Mr. Colvin reported that DEC had been in touch with staff of The Nature Conservancy, who had been in contact with representatives from the towns that border on the Peconics-Gardner’s Bay System.  Among the things discussed was the status of the population of those fishes that prey on predators of juvenile shellfish, in particular, oyster toadfish and, to a lesser degree, northern puffers.  Both species are predators of crabs, which are voracious predators of juvenile shellfish.  There was some interest in exploring the institution of management measures to recover populations of these fishes as a way to assist in the restoration of inshore shellfish populations on Long Island, especially on the East End.   Ms. Alice Weber of DEC stated that puffers are more complicated because in addition feeding on shellfish predators, they are not above feeding on shellfish, too. Toadfish are more strictly crab eaters and are considered beneficial to the shellfish industry.

Councilor Dave Relyea concurred, adding that American eels prey upon crabs, as well.

Mr. Colvin observed that neither toadfish not puffers are part of any specific regulations but they are “umbrella-ed” within the Department’s authority to adopt regulations of a limited nature on fish for which no size limit is specified under the law.

Chairman Wise stated that this topic will be put on hold for a future meeting when the interested parties (the people who raised this issue with the DEC) will be able to attend.

 

Page last modified Tuesday, November 16, 2004 by George E. Carroll