East Setauket, NY - February 16, 2015 - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold a public information meeting to gather input from the marine fishing community on the proposed rule making modifying the recreational season for winter flounder. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 6:30 pm at the Marine Resources Headquarters at 205 North Belle Mead Road, in East Setauket.
The proposed rule making was published in the New York State Register on January 28, 2015 and is available online.
DEC has proposed a rule that will extend the recreational fishing season for winter flounder from the current 60 day season, from April 1 through May 30 to a 306 day season, from March 1 to December 31. Many member states of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission have already adopted this extended season. This proposed rule may increase opportunities for marine recreational anglers and associated businesses. The current size limit of 12 inches and possession limit of 2 fish will not change. Possible negative impacts of this proposed rule include increased fishing pressure on inshore stocks of winter flounder.
Written comments may be sent to Stephen Heins via e-mail with the subject winter flounder regulations. Comments may be mailed to Mr. Heins at the following address: NYSDEC - Bureau of Marine Resources, 205 North Belle Mead Road, Suite 1, East Setauket, New York 11733.
