Environment DEC
From the August 2009 issue
DEC Releases Results of the Latest Freshwater Angler Survey
The 2007 New York State Freshwater Angler Survey, which provides valuable insight on fishing trends and resource management, is now available. The survey is conducted periodically in order to learn more about current fishing experiences of anglers in New York State, their interests in different types of fishing opportunities, and their opinions on fisheries management issues.
Tens of Thousands Responded
About 20,000 questionnaires from a random sample of licensed anglers were completed. Results indicate that anglers spent an estimated 18.7 million days fishing New York's freshwaters in 2007-a slight increase from 1996's estimate of 18.6 million, though lower than the 1988 peak of approximately 21 million. Water bodies that had significant increases in the number of angler trips in 2007 included Oneida Lake and the Hudson River. Smaller increases were also noted for Lake Erie, Cayuga Lake and Lake Champlain. Lake Ontario remained the top fishing water.
Black bass are one of the top favorites among anglers.
Black bass continues to be a top favorite among many anglers. Other species, including walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill/sunfish, all saw increases from 1996 levels in the number of days they were pursued by anglers.
The survey gives insight not only into fishing preferences, but also the impact fishing has on state and local economies. New York's resident and non-resident anglers collectively spent an estimated $331 million at fishing sites, and an estimated $202 million en route to fishing sites. The Great Lakes fishery alone generated an estimated $98 million in at-location expenditures.
A Substantial Economic Engine
"New York has some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country, with a wide range of angling opportunities that are the backbone of a substantial economic engine," Commissioner Grannis said. "The angler survey is an important tool that will help build upon our success in managing fisheries and create new fishing opportunities. We thank the many anglers that participated in providing this information and look forward to working together to protect, restore and enhance freshwater fishing in New York."
The survey was carried out by Cornell University's Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with DEC's Bureau of Fisheries and was funded by a federal "Sport Fish Restoration" grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see "Related Links" below).
View Survey Results
The survey results are available on the DEC website (as PDF documents) at New York Statewide Angler Survey 2007. Questions can be directed to Shaun Keeler in the Bureau of Fisheries at 518-402-8928.
Related Links:
Cornell's Department of Natural Resources (leaving DEC's site)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Sport Fish Restoration Program (leaving DEC's site)
