Schumer Secures Commitment from NOAA Administrator Lubchenco to Meet with Long Island Fishing Community to Hear Firsthand Economic Impacts of Restrictions; Pushes for Expanded Sea Bass Season and Better Catch Data

Press Release

Today, United States Senator Charles E. Schumer met with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and secured her commitment to visit Long Island this summer to meet with local fishers to hear firsthand the economic impact that imprecise and inflexible fishing restrictions is having on the industry. Schumer also cited recently released information that showed NOAA's early estimates for black sea bass catch in 2009 were overvalued and called for an immediate expansion of the sea bass fishing season in 2010. Administrator Lubchenco committed to taking a hard look at an expansion of the season.

"I am pleased Administrator Lubchenco has accepted my invitation and agreed to meet with members of the Long Island fishing community this summer to explore how we can improve imprecise and inflexible regulations," said Senator Schumer. "Long Island's fishing industry pumps untold millions of dollars into New York's economy, keeps thousands of people employed in Long Island, is a fundamental part of our heritage and traditions, and is a major contributor to tourism. It's vital Administrator Lubchenco see firsthand the impacts that overly restrictive regulations have on families and businesses in Long Island."

At their meeting today, Schumer also secured Lubchenco's commitment to fully explore an expansion of the sea bass season. Recent data on sea bass catches proved that original estimates from 2009, which resulted in significantly lower catch quotas for 2010, were inaccurate. Administrator Lubchenco committed to active consideration of expanding the sea bass season based on recent evidence.

"The bottom line is that we need better science and more precise data to guide the decisions that govern when our fishing community can fish because right now we have outdated methods and imprecise data, based on inflexible regulations, that leads to bad decisions that unfairly impact our fishing community. I am pleased that Administrator Lubchenco is aware of this situation and coming to Long Island to discuss the issue and explore solutions with the Long Island fishing community," said Senator Schumer.

As of 2000, the overall economic contribution of sport and commercial fishing, as well as the seafood industry, pumped an estimated $11.5 billion into New York's economy. Today, the fishing industry in New York is reeling. The commercial fishing fleet in Greenport at one point numbered more than 30 boats, as of today there are only 2. Montauk's popular "Viking" fleet of recreational boats is experiencing more than 30% in lose business, tackle and bait shops are on the verge of closing doors, and coastal downtowns are losing ancillary business.

Schumer has been a long-time advocate of Long Island's fishing industry. Recently he introduced legislation that would allow economic hardship considerations to be included in a list of conditions which would provide greater access to fisheries that would otherwise be off limits for ten year periods.

"Fishing is a Long Island tradition that has been passed down for generations and without relief, could become a part of the Island's history," Schumer said. "The fishing community has made many sacrifices and stocks are improving, so restricting families and others from fishing is just plain wrong. It's my hope Administrator Lubchenco will leave with that understanding when she visits this summer."

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