New York DEC Seeks Public's Input On Baitfish Transport Regulations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that DEC will seek public input on the current ban on transporting uncertified baitfish.
The ban was established in 2007 after an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in the Great Lakes system in 2005. VHS is a disease that causes internal bleeding and sometimes death in certain fish when they are stressed in cooler temperatures. While VHS was the primary concern, eight other pathogens also were addressed when the rules were established.
The current regulations ban "the overland (motorized) transport of personally collected baitfish (baitfish that are uncertified as far as not tested for fish diseases)." This is the only part of the state's fish-health regulations that DEC is seeking comment on at this time.
DEC has slated a series of public meetings across the state (schedule attached). For two of the meeting dates, there will be live video feed at multiple locations. In addition, members of the public may participate by web conference. To learn how to use a home computer to participate, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/66191.html for more information.
In addition to public meetings, written and online comments will be accepted until Sept. 10, 2010. Written comments should be submitted to Shaun Keeler, NYSDEC, Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233 or e-mailed to fishregs@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Additional background information about the overland transport regulation and about the upcoming meetings is available on DEC's website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/66191.html
Public Meeting Schedule:
July 13, 2010 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Buffalo Area; Sheridan Parkside Community Center
169 Sheridan Parkside Drive
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-851-7010
July 21, 2010 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Albany Area; NYSDEC Headquarters
Public Assembly Room 129A&B
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
518-402-8044
Thousand Island Area (Live video feed)
NYSDEC Region 6 Headquarters
317 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
315-785-2252
Syracuse Area (Live video feed)
NYSDEC Region 7 Headquarters
615 Erie Boulevard
W. Syracuse, NY 13204
315-426-7413
Rochester Area (Live video feed)
NYSDEC Region 8 Headquarters
6274 Avon-Lima Rd. (Rtes. 5 and 20)
Avon, NY 14414-9519
585-226-5324
NYSDEC Region 8 Bath Sub-Office
(Live video feed)
7291 Coon Road
Bath, NY 14810
585-226-5324
July 28, 2010 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Albany Area; NYSDEC Headquarters
Public Assembly Room 129A&B
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
518-402-8044
Catskill Area
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
(Live video feed)
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, NY 12561
845-256-3018
Adirondack Area
NYSDEC Region 5 Headquarters
(Live video feed)
1115 NYS Rte. 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977
518-897-1211
Media Contact
Lori Severino (518) 402-8000
