January 16, 2015 — The following was released by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation:
New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of State (DOS) today issued a draft, comprehensive 10-year Ocean Action Plan (OAP) to protect and restore the state's ocean resources and to address urgent issues facing these resources and coastal communities. The public is invited to submit comments on the draft plan by March 9.
"This marks the first time a state member of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body for the National Ocean Policy has issued a statewide ocean action plan," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "This plan will help protect the more than 300 marine fish species reproducing and growing in these waters, support the valuable commercial and recreational fishing industries, as well as the 94 miles of New York State beaches that attract millions of visitors each year. I want to thank the many stakeholders who participated in preparation of the Ocean Action Plan and invite them to continue to work with us on implementation."
"The Ocean Action Plan serves as a critical starting point to ensure that the ocean continues to provide economic benefits and recreational opportunities for New Yorkers," said New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales. "The Ocean Action Plan identifies additional opportunities to protect our coastal communities from increasingly severe weather events. This Plan builds on Governor Cuomo's record of working with communities to become more resilient in the face of a changing climate. We are pleased to continue to work with the public to refine this action plan, and we encourage all New Yorkers to provide their ideas for our state's great ocean resources."
This draft OAP supports Governor Cuomo's initiatives to promote responsible stewardship of the state's vast natural resources, enhance tourism and other economic opportunities, and improve resiliency against climate change and extreme weather. It provides a framework for managing, using, restoring and conserving New York's ocean resources.
Focusing on a healthy ocean ecosystem, the draft OAP includes projects such as habitat restoration and improved fishing access which will provide critical support for commercial and recreational fishing. In 2011, commercial fishing industries landed more than $37 million worth of finfish and shellfish which generated $5 billion in sales in local communities, and supported 42,000 jobs. That same year, recreational saltwater anglers generated $369 million in sales, contributed $212 million to gross state product, and supported 3,000 jobs. Angler expenditures in New York State are the second highest in the nation. Long Island beaches help make tourism one of the area's largest employers.
Read the full release at LongIsland.com