Senator Schumer's office has released the following:
Schumer Will Press NOAA to Use Rulemaking Authority to level the Playing Field for Long Island Fishermen On Host of Fishing Restriction; Wants NOAA to Reexamine Fluke Catch Rules, Excessive Regional Fines, and Restrictions on Porgy Season
At Urging of Senator Schumer, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator Visits Long Island to Hear Fishermen’s Concerns Over Excessive Restrictions
Excessive Restrictions on LI Fishermen Hurting Local Businesses, Economy, and Recreational Opportunities
HAMPTON BAY, New York – August 12, 2010 – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today hosted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Dr. Jane Lubencho for a meeting with Long Island recreational and commercial fishermen to hear firsthand the economic impact that imprecise and inflexible fishing restrictions is having on the local industry. At their meeting today, Schumer pressed Lubchenco to address inequities experiences by local fishermen for fluke catch rules and limitations on the porgy season, as well concerns recently raised about overzealous enforcement actions by local fisheries agents.
“I want to thank Dr. Lubencho for coming to Long Island and hearing firsthand from those whose livelihoods are impacted on a daily basis by NOAA’s regulations and enforcement,” said Schumer. “This is an excellent opportunity for local fishermen and businesses that rely on both the commercial and recreational fishing industry to explain their concerns to the administrator. I share many of their concerns about some of the imprecise and often times inflexible rules that impact our local fishing community”
In April, Schumer requested Lubencho visit Long Island for both a tour of the Island’s industry as well as a face to face meeting with local fishermen. At the time Schumer was pressing Lubencho to expand the sea bass season in the face of more recent data that sea bass catch estimates from 2009, which resulted in significantly lower catch quotas for 2010, were inaccurate. The black sea bass season was extended after Schumer’s request, providing some economic relief for fishermen in New York this year.
At the meeting, Schumer reiterated his call that the agency ease restrictions on fluke fishing that limits Long Island fishermen to catching fluke at a minimum of 21 inches, while allowing New Jersey fishermen to catch fluke at 18 inches. Long Island fishermen have long been at a disadvantage due to the fact that fishermen just miles away in New Jersey have greater haul ability because of less restrictive catch rules and a broken management system. Schumer called on the Administrator to allow the maximum catch for fluke and porgies in 2011, work on new rules to reform the fluke management system on the East Coast, and eliminate the flawed surveys that overestimate New York’s catch by 2011.
Schumer also continued to raise concerns about a recent Inspector General’s report that stated that fines levied against local fishermen in the Northeast Region were way out of line with those levied in other regions throughout the country. He urged Lubencho to implement reforms as expeditiously as possible.
“It’s my hope that Dr. Lubencho leaves today with a greater understanding of how NOAA’s enforcement regime effects the bottom line of so many Long Island families and businesses,” continued Schumer. “Ultimately this is about fairness and ensuring that Long Island fishing community isn’t at a competitive disadvantage.”