Mr. Young of DEC reported on recent developments in commercial catch reporting requirements. In 2001, regulations were passed that required foodfish license-holders and shippers and dealers license-holders to provide catch and effort reports to NMFS, either directly or through DEC. Log books and notices have gone to all license-holders; log books to people who didn't have them already and notices to fishermen who were already reporting to NMFS. The Department hosted a series of, “open houses,” at which fishermen could ask questions about the reporting system requirements. In 2003, the Department will distribute a one-page flyer describing the reporting requirements that will be sent out with commercial fishing licenses as they are renewed. Meetings will be arranged in fishing ports so Department staff can talk to fishermen who were unable to travel to DEC’s offices in East Setauket. The form and informational content of the state reporting form is identical with that already in use in federal waters.

Councilor Davi asked if it the state reporting form requires the price paid to the fisherman to be recorded. Mr. Colvin confirmed that it was, as per state regulations. Mr. Davi stated that many fishermen feel that they should not have to report this information. Prices paid to fisherman have nothing to do with resource conservation. Several commercial fishermen in the audience agreed. Councilor Freierman remarked that the economic impact of fishing regulations on fishing communities was one of the national standards under the federal Sustainable Fisheries Act. Mr. Colvin reminded the Council that Departmental regulations have been amended to address confidentiality issues. Confidentiality requirements are in place in the commercial fishery statistics reporting system and the Council has previously seen and approved them. He noted that information on individual fishermen is not available, it is protected.