Mr. Colvin distributed information on the establishment by emergency rule-making of a Special Management Area (SMA) around Fishers Island and promulgation of a ban on some commercial fishing gear in this SMA as well as regulations governing lobster gear set in the Fishers Island Special Management Area. He also distributed proposed general regulations for SMA’s, which are currently out for public comment. The Council will react to the proposed general rules at its January 2002 meeting. Councilor McBride expressed concern that creating the Fishers Island SMA may set a precedent whereby persons or fishermen from other areas of New York’s Marine District would seek to set up a SMA to protect their interests. The general rule establishes all state-owned artificial reefs as SMA’s. Councilor Jordan noted that fish may only be taken from within 500’ of an artificial reef by angling and he asked for a definition of angling. Mr. John Mihale observed that the proposed general rules on SMA’s and artificial reefs warrant a public hearing, although it does not appear that such a hearing is scheduled. Mr. Colvin responded that the notice of the SMA rule-making went to all commercial foodfish, lobster, and crab license-holders in addition to fishing organizations and associations. It was noted that the proposed regulations would allow commercial hook & line fishing on artificial reefs.