Environment DEC
From the March 2006 issue
Fisheries Meetings Scheduled
Attendees will have the opportunity
to talk with DEC scientists
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced three upcoming public meetings to discuss Lake Ontario fisheries. The ninth annual "State of Lake Ontario" public meetings in Monroe, Niagara and Oswego counties were scheduled for late February and March 2006.
"DEC is committed to sound management of Lake Ontario fisheries, to maintain high-quality angling opportunities and associated economic benefits," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The State of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake to interact with the scientists who study Lake Ontario fisheries."
Topics for Discussion
The meeting will include updates
on the Salmon River fisheries
At the meetings, DEC and United States Geological Survey biologists will present information on the status of forage fish stocks; provide updates on the Lake Ontario fishing boat and tributary census; detail the status of the Salmon River salmon and steelhead fisheries; provide updates on the status of the lake trout population; discuss cormorant management and diet studies, and provide updates on cooperative pen-rearing projects for trout and salmon. There will be ample time at the end of each program for the audience to interact with the presenters and ask questions.
Forthcoming Meetings
In addition to the meeting that was held on February 21 in Niagara County, two more meetings are scheduled as follows:
Monroe CountyWednesday, March 8, 2006, 7 - 9:30 PM
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science Auditorium
Building 76
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Rochester, NY
For directions to this meeting-which will be co-hosted by RIT and the Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board-please call Linda Vera, a DEC Citizen Participation Specialist in Avon, at 585-226-2466.
Oswego CountyWednesday, March 15, 2005, 7 - 9:30 PM
McCrobie Civic Center
41 Lake Street
Oswego, NY
For directions to this meeting, please call Diane Carlton, a DEC Citizen Participation Specialist in Syracuse, at 315-426-7403.
Economic Benefits
Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of a variety of fish, ranging from trout and salmon, bass and walleye to yellow perch and panfish, all of which provide extraordinary fishing experiences for anglers of all ages. New York State's waters of Lake Ontario comprise more than 2.7 million acres. A 1996 statewide angler survey estimated more than 2.8 million angler days expended on Lake Ontario and its three major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries to the local state economy exceeded $95 million in 1996 alone.
