DEC SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON THE LAKE ONTARIO FISHERIES

[Legacy]

For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Yancey Roy

Tuesday, February 18, 2009 (518) 402-8000

DEC SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF LAKE ONTARIO FISHERIES

Series of Public Meetings to be Held to Assist in Development of Fish Community Objectives

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold a series of public meetings in March of 2009 to obtain comments on the Lake Ontario fishery that will help the agency develop new fish community objectives. Fish community objectives are broad-based goals that will guide DEC and the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources in managing Lake Ontario fisheries.

“DEC is committed to sound, science-based management of Lake Ontario fisheries to maintain high-quality angling opportunities and their associated economic benefits,†said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. “In light of the dramatic and rapid changes to the Lake Ontario ecosystem, we will continue to work with local communities to chart the course for the future of this important resource.â€

DEC strongly encourages people with an interest in the Lake Ontario ecosystem to participate in this process. Prior to attending a meeting, participants should review the fish community objectives document prepared in 1997 and a brief summary of ecological changes that have taken place in the Lake Ontario ecosystem on the internet at http://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/glsportf ... Fall08.pdf . This background material also can be obtained from the Cape Vincent Fisheries Station by writing to:

NYSDEC Cape Vincent Fisheries Station

P.O. Box 292

Cape Vincent, New York 13618

(315) 654 - 2147

Anyone who is unable to participate in a public meeting, but wishes to submit comments should send them to the fisheries station at the above address or via e-mail to [email protected]

DEC biologists and staff from cooperating agencies and universities will present information at the beginning of each meeting describing the current status of the Lake Ontario fishery. The public will then have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any information presented. Following this question and answer session, participants will be offered an opportunity to provide written comments that will assist DEC and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources with planning efforts for the future of the Lake Ontario fishery.

The public meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

Monday, March 9, 2009, from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Oswego County BOCES, County Route 64, Mexico, New York. For information, contact Dan Bishop in the DEC Cortland office at (607) 753-3095.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009, from 7 - 10 p.m. in the Ingle Auditorium at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). For information, contact Linda Vera in the DEC Avon office at 585-226-5324.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Niagara County Cooperative Extension, 4H Training Center Auditorium, 4487 Lake Avenue (Route 78), Lockport, New York. For information, contact Paul McKeown in the DEC Allegany suboffice at (716) 372-0645 or Mike Wilkinson in the DEC Buffalo office at (716) 851-7010;

In addition to the New York meetings, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will host a series of meetings to obtain public comments on the fish community objectives. Once this process is complete, revised draft fish community objectives will be made available for public review and comment.

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