Environment DEC
From the July 2007 issue
Angler Input Needed To Help Manage New York's Freshwater Fisheries
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Bureau of Fisheries will be conducting a statewide survey designed to get input from anglers on New York's freshwater fishery and DEC's efforts to effectively manage it. The survey will be conducted by Cornell University and implemented in three phases, with 17,000 questionnaires mailed in June, October and December.
Numerous changes have occurred since the last angler survey more than 10 years ago
"New York has an extremely diverse freshwater fishery, providing a wide range of angling opportunities," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "Surveys such as these provide anglers with the opportunity to tell us what their preferences are, what we can do to better manage our freshwater fishery resources and how we can improve the opportunities these resources provide. We hope that those anglers who receive a survey take the time to carefully review, complete and return it.
A total of 54,000 anglers randomly selected from DEC's Automated Licensing System (DECALS) will be receiving questionnaires. Researchers from Cornell University's Human Dimension Resource Unit mailed the first grouping of surveys in early June. Questions pertaining to the angler survey can be directed to Shaun Keeler or Stephen Hurst in DEC's Bureau of Fisheries at 518-402-8920.
The last angler survey was conducted in 1996, and an updated study is necessary because of numerous changes in angler participation and desires, fish populations and DEC's management efforts during the last decade. Information provided by the survey will allow DEC to respond to current angler desires and attitudes.
