Mr. Gilmore reminded the Council that scup (porgy), too, is currently managed through a conservation equivalency approach.  Mr. Steve Heinz of the Bureau of Marine Resources Finfish Section went over the details of a 4-state regional approach to scup management; the four states involved are New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.   For the private boater and the shore-based fishery, the minimum size limit in 2008 will be 10.5” with a possession limit of 10 fish.  The open season will be 24 May – 26 September.  For anglers fishing on "for hire" vessels, the minimum size limit will be 11” size limit and a 126- day fishing season; the days may be selected by the state but must be between 15 May and 15 October.  The possession limit for "for hire" anglers will be 10 fish for 81 days and 45 fish for 45 days of the open season.  The 10-fish days must be in a continuous block, as must the 45-fish days.  The DEC was interested in hearing from the audience and the Council as to what season would people be most happy with. 

Councilor House made a motion to recommend to DEC that the 2008 recreational scup season in New York begin on 11 June and run with a possession limit of 10 fish through 31 August.  The last 45 days of the season (01 September - 15 October) would have the 45-fish possession limit.  Councilor Dearborn seconded Mr. House's motion, which was adopted by a vote of 10 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstention.

Audience member Mr. Phil Curcio questioned if it were at all possible to increase the scup minimum size limit another half inch in order to allow a higher possession limit.  Mr. Gilmore replied that the general consensus at the meeting was that 11" was what would work.

 

Page last modified Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by George E. Carroll