Councilor Freierman reminded the Council of its previous recommendation that the striped bass by-catch allowance for trawlers be increased from 7 to 21 fish per vessel.   She feels strongly that the Council should recommend that DEC make this change in the current fishing year through emergency rule making so that trawl fishermen could take advantage of this higher allowance in 2005 and not have to wait until 2006.

Mr. Colvin reminded the Council that the striped bass regulations do not contemplate directed fishing on striped bass via otter trawl. This is still a by-catch issue and should notbe viewed as an opportunity to reduce the number of trips that 4 crewmembers on a trawler with 800 tags would take.  He does not think this the current situation warrants making this regulatory change via “emergency regulations.” 

At this point in the meeting, one of the Councilors present had to leave and the Council lost its quorum.  No action was taken on Councilor Freierman’s request.

 

Page last modified Saturday, August 20, 2005 by George E. Carroll