FVTR numbers, commercial grade, species, price, and weight. NOAA utilizes the data in the dealer reports to set quotas and implement other management measures designed to ensure a sustainable fisheries. The dealer reports also serve as a check on the information that is submitted in FVTRs.  In other words, for their scheme to work, the false data on the FVTRs had to match the false data on the dealer reports. A mismatch would have indicated a serious error or fraud, and would have been a red flag for fisheries managers.  Accordingly, during July 2009 to December 2011, the defendant schemed with Anthony Joseph to file at least 120 false dealer reports with NOAA, representing a loss of 246,376 pounds of fluke valued at $510,000.

Theft of domestic marine resources has far-reaching consequences beyond illicit financial gain. Fisheries managers operate on the basic assumption that fishers and dealers make accurate and honest reports to NOAA. When harvested fish is misreported or unreported, the integrity of fisheries statistics and associated mathematical models are jeopardized. Recently, based in large part on the recently quantified illegal fluke harvesting revealed by the guilty pleas in the Jones Inlet Seafood, Charles Wertz Jr., Anthony Joseph, and Dresner cases, on Aug. 12, 2014, the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council voted to suspend the RSA Program for 2015 in order analyze the effect illegal fishing has had on the soundness of the RSA Program.

Anthony Joseph pleaded guilty to wire fraud, mail fraud, and falsification of federal records on April 11, 2014, for his fisheries fraud crimes related to Alan Dresner and Jones Inlet Seafood. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2015.

The case was investigated by agents of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, with assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police. The case is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Hale of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division.

2014-2015 Winter Storm Names

First, just to set the record straight, it's not the National Weather Service who names winter storms, it's The Weather Channel. This is the third winter season they are doing this and you can be sure it will continue in future years. It's a good social marketing gig for them.

The Weather Channel can dominate all the winter weather talk on the social networks like Twitter and Facebook by using #hashtags connected to the storm names. Good move Weather Channel, but lousy names, at least a few of them.

You can be your own judge.Visit their page Winter Storm Names 

Be Safe in Your Canoe & Kayak this Fall

I've been seeing a lot of canoes and kayaks on the river this fall, both fishermen and recreational paddlers enjoying the warm fall days and brilliant foliage. I can't help but notice that some of these paddlers are ignoring the cold water temperatures, routinely in the mid 50's and sometimes even down into the 40's. At these temps, it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in putting an unfortunate fisherman or leaf peeper into a life threatening situation.

For these reasons, when I saw this recent press release form BoatUS I thought it very well worth sharing. The one thing I'll add to this is to have a dry bag along with a change of warm, dry clothing.

Have fun on the water this fall and many more to come!

For Paddlers, It’s High Season for Safety

ANNAPOLIS, Va., October 6, 2014 – It may be sunny outside with blue skies above, but waters are deceptively cold and unforgiving in the fall. For paddlers with just a few inches of freeboard to spare, getting wet this time of year can have serious consequences, so the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has these seven tips for fall paddlecraft safety.

Know how to re-board: All paddlecraft are different, so before you hit a lonely, remote stretch of river or bay, learn (in a safe place) how to get back in the boat quickly and efficiently as hyperthermia is a threat that increases by the minute. Some paddlers add extra floatation inside the boat as it can help reboarding. (Tip: this can be accomplished simply by inflating a beach ball or purchasing aftermarket float bags). If you do ever fall out and can’t get back in, stay with the kayak or canoe – it’s a bigger target for rescuers to see.

Don’t keep it a secret: Tell people where you’re going by filing a float plan. It could be as simple as telling your spouse, in writing, where you are going and what time you plan to return. Writing it down makes it become habit. Be as specific as you can – this isn’t the time to forget to mention you’re heading to your hidden fishing hole two miles off the beaten channel.

Understand the basic rules of navigation: You may not be out there with icebreakers just yet, but there may still be some recreational boating traffic and potential ship traffic. The simple challenge is the smallest boats are hardest to see. One simple tip to help visibility is to spray the tips of your paddles a bright color. Paddlers also can help themselves by understanding some basic rules of navigation.

Don’t leave without a bailer: With low freeboard -- or the distance from the water to the gunwale -- paddlecraft are prone to getting water aboard. Once it starts, it’s only a matter of time before your canoe or kayak becomes ever lower to oncoming waves. Keep water out and buoyancy up by having a bailer ready (Tip: tie one to each seat).

Thermal up or down: Neoprene gloves, a drysuit or wetsuit tops and hats are the ultimate protection in retaining body heat this time of year. However, have outdoor gear that offers versatility by being able to cool down or warm up when appropriate. Even if it may feel like summer, never leave shore in just a t-shirt and shorts. It only takes just a short change of weather or a dunking to drench you and the hypothermia clock starts ticking. A bright colored rain parka can also be seen at great distances.

Going remote? Go Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): Advances in GPS technology have brought down the cost of personal locator beacons, but if your budget is tight you can still rent a PLB from the BoatUS Foundation for $45 weekly, plus shipping. There are no additional subscriber fees and paddlers going to remote locations can order online at BoatUS.org/epirb or call 888-663-7472 (Tip: mention code “DISC10” for a 10% discount on the weekly PLB rental rate through December 1, 2014).

Keep it secure up top: If you need to get your favorite kayak or stand-up paddleboard to the lake on your car or truck’s roof this fall, go to BoatUS.com/addingpaddlecraft for a quick read on the three basic types of roof rack systems and ways to safely tie down the load. Your kayak has no desire to meet the road or become a hazard for oncoming vehicles

Pennsylvania Reduces Price of Fishing Licenses for 2015 Season

For the first time in its history, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will reduce the price of annual fishing licenses next season, a promotional move agency leaders say is intended to highlight the sport’s affordability to families and younger audiences and to persuade lapsed anglers to return.

 

Beginning Dec. 1, prices will be reduced by $1, or approximately 5 percent, for resident and non-resident annual licenses purchased throughout the year. Anglers who buy 3-year and 5-year licenses will see a reduction of $3 and $5, accordingly, if they buy the license during the month of December. The discounts also apply to gift vouchers for annual licenses purchased throughout the year and to gift vouchers for multi-year licenses purchased in December.

 

“We believe the price cut will catch the attention of many people who haven’t fished in a few years, or who have wanted to try fishing, but mistakenly have thought that prices have increased like they have for other products and activities,” PFBC Executive Director John Arway said at the agency’s quarterly business meeting held yesterday and today.

 

“The fact is, the price of a fishing license hasn’t increased in nearly a decade, since 2005,” he said. “Fishing has always been an affordable and fun family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. If we can capture the attention of potential new and returning anglers, we know they’ll be surprised at how inexpensive it is to fish and how easy it is to enjoy the sport.”

 

The PFBC sells approximately 850,000 licenses annually, but survey research from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2011 national survey estimated that 1.1 million people ages 16 and older either fished in the Commonwealth in 2010 or planned to fish in the state in 2011.

 

“This 250,000 gap and the anglers who do not purchase a license every consecutive year represent a segment of potential customers who may better recognize the value of a license at a discounted rate,” added Board President Norm Gavlick, who represents the northeast district. “At the same time, the discount should be a pleasant gift to current anglers when they buy their license for the next season, especially the discounts for the multi-year licenses over the holiday season.”

 

With the discount, the price of a resident annual license will be just $21.70; non-resident annual $51.70; 3-year resident $61.70; 3-year non-resident $151.70; 5-year resident $101.70; and 5-year non-resident $251.70. Trout/salmon permits, Lake Erie permits and combo permits are not included in the price reduction.

 

President Gavlick said he is especially excited about the savings customers can enjoy on multi-year licenses and vouchers during the month of December.

 

“We will actively promote the multi-year discount during the holiday season as the perfect gift for former and would-be anglers on everyone’s shopping lists,” he said. “Individuals can purchase a gift voucher equal to the value of a three or five-year license, and the recipient may then redeem it at his or her convenience.” Vouchers may be redeemed anytime during the year.

 

Warm Atlantic Ocean Waters Could Increase Expansion of Invasive Tropical Species

Lionfish.  Photo credit:  Kristy Owen, NEFSC/NOAA

Scientists studying the roles of temperature and depth in structuring fish communities along the North Carolina continental shelf have found that as ocean waters warm, tropical fish species―including the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) ―could expand into new areas that cold winter temperatures formerly rendered inhospitable.

Researchers from NOAA and the University of North Carolina, Wilmington analyzed year-round bottom water temperature data associated with fish community surveys in water depths from 15 to 150 feet off the coast of North Carolina. The scientists found that the fish community in deeper areas was mainly tropical, dominated by lionfish in depths between 122 to 150 feet, suggesting temperature is a key factor in affecting the distribution of this species.


Oceanographer Jon Hare, chief of the Oceanography Branch at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and director of the Center’s Narragansett Laboratory in Rhode Island, was one of the study’s authors.

In 2000, Hare was involved in the initial research on the lionfish invasion into North Carolina waters. He worked at NOAA’s Beaufort Laboratory for 10 years, and since moving to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center has continued to follow the invasion and the possibility of lionfish spreading into the Northeast.
In their study, researchers looked at 40 native fish species found along rocky and artificial reefs off North Carolina. The findings were reported in the September 2014 issue of Marine Ecology Progress Series.
Related links:

• NOAA,UNC-Wilmington study finds warming Atlantic ocean temperature could increase expansion of invasive, native species
• The Lionfish Invasion
• North Atlantic Fish Populations Shifting as Ocean Temperatures Warm
• Scientists Link Climate Change and Atlantic Croaker Fishery
• Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Biota of the U.S. Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Bitterroot Valley single-fly event will raise money for national breast cancer fishing program

Cast One for Hope brings anglers together for fly fishing and fundraising

Manchester, VT—September 16, 2014 — Casting for Recovery , a non-profit organization offering support and educational fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer is excited to announce the second annual Cast One for Hope event that will be held October 3 and 4 in Hamilton, MT. This year’s events will include music, a single-fly fishing event with prizes, a celebration dinner and live and silent auctions with the goal of raising more than $50,000 for Casting for Recovery programs across the country.

 

“Last year we had such an amazing turnout that we decided to add more elements to the event lineup this year,” says executive director Whitney Milhoan. “This event is a wonderful way for people to experience an unforgettable day of guided fly fishing while supporting a great cause. We get people out on the beautiful Bitterroot River in the fall to raise money to offer the same experience to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.”

This year’s events include a kickoff party with music on Friday, October 3, from 6 - 9pm at Pineview Lodge and the main action taking place on Saturday, October 4 with the single-fly fishing event and a celebration dinner and auction at the exclusive Stock Farm Club  in the evening.  

Each event participant will choose a single fly to use for the day. If that fly becomes lost or unusable, the contestant is out of the running for “longest-lasting fly,” but can still continue fishing for fun to win additional prizes. There will be multiple categories that will be awarded prizes for event participants.

Registration is open to the public and there are still spots available at $1,000 per person which includes a full-day guided drift including lunch, an exclusive celebration dinner at the Stock Farm Club, awards, and a ticket to the kickoff party on Friday night.

This year’s auction items will be open to the public for bidding on September 25, 2014 at 8:00am. You can preview the items that will be up for auction here. Items include a bonefishing trip to Black Fly Lodge, fly rods from Sage, Tycoon Tackle and Orvis, framed prints by AD Maddox and much more with all proceeds benefitting women with breast cancer.

Additionally, special guest Mariko Izumi  will be in attendance and taping the event for an episode for the World Fishing Journal  which she will host. In addition to Izumi, anglers from different companies will be competing against each other to see who comes out on top with the longest-lasting fly. Teams from Temple Fork Outfitters, Black Fly Lodge, Costa, Simms, American Fly Fishing Trade Association and Sisters on the Fly will battle it out on the water on October 4, 2014.

“World Fishing Network is proud to support Casting for Recovery and aid in their mission to provide an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer,” says World Fishing Network’s vice president of marketing Pam Stinson. “For women to be able gather in a natural setting and learn the sport of fly fishing in a caring, supportive environment – what an incredible experience.”

This year’s event is being sponsored by World Fishing Network , Temple Fork Outfitter Rods , American Fly Fishing Trade Association , Maven Fly , Cheeky Fly Fishing , Lolo Peak Brewing , Scientific Anglers  and Mountain Khakis .

To learn more about the Cast One for Hope event and to register please visit: www.castoneforhope.org . For sponsorship opportunities please contact Margot Page at events@castingforrecovery.org .

Casting for Recovery® (CfR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 by two women -- a breast reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly fisher.  CfR’s unique program combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. The retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature. CfR’s retreats are open to breast cancer survivors of all ages, in all stages of treatment and recovery, and are free to participants.  

CastingforRecovery.org

www.facebook.com/castingforrecovery

Governor Cuomo Signs Bill Aiding in Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation prohibiting the launch of watercraft in New York State without taking reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The bill (A9619-B, S7851-B) advances current efforts by the State and private organizations to halt the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species into New York’s waters.

“The natural beauty that is found in every corner of New York is second to none, and it is imperative that we do everything possible to protect that from the dangers of invasive species,” Governor Cuomo said. “We all share a responsibility to protect our natural environment, and this legislation helps ensure that all who enjoy New York’s waters will also do their part to limit the spread of different types of aquatic life that would otherwise harm the local ecosystem.”

The legislation signed by Governor Cuomo makes it the responsibility of boaters launching watercraft to use common sense when putting in and taking out their boats. Before transportation or launch, the boater should first clean, drain and dry the boat, trailer, and any other exposed equipment of visible plant and animal matter, or have taken other reasonable measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This will help prevent the spread between waterbodies and introduction of invasive species in new waterbodies throughout New York.

Invasive species are a threat because they have few natural predators in their new environment and can carry harmful diseases. Ultimately, invasives can outcompete native plants and animals and change entire ecosystems. Aquatic invasive species are one of the greatest threats to the State's treasured waterways because once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eradicate and expensive to manage.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, aquatic invasive species seriously threaten economically important industries, such as tourism and fishing. Invasive species cost the U.S. economy an estimated $120 billion per year, and while the State has implemented various programs designed to control the spread of aquatic invasives, it is far more cost-effective to prevent them altogether.

Senator Tom O'Mara said, “Individual boaters are the front line of defense against the spread of invasive species, and this new initiative offers a straightforward approach asking all boaters to do our part to help protect waterways, regional tourism economies and local jobs. Taking every possible step to stop the spread of destructive invasive species before they take hold is the most cost-effective and common-sense approach to combat this severe threat to the environment and economy of the Finger Lakes and other waterways statewide."

Assemblymember Barbara Lifton said, “I am very pleased and appreciate the governor signing into law this important piece of legislation. This is a promising new day in our battle against aquatic invasive species that threaten our high-quality water resources and the recreational and economic benefits they provide,”

Stuart F. Gruskin, Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer for The Nature Conservancy in New York, said, "The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation, which will reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species that harm human, economic and environmental health. Each year, invasive species cost our communities millions of dollars. By taking simple and common sense measures to clean, drain and dry our boats we can reduce the spread of these harmful species and protect our fishing, tourism and other water-dependent industries. We appreciate Governor Cuomo's commitment to prevent the spread of invasive species and applaud the bill sponsors Senator Thomas O'Mara and Assemblymember Barbara Lifton for their leadership on this issue in the Legislature."

Governor Cuomo’s signing of the bill today complements a broad approach by State agencies to combat the spread of invasive species in New York’s waters. The Department of Environmental Conversation this summer adopted regulations similar to this bill that prohibits boats from launching or leaving water access sites on Department of Environmental Conversation land without first taking these precautions. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation this summer published proposed regulations that would place similar requirements on watercraft using State Parks. Several local municipalities and organizations in the State have already adopted local laws to address the spread of aquatic invasive species, including boat inspection and washing requirements. In 2014, the State adopted the first ever mandatory invasive species inspection programs at all boat launches on Lake George.

New York State has invested millions of dollars in response, mitigation and prevention programs to rid the environment of invasive species on water and land. In July, Governor Cuomo announced the State’s first-ever Invasive Species Awareness Week [2] to teach New Yorkers and visitors about the threat that these pests pose to our environment. More information about the State’s efforts to control and rid the environment of invasive species can be found here.

New York's 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Extend Thru March 31, 2015

New Regulations Will Become Effective April 1, 2015

The current (2013-14) freshwater fishing regulations will extend thru March 31, 2015, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. New freshwater fishing regulations will take effect April 1, 2015 and a new regulations guide will be available from all license sale vendors at that time.

"This change was made based upon the change to the effective dates of our freshwater fishing licenses," said Commissioner Martens. "In the past, fishing licenses, like our hunting licenses were effective October 1 thru September 30. Fishing licenses are now effective 365 days from the date of purchase and it made sense to adjust the effective dates of our fishing regulations to coincide with the April 1 opener of the statewide trout season which is our traditional kickoff to the freshwater fishing season."

Anglers should continue to refer to the 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide for the fishing regulations in effect through March 31, 2015. The Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide is available from all license issuing agents, DEC regional offices and on DEC's website. The current regulations are also available on the new free New York Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife mobile app. Developed by DEC in partnership with Parks by Nature the app is available for iPhone and Android devices; users can download it for free in the iTunes App Store and the Android Market. The proposed new regulations will be available for public review and comment beginning in mid-September on DEC's website.

Anglers are also reminded that combination licenses are no longer available. If a person desires to fish in New York State, they must purchase a separate fishing license. Anglers should also be aware of the expiration date of their current fishing license, since expiration dates now vary depending upon when the license was purchased.

The NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State
.
In support of this initiative, this year's budget includes $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have not reached their full potential. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State.

This year's budget also reduces short-term fishing licenses fees; increases the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two; authorizes DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and authorizes free Adventure Plates for new lifetime license holders, discounted Adventure Plates for existing lifetime license holders and regular fee Adventure Plates for annual license holders.

Dumping Sewage from Boats into Lake Erie Finally Banned

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have declared the New York side of the Lake Erie shore line a “no discharge zone,” which means that boats are completely banned from discharging sewage into the water. The EPA reviewed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s proposal to establish a no discharge zone for the lake and determined that there are adequate facilities in the area for boats to pump out their sewage. Boaters must now dispose of their sewage at one of the lake’s specially-designated pump-out stations. This action is part of a joint EPA and New York State strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into the state’s waterways.

The no discharge zone for the New York State portion of Lake Erie is a 593 square mile area and 84 miles that includes the waters of the lake from the Pennsylvania-New York State boundary, as well as the Upper Niagara River and numerous other tributaries, harbors and bays of the Lake, including Barcelona Harbor, Dunkirk Harbor and the Buffalo Outer Harbor. Lake Erie and its harbors, bays, creeks and wetlands support fish spawning areas and habitat, commercial and recreational boating, and recreational opportunities.

A “no-discharge zone” means that boats are prohibited from discharging sewage into the water. Boaters must instead dispose of their sewage at specially-designated pump-out stations. Discharges of sewage from boats can contain harmful levels of pathogens and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols and chlorine, which have a negative impact on water quality, pose a risk to people’s health and drinking water as well as damage aquatic life.

“Clean water is one of New York’s most valuable assets, and pumping sewage from boats into local waters is a practice that is both harmful and completely unnecessary,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Creating a no discharge zone for the New York portions of Lake Erie is an important step in protecting this amazing lake.”

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Lake Erie represents a tremendous natural and recreational resource for New Yorkers. It is a major public water supply, providing drinking water for a large portion of Western New York, so it is imperative for recreational boaters to do their part to help keep Lake Erie clean from biological contaminants.  The no discharge zone is our effort to help sustain water quality for drinking as well as recreational use.” 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation petitioned the EPA in July 2012. The EPA initially made a determination in December 2012 that adequate sewage pump out facilities exist and that the state’s proposal to designate areas of Lake Erie as a “no discharge zone” can go forward. The EPA received significant comments questioning the availability of sewage pump-out facilities, particularly for larger vessels, and the EPA conferred with New York State to gather more information. That information gathering was completed and in September of 2013 the EPA re-proposed its determination that there are adequate facilities. The EPA has now finalized its decision, which went into effect on June 20, 2014.

For more information about no discharge zones, visit http://epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html.

To read EPA’s final determination or for more information about no discharge zones, go to http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html.