Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the April 2008 issue
DEC Focuses on the Decline of Hudson River Shad Populations
The Hudson River American shad population is at historic lows, prompting DEC to implement fishing restrictions and study other opportunities to further protect this important species and its habitat. Effective immediately, emergency regulations have been adopted to help reduce the amount of adult shad taken by fishing. This means implementing a catch-and-release-only season for recreational fishing. For commercial fishing, the actions include a limit on certain types of fishing gear, restrictions on times and places where fishing is allowed, and other changes.
Survey Leads to Restrictions
These actions stem from a recent survey conducted by DEC staff as part of a coast-wide assessment of American shad stocks under the coordination of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), of which New York is a participant. The population of Hudson River American shad has declined significantly since the early 1990s. Of particular concern to DEC biologists is that the shad comprising the spawning stock (adult fish) have become smaller and younger, and mortality has increased to excessive and unacceptable levels. Meanwhile, juvenile production dropped to an all time low in 2002 and has not recovered. This current level is 70 percent lower than the long-term average measured since 1980. The primary cause of the changes to the shad population has been overfishing. The full press release on which this story is based has a table highlighting the regulation changes.
The shad population decline is affecting the hundreds of anglers who look forward to the spring shad run up the HudsonOther Ways DEC is Responding
DEC is committed to the recovery of American shad stocks. In addition to the new regulations, the agency is exploring ways to implement an ecosystem-based analysis of the shad population as well as cooperative initiatives with other East Coast states through ASMFC to achieve population recovery goals. Ecosystem-based management is an integrated approach to decision making that considers an entire ecological community, including humans, to create a sound blueprint for the near and long-term. Potential projects include identifying sources of ocean bycatch losses, habitat restoration, and identification of potential predators and food chains.
The emergency regulations were developed following meetings held by DEC earlier this year with anglers and commercial fisherman. The duration of these restrictions will depend on results of continued annual stock monitoring. Results from these studies will be evaluated annually. If young shad production remains low or declines within the next year, DEC will consider further restrictions. If the production of young increases and remains high for at least five years, DEC will consider relaxing restrictions.
Past Protection Efforts
Previously, New York has pursued other ways to protect shad. In 2005, New York worked through the ASMFC to close ocean harvest of American shad for commercial fishing. This action substantially reduced losses of Hudson River American shad, but it did not solve the problem of continued low production of juveniles and excessive mortality from fishing. The few fish produced from 2002 to 2007 are now returning as adults and are all that remains to rebuild the stock. These fish must be protected if the shad stock is to recover. Analysis indicates that harvest should be reduced by approximately 50 percent, accompanied by a four-fold increase in the production of young fish.
In addition, ASMFC is considering a regional amendment to fishing regulations that is intended to reduce mortality and rebuild shad stocks in decline, such as those in the Hudson. However, the new amendment will not be finalized until August 2009 and no actions would likely be required until 2010. DEC decided that it could not wait two more years to stop the decline of Hudson River shad and opted for immediate implementation of state-specific restrictions.
For More Information or to Submit Comments
DEC is proposing to make the emergency regulations permanent. The draft proposal will appear in the State Register on April 2, 2008, and a 45-day public comment period will be held, ending on May 17, 2008. The public can send comments by e-mail to Region 3 Hudson River Fisheries, or mail letters to Kathy Hattala, NYSDEC-Hudson River Fisheries Unit, 21 South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561. You can also call the Bureau of Marine Resources at 845-256-3071 for more information. The emergency regulations are posted on the Proposed Regulations page of DEC's website.
Related Links:
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission - ASMFC (leaving DEC's site)
