NOTE:  The Marine Recreational Fishing License Discussion Group drafted this list for the purpose of describing the types of activities and programs that might be funded through revenues from a state marine recreational fishing license, should such a license ever be established.  The Expenditure Program was not explicitly endorsed by the Discussion Group.

I. Improved Fishery-dependent Data Collection Programs

Ia. Expansion and Improvements to MRFSS

Expand MRFSS telephone and intercept surveys to ACCSP standard (i.e. 3X):  $375,000.

Manage and oversee performance of MRFSS telephone and intercept survey contractors.  Hire Unit Leader, Project

Manager (Biologist I), and two seasonal technicians: $200,000.

Contract with Cornell HDU or other vendor to survey license holders to determine: (a) actual distribution of fishing trips made by dates, modes, locations, time of day, species sought, methods employed; (b) angler attitudes, satisfaction levels, preferences and motivations; (c) social, economic and demographic data: $250,000/survey (not needed annually - 2 to 5 year intervals sufficient).

Ib.  Fisheries Observer Data

Commercial fisheries observers.  Conduct 200 observer-days/year to collect data on bycatch/discards, protected species interactions, and biological samples for targeted species: $225,000.

Recreational For-Hire Fisheries.  Monitor performance of new ACCSP/NMFS For-Hire Survey (FHS) using MRFSS Unit staff until program stabilizes and is evaluated: $ 0.

Ic.  Cooperative Angler Programs: Maintain striped bass program and expand to Hudson River.

Implement new CA programs for other priority marine species, including weakfish, tautog, and flatfish.

Hire Project Manager (Biologist 1), Technician 2, and provide operational costs: $150,000.

II. New Fishery-independent Data Collection Programs

IIa.  Atlantic Ocean Trawl Survey: Conduct new trawl survey by contracting with MSRC for use of the R/V Seawolf at sampling level that matches the New Jersey survey (5 trips/year; 40 trawl stations sampled/trip).  Hire Project Manager (Biologist 1) and two seasonal staff to crew vessel and process samples and data:  $230,000.

IIb.  South Shore Estuary Surveys: Conduct seine surveys of fish in the south shore bays.  Hire Project Manager (Biologist 1), field supervision (Sr. F & W Technician) and two seasonals, plus operational support: $190,000.

III. Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement

IIIa.  Add ten ECOs and a supervisor to current Marine Unit (six ECOs and part-time Lt.):      $1,440,000.

IV. Services to Anglers

IVa.  Outreach and Extension Programs.  Expand I FISH NY.  Hire a Unit Leader (Region 2) and provide more funds for exhibits, surveys, educational materials, etc.: $190,000.

IVb.  Angler Information:  Production of information materials for anglers and New York marine sport fishing promotion.  Hire an Outreach Coordinator and provide funding for development of informational materials: $300,000.

IVc.  Artificial Reefs:

Contract with MSRC or alternate contractor to perform necessary monitoring and site assessment: $200,000/year.

Construct reefs using manufactured reef materials where appropriate and materials of opportunity: $100,000/year

IVd.  Access: Facilitate and expedite development of boat ramps and shore access facilities, and secure grant and capital budget funds to for facility construction Hire a dedicated marine facility design architect and project manager/contract coordinator: $145,000.

V. Research

To Be Deteremined, based on needs and availability of funds: $500,000/year would fund a good base program and would leverage substantial matching funds.

VI. Habitat Preservation/Enhancement

To Be Determined, based on needs and availability of funds. $500,000/year for habitat restoration contracts and grants, plus match, would fund a substantial and stable expansion of current program.

VII. Commercial Fisheries Buy-out Program

Cost of such a program, which would include some reallocation of catch quota from the target commercial fishery to the recreational fishery, would be determined by its scale and scope; minimal estimated cost of a two-year program:  $5,000,000.

Grand Total: $4,665,000/yr., exclusive of any commercial vessel buy-out program

 

Page last modified Sunday, January 9, 2005 by George E. Carroll